2021 has been a year rich in new initiatives , including the creation of BMMA . Could you tell us more about it ?
The BMMA – Building Materials Manufacturers Association – was established jointly with Gamma Materials Ltd , Beemanique Stone Crusher Ltd and Eastern Stone Crusher Ltd in July 2021 . Our aim is to bring together the construction industry and establish measures on energy transition management , the environment and natural resource management .
Promoting the circular economy is one of your cornerstones . This is a significant challenge to the sector . In what way do you contribute to it ?
© Kevin Mahadoo Egyla Ellapen , Development and Sustainability Manager , UBP Group . At Domaine de Gros Cailloux , a subsidiary company of UBP Group
In your opinion , since when has sustainable development been at the heart of your concerns ?
Since its creation , UBP has launched several initiatives : precast prestressed solutions in 1990 , substitution of coral sand by Rocksand in 2000 , Smart Blocks in 2015 … My appointment shows the Group ’ s commitment to consolidate existing initiatives and develop a solid strategy . We are committed to a multi-sectoral , participatory approach to integrating sustainable development into our core business .
Is the prospect of sustainability within the construction sector a dream or a reality ?
Moving towards a more sustainable industry is essential . We have therefore published an Environmental Product Declaration for our blocks in 2021 . This has enabled us to quantify our potential environmental impacts and revealed possible areas of improvement . We have also recruited a R & D manager to work on developing new sustainable solutions and innovations .
For the system to be smart , we consider all stages of a product ’ s life cycle . We launched our Megablocks – those modular lego-type blocks that can be disassembled and reused at will – in 2021 . To reduce unvalorised resources , we now supply 300 kg and 600 kg bagged products . End of life valorisation solutions for these bags are possible through our Espace Maison shops .
Finally , in October 2021 , Business Mauritius launched the Circular Economy Entrepreneurs ’ Club . Its mission is to catalyze synergies , at the local and regional levels , for the emergence of a Circular Economy and eventually Extended Producer Responsibility channels . As a designated Champion of the building and public works sector , my role is to act as a relay in order to disseminate the messages and recommendations of the sector .
What does 2022 look like ?
One sure thing : together , we will continue to build a better living environment !
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