India:TERI Organises R&D Summit To Discuss Innovations For The Built Environment

The Energy Research Institute (TERI), a leading think-tank dedicated to conducting research for sustainable development, organised a two-day ‘Sustainable Buildings R&D Summit’ in Bangalore recently to pave the way for research and innovations around the built environment. The event showcased technologies and best practices, such as pre-cast construction and radiant cooling technologies, implemented by pioneering organisations to save resources in design, construction, and operation of large infrastructures.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anjum Parvez, Secretary, Urban Development Department, Government of Karnataka, pointed out that the State government has developed region-based energy plants in the cities of Mysore, Mangalore, Gulbarga and Bellary, which will convert waste to energy. “For the first time in Karnataka, every house is going to be a ‘building by law’, focusing on construction sustainability, water and waste management,” he added.

Dr. Ajay Mathur, Director General, TERI, stressed the need to not compromise on environmental sustainability when implementing social and economic reforms. “Today, the relevance of energy-efficient buildings has assumed greater significance in the light of fast depleting energy resources, growing urbanization, and environmental pollution multiplying manifolds. There is an urgent need to adopt efficient and environment-friendly technologies in new and existing building,” he added.

This year’s theme explored a wide variety of issues, including, the roadmap for sustainable development, with a focus on the built environment; best practices/projects that can be implemented to save resources in design; and financing models for sustainable housing.