The construction sector has contributed nearly 18% to India’s total economic output and is the second-largest job creator. On the other hand around 40% of the carbon footprint is generated by construction and buildings and they contribute to 50% of climate change. As a result, the complexity of finding a balanced approach is becoming increasingly evident.
Talking about having a balanced approach, Shabbir Kanchwala Principal, Global Network For Zero, USA, said, “Considering India's growing population and increasing demand for housing, offices, and other buildings, it is vital for developers to recognize that sustainability and development must coexist. Since the early 2000s, the focus has been on constructing environment-friendly buildings that consume less energy and water. Although it may seem like sustainability and development conflict with each other, incorporating recycled materials into construction can help in achieving a more sustainable future.”
Sapna Srivastava, Editor, Realty+ added, “The top eight cities require approximately 0.6 million homes each year on an average, India also has one of the youngest populations in the world, requiring more industries and business. That means more land is required to be built upon, requiring clearing of forest and agricultural land. However, if the construction sector commits to change, viable methods like recycling, upcycling and innovative technologies can be applied.”
Sumaira Abdulali, Environmentalist and convenor,Awaaz Foundation, expressed, “Although solutions exist, adoption remains slow, and environmental destruction continues. Net-zero buildings alone do not address the environmental cost of additional infrastructure and increasing emissions from urban growth. Despite private builders advocating for sustainable practices, much work remains to be done. While advertising idyllic living conditions in new developments, neighboring residents suffer from noise pollution and degraded living environments as redevelopment continues for years. In approaching these challenges, we must ask ourselves if this type of development is truly beneficial for all those affected."
PLAN WITH PURPOSE
Shabbir Kanchwala stated, “For the younger generations, the trends of home planning and buying are becoming more detailed, thorough, and inquisitive. The sustainability efforts in home and city planning have been increasing as well. Building green homes, or structures with renewable energy infrastructure, is part of a sustainable future - but without the cooperation of occupants and users, these buildings cannot remain sustainable."
Sapna Srivastava added, “Green design encompasses more than just aesthetics; it involves a building's entire life cycle - from design and construction to maintenance and operation. As Shabbir had mentioned, planning with purpose entails ensuring all aspects of the building's life are truly sustainable and eco-friendly."
Sumaira Abdulali articulated “It is the responsibility of all of us to devise plans and share and implement the implementation strategies without relying on policy alterations or governmental actions. I fully endorse such endeavours, as it is crucial to cease the divisive discourse between development and environment, and instead collaborate for a collective solution."
- Construction and development industry contributes to 40% of the overall carbon emissions and has a 50% impact on climate change.
- Net zero and sustainable construction practices are essential as the real estate industry begins to adopt environmentally conscious methods.
- Unplanned urbanization results in negative consequences, such as displacement of people and further environmental degradation.
- Building green homes, or structures with renewable energy infrastructure, is part of a sustainable future - but without the cooperation of occupants and users, these buildings cannot remain sustainable.
- It is crucial to cease the divisive discourse between development and environment, and instead collaborate for a collective solution.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS SUBSEQUENT PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT ARE SIGNIFICANT CONCERNS FOR THE YOUTH WHO WILL INHERIT THE EARTH. NUMEROUS GLOBAL ORGANIZATIONS HAVE CONDUCTED RESEARCH, CONFIRMING THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION'S CLIMATE CHANGE ANXIETY IS LEGITIMATE RATHER THAN PARANOID- SUMAIRA ABDULALI
CONSTRUCTION MUST BE CARRIED OUT IN A MANNER THAT EFFECTIVELY CONTROLS NOISE, DUST, POLLUTION, AND WASTE. WHILE THERE ARE REGULATIONS IN PLACE, THE ENFORCEMENT OF THESE RULES IS OFTEN QUESTIONABLE - SHABBIR KANCHWALA
BY FOCUSING ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF OUR VILLAGES AND TOWNS, WE CAN GENERATE MORE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES, THEREBY REDUCING MIGRATION TO METROS, AVOIDING CONGESTION ISSUES & UNHEALTHY LIVING - SAPNA SRIVASTAVA
