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Construction, maintenance and use of buildings impacts substantially on our environment and is currently contributing significantly to irreversible changes in the world’s climate, atmosphere and ecosystem. Buildings are by far the greatest producers of harmful gases such as CO2 and this ‘eco-footprint’ can only increase with the large population growth predicted to occur. What ‘sustainability’ means is adapting the ways we all live and work towards "...meeting needs, while minimising the impact of consumption, providing for people of today and not endangering the generations of tomorrow..." .

A recent review has concluded that climate change could cost the world between 5% and 20% of GDP, and result in famine, floods, mass movement of people and destruction of species. Construction industry can play an important role in minimising climate change, through their choice of construction methods / materials, and adopting appropriate technologies.

An enduring long-term regard for ‘sustainability’ as a way of development is essential to the future of the construction industry and could benefit individuals as well as contributing to global solutions. Disregarding social and environmental issues is not only damaging to the planet, but will ultimately inhibit the healthy progression of development.

How the construction industry can move towards sustainable development?

The starting point for all members of the construction industry that wish to approach sustainability as a development opportunity - from big corporate to small companies and those who refurbish existing buildings - must be to re-think their operations in four key areas:

• Energy: reducing energy consumption, being more energy efficient and using renewable energy and ‘alternative technology’.

• Materials: Choosing, using, re-using and recycling materials during design, manufacture, construction and maintenance to reduce resource requirements.

• Waste: Producing less waste and recycling more.

• Pollution: Producing less toxicity, water, noise and spatial pollution.

Forty-five per cent of energy generated is used to power and maintain buildings, and 5% to construct them. Heating, lighting and cooling of buildings directly through the burning of fossil fuels (gas, coal, oil) and indirectly through the use of electricity is the primary source of Carbon dioxide and accounts for half of all global warming gas emissions. Total energy expenditure on bricks, cement, aluminium and structural steel consumed in bulk quantities is 1684 x 106 GJ per annum. It has been estimated that 22% of green house gas (GHG) emissions is contributed by the construction sector in India.

Bricks, cement, steel, plastic products, paints, polished stone, ceramic products, etc. are the commonly used materials of construction today. These materials are energy intensive and are transported over large distances before being used for construction. The following points require attention, regarding the use of modern building materials: Energy consumed in the manufacturing processes – energy intensity; problems of long distance transportation; natural resources and raw materials consumed; recycling and safe disposal; impact on environment, and long-term sustainability.

Sustainable waste management means using material resources efficiently; to cut down on the amount of waste we produce. Where waste is produced, dealing with it in a way that actively contributes to the economic, social and environmental goals of sustainable development.

There are many types of pollution associated with the construction industry, including dust and noise pollution, water pollution and toxicity. 50% of all global warming gas emissions and CFC use is related to buildings. Pollution of water has a serious detrimental impact on the environment. Construction industry is responsible for a number of water pollution incidents.

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