The “Advancing LC3 in Karnataka” workshop, held on 25 August 2026, was hosted by TARA and The Climate Group, in collaboration with SICMA, ICI Bangalore Centre and WRI India. The consultation brought together stakeholders to examine how Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (LC3) can contribute to India’s net-zero buildings agenda. Discussions highlighted Karnataka’s relevance as a major cement-producing state with limestone resources, while emphasizing the need for assessment of clay availability and LC3 potential.

The maturity and performance of LC3 were considered well established. Attention therefore needs to shift towards enabling supply, demand, and market adoption. Geological mapping, mineralogical testing, and characterisation of clay deposits were identified as priorities. Stakeholders noted that calcined clay production could be important in regions where fly ash and slag are less available and where shortages are anticipated. Locating calciners near clay resources could help address logistics and cost challenges.

On the demand side, the workshop identified awareness, cost-effectiveness, durability, and procurement approval as key levers. Government projects, affordable housing, RMC and precast applications, concrete roads and non-structural uses were highlighted as early markets. Participants stressed the importance of securing volume assurance from government and large buyers, alongside incentives such as GST support, developer incentives, and green-building credits.

The workshop also underscored the need for coordinated action among government departments, standards bodies, cement manufacturers, RMC companies, architects, engineers, developers, researchers and certification institutions. Case studies, application testing, optimised concrete design, and green certification were identified as critical steps to build confidence and accelerate LC3 adoption in Karnataka.