“The great Industrial Revolution”

Industrial revolution in 18^th Century created a radical change in the civilization throughout the world. Iron and steel became the game changers in 19^th century. This led to a huge transition in construction industry. The world began to adapt new innovations and this development led to a great impact in mankind.

Over a duration, the impact has had both a benefit and a drawback. The major setback is the uniformity in the architectural style worldwide. Once the cities were known for its unique methods and style, whereas now the built environment is indistinguishable from another. This not only created uniformity in the man-made world but also took hold of nature. 

How come the nature is impacted due to this similarity in build? 

It’s simple, as climatic conditions around world varies from each other, it needs to be appreciated and complemented with unique build in design, construction and utilization of materials. But instead, the buildings are made irrespective of its impact to nature. which has hence created a huge imbalance in the ecosystem and a greater negative impact on global climate. 

“Beginning of new revolution - The Green “

Philosophy of green in construction industry is to create harmony with nature. Tracing some time back, buildings age or status were judged based on sight of plants climbing up walls or emerging from building facades but now it has become a conscious architectural decision. The modern concept, along with the language of sustainability in a global sense did not emerge, however, until the late 20th century.

One of the initial concepts which acted as a stepping stone towards sustainability and environmentally friendly design was- “The Green Wall”

The concept of the architectural green wall dates back at least to the 1930s, and it was called as “botanical bricks,” which later expanded into a patented “vegetation-bearing architectonic structure but this concept was not implemented on a significant scale. 

Why green construction to be adopted over conventional construction technique?

Our planet is struggling with rapid population growth and global warming as there is a high shoot up in carbon foot print and exploitation of non-renewable resources and to add to this pandemic also have been a great factor to increase awareness of sustainability around the globe. 

Green building practice strives to minimize the number of resources consumed in the building's construction, use and operation, as well as curtailing the harm done to the environment through the emission, pollution and waste of its components. To elaborate more, green Building optimizes the use of water consumption, optimizes energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and encourages reduce, recycle and reuse concept which further provides healthier space for occupants thereby being environmentally friendly construction practices as compared to conventional building practices. Further, a green building technique is highly profitable and cost efficient in comparison with conventional building techniques.

Sustainable design and construction revolve around three pillars;

Environmental

Environmental Performance- Correct balance of ecosystem will save and better future generations living in this planet. Hence, air and water quality, resource preservation and integrity, ecosystem restoration and preservation, and more to be considered for enhanced environmental performance which will further lead healthy and better living.

Social

Social Performance- People are known to be beneficial in effective wellbeing where their choices can add an immense value to our ecosystem. Construction industry including manufacturing of building material contribute about 40% of global greenhouse gas. Hence to reduce carbon foot print and preserve our non-renewable resources, sustainable business practices into supply chains, manufacturing & work conditions need to be encouraged more than ever where it would further ensure strong and long-term sustainability. 

Economics

Economic Performance- Profit is the outcome where people and planet can equally benefit. One of the key factors of the economic pillar is the ability of businesses and individuals to consider their long-term impacts. Professional alsoneeds to consider the depth of their services and practices involved in the impact of destabilising environment, as it might destruct their lasting ways. Building sustainable best practices, renewable energy technologies, and green infrastructure ensure the long-lasting success of the business and the community.

Conventional & green building might look alike but difference lies in the overall conceptual idea and performance of the building. Green building design concept considers;

• Resource efficiency
• Eco-Friendly design ideas and construction techniques
• Are subjected to locality.

The purpose of green building construction is to help in better wellbeing.

Building rating systems

In India the concept of Green Building was started by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII). It formed the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC), which is actively involved in promoting the green building concept in India. In the 1990’s for the very first time, Green Building movement was pioneered in Great Britain. LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) a star rating program for building which is a product of USGBC (United States Green Building Council), was launched in India in 2003 and LEED was adopted from the BREEM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) system and came into existence in March 2000. GRIHA is another building rating system in India developed by The Energy and Resource Institute (TERI). And the ratings majorly include site selection and planning, building planning and construction, building operation and maintenance, material selection, and innovation.

To encourage people towards adoption of green buildings, currently in India there are various types of incentives available through adoption of different building rating systems.

·       The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, offers fast track environmental clearance for green building projects which are Pre-certified/ Provisionally Certified. 

·       Various state governments in India also offer additional Floor area ratio (FAR). 

·       Green building projects in the Ministery Of Micro, Small And Medium Enterpreses-Development (MSME) sector shall be eligible for financial assistance at concessional rates from Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and so on.

It is encouraging to know the green build is developing as new style around the globe hence, green building construction is the best way for a sustainable future.

Bibliography: 

https://omrania.com/insights/green-walls-how-technology-brings-nature-into-architecture

https://www.therma.com/3-pillars-of-sustainability/

https://urbanupdate.in/green-buildings-in-india-beginning-made-but-long-way-to-go/