The session started with a discussion on why sustainability is becoming increasingly important in today’s world. Dr. Meril George explained that with rapid urbanization and growing environmental concerns, the construction sector plays a major role in either harming or protecting the environment. Since buildings consume a large amount of energy, water, and materials, adopting sustainable practices is not just an option but a responsibility.
The speaker also discussed the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how sustainable construction practices contribute especially to goals like Sustainable Cities and Communities, Responsible Consumption and Production, and Climate Action. This helped us understand that sustainability in construction is connected to global development efforts.
Dr. Meril George also introduced various green building certification systems such as LEED, IGBC, GRIHA, and BREEAM. She explained how these certifications assess buildings based on energy efficiency, water management, material selection, waste reduction, and indoor environmental quality. It was interesting to learn how these rating systems encourage sustainable construction practices and provide recognition to environmentally responsible projects.
The session also covered the challenges in implementing sustainable building practices in India, including higher initial costs, lack of awareness, limited technical expertise, and reluctance to move away from conventional methods. However, she emphasized that the long-term benefits, such as reduced operational costs and environmental protection, outweigh the initial investment.
Overall, the session was informative and thought-provoking. It gave us a clearer understanding of how sustainability can be practically implemented in the construction sector. The talk encouraged us to think more responsibly as future engineers and to contribute towards building a more sustainable future.
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Roshni P Nair, S8 CE
