Built environment sustainability: review of key concepts
- Vol.30(1), Jan-Mar
- Pune NICMAR 2015
- 5-18p.
The world is witnessing rapid infrastructure development and economic growth. As a result, there is tremendous increase in the demand for material and energy resources. The rate of resource use has already exceeded the re-generating ability of eco-systems. We need to use the natural resources in a responsible manner and balance the development and environmental harmony. Creation of awareness about sustainability concepts among the construction industry stakeholders plays an important role to move towards sustainable built environment. This paper presents a review of key concepts of built environment sustainability. At first, the simple and composite indicators used for quantifying sustainability are presented and second, the concepts of industrial ecology and construction ecology are discussed. The unique aspects of construction projects are compared to other sectors and a comparison of traditional and modern construction practices are presented. Third, the twelve principles of green engineering are listed along with examples. Finally, the role of life cycle thinking and the application of life cycle assessment method towards sustainable development are discussed. In totality, this article aims to instil in every individual, the essence of sustainable development concepts.