Eco-Friendly Urban Design: Investigating Innovative Approaches and Sustainable Construction Practices Across Afghanistan’s Diverse Climate Zones

Abstract

Climate change serves as a pervasive catalyst globally, significantly influencing urban growth and construction dynamics. The interplay of population growth, heightened consumption, increased waste production, and rising CO2 emissions presents a substantial threat to biodiversity and plant life. Creating vibrant, environmentally conscious cities requires integrating architectural, design, and landscape components into the urban development process. This study employs a descriptive approach to examine the intricate dynamics among urbanism, urbanization, and climate-responsive design across Afghanistan's diverse climatic zones. The findings reveal a significant shift from traditional to contemporary global standards, marking a significant evolution within the construction sector. However, there remains a notable lack of climate awareness, resulting in a gap between evolving construction features and climate-responsive methodologies. The Afghanistan National Environmental Protection Agency’s strategies are often too generalized, failing to address specific climatic requirements effectively. Unplanned urban growth has led to limited access to proper housing, increased poverty, and greater vulnerability to climate impacts. Key issues include uncontrolled carbon emissions from heating, transportation, waste management, and industrial activities, severely affecting precipitation patterns and living quality. The research emphasizes the necessity for tailored climate-responsive design and sustainable construction practices, advocating for integrating green technologies and enhancing regulatory frameworks to promote energy efficiency and reduce the environmental footprint of urban developments in Afghanistan.