Adapting construction to climate change

Shifting to sustainable building materials

While not extensively used in the Indian construction industry, fly ash bricks made from industrial waste, like fly ash from coal-fired power plants is considered the future of eco-friendly construction. Fly ash bricks are energy efficient, reduce carbon emissions and are considerably cheaper than regular bricks. Another eco efficient option is CSEB or compressed stabilized earth blocks that are made from a mixture of soil, sand and cement. These blocks are durable, have an eco-friendly footprint and offer great thermal performance. Bamboo is another eco-friendly building material that is being increasingly used due to the nature of its rapid growth, low carbon footprint and flexibility. It is particularly used in rural construction and eco friendly projects. Usage of recycled aggregates and plastic waste is also gaining traction The use of recycled construction materials, such as recycled aggregates and plastic waste is also gaining traction to reduce the demand for new raw materials and minimize waste.

Green building techniques

Several construction projects are taking the green route to minimize environmental impact. Energy efficient buildings for example, incorporate passive design strategies such as cross-ventilation, proper insulation, and strategic placement of windows to maximize natural light to significantly reduce the energy consumption of buildings. The integration of rooftop solar panels will help reduce the dependence on the grid and help in lowering electricity costs. Green roofs are another pro eco option that can be incorporated in projects. Green roofs, also known as vegetated roofs or living roofs consist of ballasted roofs with a waterproof membrane, growth medium and vegetation typically overlying a traditional roof. Green roofs can be adopted in urban areas to reduce head islands and provide insulation. They also help improve air quality and support local biodiversity.

 Climate resilient construction

With climatic conditions being dire with an upsurge in natural disasters of devastating magnitudes, it is crucial to become proactive when it comes to planning and execution of building design particularly where resilience is concerned. In flood prone areas for example, elevated structures with deep foundations and flood resistant materials such as reinforced concrete, masonry walls with waterproofing coatings, ceramic tiles, marine-grade plywood, closed-cell foam insulation, pressure-treated wood and galvanized steel hardware need to be incorporated.

Prefabricated construction

Prefabricated construction is an efficient method to introduce environment friendly projects. Adopted for their speed of assembly, prefabricated buildings, are made off-site and assembled on-site. This method is also more cost effective, energy-efficient and reduces carbon emissions in the construction process. The Centre for Science and Environment in India states that construction creates a lot of waste – about 35% to 40% of the country’s total waste. In this regard, pre fab construction would be the apt solution to bring about a change. Because most of the work happens in a factory, a controlled setting for precise cutting and assembly can be ensured, thereby reducing waste. Prefab structures are built with materials that emit minimal VOCs and other pollutants and hence, contribute to improved indoor air quality. Precision is an integral part of pre fab, therefore, the structures are airtight, effectively blocking outdoor pollutants and allergens. Furthermore, green material options such as recycled steel, bamboo and paints with VOC can also be incorporate making pre-fabricated buildings the road to an efficient future.

 Urban green infrastructure

As cities become more crowded, there is a push to incorporate urban farming into construction plans. This not only helps provide a local source of food but also contributes tremendously to urban environment cooling and improvement of air quality. The intentional integration of green spaces is crucial- parks with lush vegetation for instance helps mitigate urban heat islands and promotes biodiversity. Creating green corridors by linking fragmented eco systems will enhance the conception of sustainable urban habitats. The use of native, drought resistant plants will help sustain flora that thrive even during water scarcity.