Sustainability in the Built Environment

The concept of sustainability and sustainable development has become increasingly critical in the context of global environmental challenges and urbanization. As the world grapples with issues such as climate change, resource depletion, and environmental degradation, the need for sustainable practices in every sector, particularly the built environment, has never been more urgent.
Manoj Mittal, Civil and Structural Engineering Consultant, Noida

Sustainability refers to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. It encompasses a broad range of practices aimed at preserving natural resources, minimizing environmental impact, and promoting social and economic well-being.

Sustainable development is a comprehensive approach that integrates economic growth, environmental protection, and social equity to ensure long-term viability and health of our planet and its inhabitants. In the realm of the built environment, sustainability involves designing, constructing, and maintaining structures in a manner that reduces their ecological footprint. This includes using eco-friendly materials, implementing energy-efficient technologies, and ensuring that buildings and infrastructure contribute positively to the surrounding community and ecosystem.

India's cultural heritage and traditional practices are deeply rooted in principles of sustainability and environmental stewardship. Ancient Indian and Hindu traditions offer valuable insights into harmonious living with nature, emphasizing the importance of preserving natural resources and maintaining ecological balance.

Indian traditions offer a wealth of knowledge and practices that promote sustainability and environmental stewardship. By integrating these traditional principles with modern engineering and architectural practices, we can create a built environment that is not only sustainable but also deeply connected to our cultural heritage. Civil and structural engineers can draw inspiration from these age-old practices to develop innovative solutions that address contemporary environmental challenges while honouring the wisdom of the past.

The UN sustainable development Goals

The United Nations (UN) has been at the forefront of promoting sustainable development through its various programs and initiatives. The most significant of these efforts is the establishment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015 as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The 17 SDGs provide a blueprint for peace and prosperity and address a broad range of issues, including poverty, inequality, climate change, environmental degradation, peace, and justice. Key SDGs relevant to the built environment include:

Sustainable Cities and Communities: This goal aims to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. It emphasizes the importance of urban planning, affordable housing, sustainable transportation, and reducing the environmental impact of cities.

Affordable and Clean Energy: This goal focuses on ensuring access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all, which is crucial for sustainable building practices.

Climate Action: This goal calls for urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts, underscoring the need for sustainable construction practices that reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The UN also supports numerous programs and initiatives to promote sustainable development, such as the UN-Habitat, which focuses on urban development and the reduction of urban poverty, and the Global Compact, which encourages businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies.

Key international standards and certification

There are several notable international initiatives and frameworks aimed at promoting sustainability in the built environment. Some of the most prominent ones include:

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design): Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is one of the most widely used green building certification systems in the world. It provides a framework for healthy, efficient, and cost-saving green buildings, with a focus on energy efficiency, water conservation, indoor environmental quality, and the use of sustainable materials.

BREEAM (Building Research Establish- ment Environmental Assessment Method): BREEAM is one of the oldest and most widely recognized methods of assessing, rating, and certifying the sustainability of buildings. It covers various building types, including residential, commercial, and industrial, and evaluates the performance of buildings in terms of energy, water use, health and well-being, pollution, transport, materials, waste, ecology, and management processes.

The Living Building Challenge: This is a performance-based certification program for sustainable construction projects. It goes beyond traditional green building certifications by requiring buildings to meet rigorous standards across several areas, including energy, water, waste, materials, health, and beauty.

The WELL Building Standard: This standard focuses on the health and wellness of building occupants. It evaluates building features that impact human health and wellbeing, such as air, water, nourishment, light, fitness, comfort, and mind.

Global Reporting Initiative (GRI): GRI provides a comprehensive framework for sustainability reporting, which helps organizations disclose their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. This transparency drives improvements in sustainable practices across various sectors, including construction.

These international initiatives provide valuable frameworks and benchmarks that guide the construction industry toward more sustainable practices. They also encourage innovation and the adoption of recent technologies and methods that reduce environmental impact and enhance the quality of life for building occupants.

Indian government policies and regulations

In India, the government has implemented several policies and regulations aimed at fostering sustainable development within the construction and urban planning sectors. Some of the key initiatives include:

National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Launched in 2008, the NAPCC outlines a comprehensive strategy to tackle climate change through eight national missions, including the National Solar Mission, National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency, and National Mission on Sustainable Habitat. These missions focus on promoting energy efficiency in buildings, renewable energy, sustainable urban planning, and waste management.

Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC): The ECBC, developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), sets minimum energy performance standards for new commercial buildings. It aims to reduce energy consumption and promote the use of energy-efficient technologies in construction.

Green Building Code: The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has developed the Green Building Code, which provides guidelines for designing, constructing, and operating buildings that minimize environmental impact. The code covers various aspects, including energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, and indoor environmental quality.

There is an emphasis on Sustainability in Standards being prepared by the Bureau of Indian Standards. The National Building Code has one part devoted to sustainability. Other standards are also incorporating the concept of sustainability.

The Indian government's initiatives and the successful implementation of sustainable projects demonstrate a strong commitment to fostering sustainability in the built environment. These efforts not only contribute to environmental conservation but also enhance the quality of life for the country's citizens.

Embodied vs operating energy – essential concepts

Civil and structural engineers have a profound impact on the sustainability of the built environment. Their expertise and innovative approaches are essential in developing infrastructure that minimizes environmental impacts, conserves resources, and enhances the quality of life for communities.

The concepts of embodied energy and operating energy are very important for engineers as they deal with these on a daily basis in each project. Embodied energy refers to the total energy consumed during the production, transportation, and construction of a building or infrastructure project. This includes energy used in extracting raw materials, manufacturing building materials, transporting them to the site, and assembling the structure. Understanding and reducing embodied energy is crucial for minimizing the overall environmental impact of buildings, particularly their carbon footprint.

Operating energy is the energy required to run a building over its entire lifespan. This includes energy used for heating, cooling, lighting, appliances, and other daily operations. Reducing operating energy is essential for enhancing energy efficiency and lowering long-term operational costs and environmental impacts.

Understanding both embodied and operating energy helps in designing and maintaining buildings that are more sustainable and energy-efficient throughout their lifecycle. Civil and structural engineers are uniquely positioned to adopt these concepts and implement them across all aspects of the built environment. At present, embodied energy in materials in the building sector alone contribute 25% to CO2 emissions, which is expected to double if we do not find solutions for controlling the emissions. Engineers need to reduce energy demand by improving energy efficiency, using renewal and alternate sources for reducing carbon emission from operational energy, and reducing embodied carbon stored in building materials.

Engineers' Role in Resources - efficient construction practices

Civil and Structural Engineers have a significant role to play in the following areas:

Site Selection and Analysis: This involves selecting appropriate sites for construction, considering factors such as topography, soil conditions, and proximity to natural resources. Sustainable site selection minimizes disruption to ecosystems and promotes efficient land use.

Optimized Safe design for sustainability: Using the best design concepts and adhering to building specifications, standards and codes.

Water Conservation: Sustainable building design includes water-saving technologies such as low-flow fixtures, rainwater harvesting systems, and greywater recycling. Engineers ensure that buildings use water efficiently and minimize wastewater generation.

Material Selection: Choosing sustainable building materials that have low environmental impacts, such as recycled content, locally sourced materials, and low-emission products. The use of eco-friendly materials reduces the carbon footprint of construction projects.

Waste Reduction and Recycling: Developing and implementing waste management plans that prioritize waste reduction, recycling, and reuse of materials. Engineers ensure that construction waste is minimized and properly managed to reduce landfill burden.

Efficient Resource Use: Engineers optimize the use of resources during design, detailing construction, including energy, water, and materials. This involves using energy-efficient construction equipment, minimizing water usage, and carefully planning material quantities to avoid excess waste.

Sustainable Construction Techniques: Adopting sustainable construction techni- ques, such as modular construction, reduces material waste and construction time.

Lifecycle Assessment: Conduct lifecycle assessments (LCA) to evaluate the environmental impacts of buildings over their entire lifespan, helps in making informed decisions about materials, construction methods, and maintenance practices that enhance sustainability.

Energy Management: By implementing energy management systems to monitor and optimize energy use in buildings, using smart technologies, such as building automation systems, one can enhance energy efficiency and reduce operational costs.

Retrofitting Existing Buildings: Engineers play a vital role in retrofitting older buildings to improve their energy efficiency and sustainability. This may involve upgrading the structural system, insulation, installing energy-efficient windows and HVAC systems, and integrating renewable energy sources.

Green Building Certifications: Engineers pursue green building certifications, such as LEED / BREEAM or GRIHA, to validate and showcase the sustainability of their projects. These certifications provide benchmarks for sustainable design and construction practices.

Sustainable Urban Planning: Engineers in association with urban planners can contribute to sustainable urban planning by designing infrastructure that supports sustainable transportation, green spaces, and resilient communities. This includes planning for pedestrian-friendly streets, public transportation, and bike lanes.

Emerging Technologies: Engineers can leverage emerging technologies, such as 3D printing, prefabrication, and advanced materials, Structural Health monitoring, applications of AI & ML to enhance the sustainability of construction projects. These technologies enable more efficient and environmentally friendly building processes.

Sustainability has become the elephant in the room that no stakeholder can ignore. By integrating sustainable principles throughout the design, construction, and maintenance phases, engineers can help in creating a sustainable and resilient future for all. Their expertise and innovative approach are essential in developing infrastructure that conserves resource, minimizes environmental impacts, and enhances the quality of life for communities.

*Reference: United Nations and International Reports, Indian Government Policies and Documents, Websites and Online Resources.