Social issues and the environment,

unsustainable to sustainable
development-


Sustainable development can be defined as
meeting the needs of the present without
compromising the ability of future generations
to meet their own needs.

Sustainable development is the effective use of
resource for economic development while
preserving the environment and ecosystem so
that not only the needs of presents are fulfilled
but also for the future generations.

Sustainable development also interlinks the
development and carrying capacity of
environment and ecosystem.

Social issues and the environment
Human beings interacts both with the social world and
nature.
Both, economic development and stable environment
are required for the continual improvement of lifestyle
and living standards.
But until now, the development was human oriented
and limited to rich nations.
The development was achieved by damaging the
environment and over exploitation of natural resources
which were non renewable.
That caused instability of environment and crossed the
threshold limit of environmental damage.

True sustainable development

It aims at optimum use of natural resources with
high degree of sustained, minimum wastage,
least generation of toxic by products and
maximum productivity.
Inter generational equity
We should minimize any adverse impacts on
resources and environment for future generation.
Intra generational equity
Technological development of rich countries
should support economic growth of poor
countries and lead to sustainability.

Measures of Sustainable Development

Using appropriate technology
3-R Approach
Promoting environmental education
awareness
Population stabilization
Conservation of nonrenewable resources
Usage of renewable resources


How to achieve sustainable development?

The following four rules can be defined as the key mantras of sustainability.
These four rules are
Reduce our dependency on heavy metals and fossil
fuels such as coal, oil and natural gas.
Reduce our dependency on synthetic chemicals.
Reduce our destruction of nature - includes clearing of
forest and natural habitats for human needs.
Ensure that we dont stop people from meeting their
needs in order to achieve environmental
sustainability. We must maintain a balance between
environmental and economic sustainability.

Place more emphasis on pollution prevention and waste
reduction.
Recycle and reuse as many waste products and resources
possible.
Make more goods that last longer and easy to use, recycle
and repair.
Depend on renewable source of energy, sun wind, biomass,
flowing water, geo thermal and tidal.
Sustain Earths Biodiversity with emphasis on protecting
vital habitats of the wild species.
Use potentially renewable resources such as wastes, soil,
plants, animals no faster than they are renewed.
Increase the usage of non renewable resources to minimize
the resource depletion at a faster rate.
Earth Degrading activities should be discouraged
Reduce poverty and rate of population growth

Degradation of energy quality in living
system

Uranium 100%
Uranium
mining
(95%)
Waste heat
Waste heat

Waste heat

Waste heat
95%
54%
17%
14% 14%
Uranium
processing &
transport
Power plant
Transmission
of electricity
Solar
Energy
100%
90%
Waste heat
Step function
Greater the no of steps in energy conversion, lower the
energy efficiency
Resistance
heating
A
B
Cumulative net
efficiency
General ranking of quality of energy
Electricity, very high
temp(>2500C),nuclear
fission, fusion, high velocity
wind
Very high To run electrical
devices
High temp heat (1000
2500C), H2 gas, coal,
gasoline, food
high To move
vehicles,
industrial
processes
Normal sunlight, wood, crop
wastes
moderate Cooking, hot
water, 100
1000C
Low temperature heat (below
100C)
Low Low temperature
for space
heating
Dont use high quality energy to do a job that can be done with low quality
energy


Dont use high quality energy to do a job that
can be done with low quality energy

Change the system from throwaway society
to sustainable earth society
Switching from harmful nonrenewable energy
resources to less harmful renewable energy sources.
Problems of sustainable development
Disagreement between stakeholders: each
stakeholder has different priorities and hence it is extremely difficult for
all to agree upon common goal of sustainable development.
Uncertainty: there is always uncertainty regarding different global
environmental issues and the manner in which they interact with global
system.
Consumption and lifestyle
Arguments over cause and responsibility

Urban problems related to energy
Energy requirements in urban area is many folds
higher than in rural areas
Industries, institutions, transportation etc.
High standard of living in urban areas demands
more amount of energy.
Hence for the sustainable development to solve the
energy related problems
Solar energy devices and systems.
Energy recovery from urban and industrial waste.
Biomass energy and co-generation in industry
What is a Green Building

Green Buildings are high performance
structures that also meet certain standards for
reducing natural resource consumption

What is a Green Building?
Green or Sustainable buildings are characterized by:
efficient management of energy and water resources
management of material resources and waste
restoration and protection of environmental quality
enhancement and protection of health and indoor environmental
quality
reinforcement of natural systems
analysis of the life cycle costs and benefits of materials and methods
integration of the design decision-making process
Why Go Green?
Going Green is the right thing
reduce carbon consumption,
energy independence,
encourage community,
preserve natural systems
Ecofriendly building materials
Recycled construction material and supplies
Clay based paint
Recycled paints
Earth weave natural carpets such as bamboo
flooring
Linseed oil wood finishes
metal roof

Abercorn Common Shopping Center, Savannah GA. A Case Study



Vegetated Roof & White Roof Membrane to
Reflect/Absorb Heat and Keep Center Building Cooler
Pervious pavement diverts storm water
Concrete paving reflects
heat, keeping the center
and parking lot cooler
White roof membrane reflects heat, keeping the center cooler



Low-emitting paints, sealants and adhesives used
Zero or low volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
No smoking (including restaurants)
Increased ventilation

Indoor Environmental Quality
Abercorn Common Shopping Center, Savannah GA. A Case Study



Waste Reduction
Stringent construction waste management practices
prevented 85% of construction waste from
landfills

Over 6,000 tons were recycled or reused
Merits
Ecofriendly-
Declining fossil fuels-
Reduce the threat of global warming-
Reduce the energy consumption-
Improve health-
Create better surroundings-
Demerits of green buildings
High cost

Localized resources

Local restrictions and codes