Sustainable Architecture, Alternative Concepts and Waste Reduction

Abstract

The need for finding long-term Sustainable design and development solutions; which meets the needs of present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs, that warrant continuing human existence and well-being is far more compelling in these days of depleting resources and catastrophic climate change than in the former days. The need for waste reduction is of prime importance since materials saved is equivalent to materials produced. Site development and construction in early stages influence indigenous ecological characteristics. So too, the influx of construction equipment, personnel onto a building site and process of construction itself disrupt the local ecology. Manufacturing, procurement and processing of materials impact on the global as well as local environments. Completed buildings, in operation, inflict sustained impacts on the environment, far and wide. Buildings increase the combined impact of built forms on the global ecosystem which is made up of inorganic substances, living organisms, and human beings. The term sustainable architecture is used to describe the movement associated with environmentally conscious architectural design. Though ‘Green and sustainable’ are the catch words of design in a helpless climatic scenario which is worsening over the passage of time, these have also created ample ambivalence and confusion. An examination of the meaning of sustainable in the light of the definitions posed by various rating agencies is done to identify why this occurs. Sustainable architecture reiterates the fact that humans receive what they need from the universe. Moreover, sustainable building is a response to awareness and not a prescriptive formula for survival which attempts to find architectural solutions that undertake to engage the well-being and coexistence; especially in a world faced with depletion in resources. A conceptual framework and attainable strategies for sustainable coexistence, based on the three fundamental concepts of the framework; objectives, means, and end, is attempted giving importance to waste reduction. Courtyard designs of the traditional architecture along with its reinterpretations are discussed. Further, the limitation of the traditional design models is brought-out and the need to search for creative alternatives is established. Biomimicing with its thought process, Principle of 3Ms and Seven-point strategy is illustrated which reduces water production. A list of useful recommendations is also generated for achieving better sustainability.