WHY DESIGNING SUSTAINABLE BUILDINGS IS IMPERATIVE FOR HUMAN HEALTH

Mili Majumdar, Managing Director, GBCI India and Senior Vice President, U.S Green Building Council, reflects on the importance of implementing sustainable building methods

Over the last few years, there has been a greater focus on human health and well-being and its interlinkages with spaces that we live and work in. However, any discourse on the subject is incomplete without a mention of sustainable architecture that minimises environmental impact and at the same time fulfils the occupants’ needs.

Green or ecologically-friendly buildings are an ideal example of sustainable architecture that have been around for decades. But their significance has only increased after a global health crisis like COVID-19 reinforced the need for healthier living conditions.

As per research by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), our physical and social environments have a direct impact on our health, much more than our lifestyle and genetics. Since we spend 90% of our time indoors as stated by the World Health Organization (WHO), it is imperative to understand that the indoor environment is inextricably linked to our health.

In fact, indoor air pollution is one of the world’s largest environmental problems with concentrations of many pollutants being higher indoors than outdoors. This can lead to an increased incidence of non-communicable diseases like stroke, ischaemic heart disease, lung-related illnesses and more.

That’s exactly why it is imperative to incorporate sustainable design while designing all kinds of structures–from homes to workplaces. In fact, offices that incorporate such practices often experience less absenteeism, enhanced productivity and greater growth.

WHAT MAKES A BUILDING SUSTAINABLE?