ASSIGNMENT ON GREEN BUILDING AND SUSTAINABLE
CONSTRUCTION
Name: Md Aman
Class: S.Y Civil
Roll No.: 16
Subject: Environmental Impact of Construction (EIC)
Assignment No.: __________
Date: __________
Submitted to: Prof. Anas
Introduction
Green building is an approach to construction that reduces negative impacts on the
environment. It includes the use of eco-friendly materials, renewable energy, water
efficiency, and waste reduction. This is highly relevant to the subject Environmental Impact
of Construction (EIC), which deals with studying how building activities affect nature. The
aim of this assignment is to understand the concepts, benefits, and challenges of green
building and sustainable practices, and to suggest possible ways to adopt them in future
projects.
Construction has a direct impact on air, water, soil, and energy resources. By choosing
sustainable methods, engineers can reduce carbon footprints, control pollution, and create
healthier living environments. EIC as a subject helps us to analyze such impacts and apply
corrective measures through policies and practices.
Features of Green Buildings
Green buildings are designed with a balance of comfort, efficiency, and sustainability.
Some important features include:
1. Energy Efficiency – Buildings with solar panels, natural lighting, and energy-saving
equipment.
2. Water Conservation – Rainwater harvesting, dual plumbing, and treatment plants for
reuse.
3. Use of Sustainable Materials – Recycled steel, fly ash bricks, bamboo, and low-VOC
paints.
4. Improved Air Quality – Use of ventilation, indoor plants, and natural cross-breeze
designs.
5. Waste Management – Segregation and treatment of solid waste to minimize landfills.
6. Smart Technologies – Automated lighting, green roofs, and energy monitoring systems.
The idea is not only to construct buildings but to make them last longer with less damage
to the ecosystem. For example, LEED-certified buildings in India show that these designs
can save up to 40% of energy and water use compared to conventional ones.
Sustainable Construction Practices
Civil engineers and architects are adopting new methods to reduce environmental
impacts. Some practices are:
• Reuse of construction and demolition waste, such as recycled aggregates and crushed
concrete.
• Application of modular construction methods to reduce time and resource use.
• Renewable energy like wind and solar to power construction equipment.
• Rainwater harvesting, green roofs, and permeable pavements to manage stormwater.
• Designing roads and buildings with environmental clearances in mind.
• Site management techniques like erosion control, noise reduction, and dust suppression.
These practices make the construction industry more responsible and aligned with global
sustainability goals.
In India, projects such as Infosys campuses and ITC hotels have adopted green
technologies successfully. These examples show that sustainability is possible without
compromising comfort or efficiency.
Challenges and Future Scope
Although green buildings are beneficial, their implementation faces certain barriers:
- Higher initial cost due to advanced technologies.
- Lack of awareness and training among construction workers.
- Limited government support and incentives for eco-friendly designs.
- Traditional mindset in the industry resisting change.
Future Scope:
The future is promising as awareness is growing and government policies are supporting
sustainable infrastructure. If implemented widely, green construction can reduce pollution,
save resources, and create healthier cities. Students of Civil Engineering must learn these
concepts early to lead the change in future.
Conclusion – My Point of View
In my view, studying Environmental Impact of Construction has made me realize that
buildings are not just structures, they are also part of the environment. Green buildings are
a way to live in harmony with nature. As a student, I strongly believe that we should focus
not only on technical strength but also on environmental responsibility.
One out-of-the-box idea could be to make it compulsory for all colleges and universities in
India to build at least one green-certified block. This will help students learn practically and
inspire society.
To conclude, sustainable construction is the future, and with dedication, policies, and
innovations, we can achieve development without destroying our planet.
