CSE Media Fellowship Briefing: Urbanscapes: how sustainable are our buildings and cities?

May 1-2, 2014

Casuarina Hall, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 

Electricity accounted for 57 per cent of total energy consumption during 2011-12 in India -- the building sector used up close to 40 per cent of this electricity.

The share of electricity is expected to increase to 76 per cent by 2040. With efficient lighting, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and architectural design in our buildings, it is possible to save 30-70 per cent of energy. How can we cut electricity costs in our buildings?

The construction industry in India is booming, growing at a rate of 10 per cent annually over the last 10 years, as against the world average of 5.5 per cent. Buildings use up resources such as electricity and water, along with a variety of material such as bricks and sand. The recent controversy over sand mining has put the spotlight on the need for recycle, reuse and substitute naturally sourced building and construction material. What are these options, and how can they be incorporated into our regular construction practices?

These, and some other points of contention such as rating of ‘green’ buildings, cumulative impact of big buildings and township projects on environment, and 'affordable' housing, will be discussed and debated at CSE’s media fellowship briefing on 'Urbanscapes: how sustainable are our buildings and cities?’ We invite journalists to participate in the two-day workshop which will demystify the realty sector and its impacts on environment. Experts, consultants, builders, architects, government officials and mediapersons are expected to come together at this meet.

Click here to Download Programme Schedule

If you have any queries, please contact Souparno Banerjee at 9910864339