Saint-Gobain India CEO pushes gypsum boards to replace brick walls

Saint-Gobain India chief executive Sreedhar N is leading a campaign to shift Indian construction away from brick and concrete toward gypsum boards, glass wool and stone wool. The company is training workers, working with architects and developers, and engaging with central and state governments to promote building codes that favour insulation materials.

Gypsum dry walls are 90% lighter than brick walls and offer five times better thermal insulation, according to the company. The materials cost more upfront but can save on construction and cooling costs over time. Saint-Gobain has signed an MoU with CEPT University in Ahmedabad to influence future architects and has engaged with 20 developers including Oberoi Realty and K Raheja Corps.

The company plans influencer campaigns to drive consumer adoption. Sreedhar, who moved from global CFO to India chief in April last year, said the shift is his top priority. He ruled out a domestic listing for Saint-Gobain India, citing strong cash generation and low debt.