JAIGOPAL G RAO
Chairman, technical advisory group for urban planning, government of KeralaI think
The land-use planning in our cities compels us to consume an enormous amount of non-renewable energy. Surely we can do better?
We can
I have proposed the concept of sustainable development zones (SDZs) as a model for decentralized urban planning.
To read the full story clickhere
CHITRA VISHWANATH
Works only with sustainable technologies and has built a couple of hundred mud buildings in and around BangaloreI think
In a time of environmental crisis, it is criminal to use any material for building other than what is available on your own site. Mud is one such material, especially in Bangalore.
The local mud makes for good stabilized mud blocks for walls and roofs.
We can
To read the full story and a discussion with Chitra clickhere
SANJAY PRAKASH
Is an authority on energy-efficient architecture and is based in New DelhiI think
Yes, buildings can enable an ecological lifestyle. But environmentally conscious living doesn’t come about by first demanding a lot and then “fixing” the source of energy, water and materials. An architecture of the future, sustainable and resource-efficient, affordable and beautiful, comes about when we accept lifestyles that reduce demands, meet them in the most efficient way, using renewable resources. Greenness then becomes integrated with the house as well as one’s lifestyle.
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SANDEEP VIRMANI
Director, Hunnarshala Foundation, and coordinates the work of Kutch Nav Nirman Abhiyan, a network of development NGOs in KutchI think
Community participation in construction is critical for sustainability. Traditional communities have practised sustainable technologies and thought “small is beautiful” before the phrase gained currency. Unfortunately, policymakers do not recognize their value. Centralization of decision-making takes control of natural resources away from communities.
To read the full story and see a slideshow of his project clickhere
JEETH IYPE
Director of Good Earth, a development company based in Bangalore that builds sustainable communities using a range of eco-friendly technologiesI think
Individuals or families have to live together as a community; only then will they be ecologically sustainable. A disconnected family is too small to make a difference to the system, and consumes more resources. India can be a leader in this, as we have a tradition of living together, optimizing consumption and cost effectiveness, minimizing waste.
To read the full story and a discussion with Jeeth clickhere
(Story coordinated and compiled by Himanshu Burte)