What are the reasons for the limited utilization of sustainable materials in construction, despite many ongoing investigations and research aimed at achieving significant advancements in the sustainable construction sector?
In my opinion, this issue can be due to the following reasons. Of course, I mentioned these reasons with regard to my country (Iran).
1- The costs of these materials may be higher for builders at first glance. Short-term view instead of long-term view
2- The traditions of residents in building housing are sometimes different.
3- There are no administrative mechanisms for these materials at the level of cities and the country.
4- Modernization and homogenization of buildings cause neglect of the past traditions of construction, such as the central life in buildings in a heated climate, and the materials of the past are much more stable than the materials used in the present.
5- Many sustainable construction traditions of the past have been forgotten.
6- Many people and officials are not familiar with sustainable materials.
Absolutely, using sustainable materials in construction is highly advantageous for a multitude of reasons. Embracing sustainability not only benefits the environment but also offers economic, social, and operational advantages.
Reasons for less use of sustainable materials has genesis in-
- Lack of knowledge about sustainability, sustainable materials, advantages in making buildings qualitative,
-- low availability of such materials,
-- lack of marketing,
- higher initial cost,
- inadequate work force to apply such materials
-low understanding /acceptability of such materials on the part of developers, builders, work force employed in the planning, designing, construction of buildings , owners of the buildings to be constructed
-Lack of incentives by the states to industries involved in producing such materials on mass scale
- Ignoring such materials in the schedule of Rates prepared by CPWD/PWD
· Lack of sustainability in this world is the outcome of ever growing number of human beings, growing urbanization, changing human behaviour, changing approach to living and working , increasing needs & greed and increasing consumerism besides looking inside and not outside. If human beings are the cause of all prevailing ills, then surely options for making this world more sustainable and livable, are also embedded in human living. We need to understand that there is one earth and earth has finite resources and finite holding capacity. Accordingly human number would need a limit, our approach and options for living must change from going for greed to opting for need, we need to consume less, waste less, respect land and nature , reduce travel and traffic and try to create balance between patterns of consumption and production. Equity and inclusiveness must mark our thoughts and action and we should continue to value the gifts of nature and stop doing business on all issues of living and working.
The limited use of sustainable materials in construction is influenced by several key factors. First, many sustainable materials aren’t produced in large enough quantities, making them harder to source compared to traditional options. This scarcity often arises from inadequate production capacity and infrastructure. Cost is another significant barrier; sustainable materials typically have higher initial costs due to production expenses and environmental compliance, which can deter builders in competitive markets. , the lack of standardized certifications creates confusion, making it difficult for builders to identify which materials meet sustainability criteria. Concerns about the quality and performance of sustainable materials also contribute to hesitance in their adoption. Education is crucial, as many industry professionals lack knowledge about the benefits of sustainable materials. Regulatory compliance adds complexity, with existing building codes often favoring traditional methods. Ensuring supply chain transparency is essential for verifying sustainability claims, but it can be challenging to obtain reliable information about sourcing and manufacturing processes. Finally, market dynamics, such as fluctuations in availability and cost, create uncertainty that makes it hard for construction professionals to commit to sustainable options. Overcoming these challenges requires collaboration among stakeholders, improved education, and better regulatory frameworks to promote the use of sustainable materials in construction.
In the context of India, or the developing countries like India, the limited use of sustainable materials in construction is influenced by several factors. The country's rapid construction boom, with over 300,000 housing units built annually, poses significant environmental challenges. The building sector accounts for over 33% of India's electricity usage, contributing to climate change and resource depletion. Availability is a major issue; many sustainable materials are not produced in large quantities, making them difficult to source. Cost also plays a critical role, as sustainable materials often have higher initial prices due to production expenses and compliance with environmental standards. This can deter builders, especially in competitive markets where profit margins are tight. many industry professionals lack awareness of the benefits of sustainable materials, and existing building codes often favor traditional construction methods. A concrete example is the use of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) blocks in Indian construction. Despite their lower embodied energy compared to traditional materials like monolithic concrete, AAC blocks are often overlooked in favor of faster construction methods that prioritize speed over sustainability.