Sustainability in the Built Environment in the 21st Century: Lessons Learned from India and the Region

This book mainly focuses on India, a country currently facing immense challenges in the form of climate change, rapid urbanization, and population pressures, in its journey to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. It presents case studies on various aspects of the built environment, from education to managing cities, procurement, and considerations for a circular economy, to equip government policymakers, educators, and professionals with the knowledge and expertise they need to overcome today's complex challenges.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 243 pages
Publication date: 17 April 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This comprehensive book delves into the realm of sustainable development research in the Asia-Pacific region, with a particular focus on India, a country grappling with formidable challenges such as climate change, rapid urbanization, and population pressures. As India prepares to surpass China in population size in the near future, it becomes imperative for the nation to develop its own innovative solutions to uphold its commitments under the Paris Agreement.

To this end, the book offers valuable insights through a series of case studies covering diverse aspects of the built environment, including education, urban management, procurement, and circular economy. The contributions compiled herein provide a vital resource for government policymakers, educators, and professionals alike, equipping them with the knowledge and expertise required to navigate the complex challenges of the built environment in today's world.

The book begins by providing an overview of the sustainable development landscape in the Asia-Pacific region, highlighting the unique challenges and opportunities that countries in the region face. It then delves into India's specific challenges, including its ambitious climate targets, rapid urbanization, and the need to address social and economic disparities.

The subsequent chapters explore various aspects of the built environment, such as sustainable infrastructure development, green building practices, urban transportation, and waste management. Each case study provides a detailed analysis of the challenges and solutions faced by different stakeholders in India, including government agencies, private sector organizations, and community groups.

The book also emphasizes the importance of education and training in promoting sustainable development practices. It highlights the role of universities and research institutions in generating knowledge and fostering innovation, and provides examples of successful initiatives that have been implemented in India to promote sustainable development.

Furthermore, the book explores the role of procurement practices in promoting sustainable development in the built environment. It discusses the importance of incorporating sustainable criteria into procurement policies and practices, and provides examples of successful initiatives that have been implemented in India to promote sustainable procurement.

The final chapter of the book focuses on the circular economy, a model that aims to reduce waste and promote resource efficiency. It discusses the benefits of the circular economy and provides examples of successful initiatives that have been implemented in India to promote circularity.

Overall, this book serves as a valuable resource for policymakers, educators, and professionals seeking to understand and address the challenges of sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in India. It provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary perspective on the built environment, and offers practical solutions and strategies for promoting sustainable development in the region.

Weight: 403g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030618933
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021