Section 3: Preliminary Material

Abstract

• Preface It is our privilege to present the proceedings of the two-day online Conference entitled “Indo-European Conference on Sustainable Materials, Environment and Construction (COSMEC-2021)”. The Conference was held virtually considering COVID – 19 pandemic, ensuing gathering and travel restrictions in the nation and worldwide. Yet, despite the issues, the virtual COSMEC 2021 took place on 23rd and 24th September 2021 and attracted a more significant number and diverse mix of attendees than it would have done as per expectations. The Organizers, i.e. Chandigarh University, Mohali, India, which runs the event, seek to promote international collaborations in Research and Innovation. The Conference was delivered through ZOOM Cloud Meeting technology. More than 150 extra individuals signed up to COSMEC-2021 over the guests, presenters, and invited attendees because of easier online access. Collectively more than 300 people attended from 15 countries. The Conference had delegates, participants, and attendees from Tanzania, South Africa, Kazakhstan, Russia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and European countries — some of whom might not otherwise have come because of the distance and time constraints in traveling. The Conference consists of six sessions, including inaugural and valedictory. Prof M. Dana Oprisan from EPF Graduate School of Engineering, France graced the plenary Session along with Dr. Adarsh Pal Vig, Chairman, Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB), Punjab, India. Furthermore, six Keynote addresses were given by researchers and scientists from Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT’s), National Institutes of Technology (NIT’s), and National Institute of Technical Teacher Training & Research (NITTTR), Chandigarh. Overall, 80 paper presentations were delivered by authors in four technical sessions of the Conference based on specializations. Authors were facilitated with 15 minutes to present their papers, followed with 5 minutes of discussion and query session. The paper presentation and discussion emphasized incorporating sustainable materials, their environmental impact assessment, and compatibility with construction. The national and international research scenario on sustainable design seeks to reduce negative impacts on the environment and the health and comfort of building occupants, thereby improving building performance. The primary objectives of sustainability are reducing the consumption of non-renewable resources, minimizing waste, and creating a healthy environment. Consequently, interdisciplinary and integrated innovations have resulted in numerous smart solutions. This event provided a forum for researchers from different scientific and engineering fields to deliberate and collaborate at national and international levels for translating research into intelligent possibilities to make human life better.Chandigarh University, Gharuan, the leading university in research and Innovation in India, sponsored this Conference. This Conference provided an opportunity for in-depth technical discussions and exchange of innovative ideas on a wide range of possibilities to explore the potential of their applications in industry and society. Moreover, young researchers were exposed to emerging trends and research areas that have significant technical and scientific importance for sustainable development.List of Conference photographs, Sponsor or funding acknowledgements, Lists of committees/participants are available in the pdf