The real challenge for today’s construction industry is designing and constructing buildings that can withstand and recover quickly from extreme weather events like floods, droughts, heatwaves, cyclones, and heavy rainfall, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change.
This feat can be achieved by incorporating features like elevated structures, flood-resistant materials, efficient cooling systems, and rainwater harvesting mechanisms, prioritizing adaptation strategies to minimize damage and disruption to lives and livelihoods.
Key aspects of building resilience in Indian construction:
- SITE SELECTION AND ANALYSIS: Carefully choosing construction sites considering floodplains, landslide risks, and potential storm surge areas, along with detailed geotechnical analysis to understand soil conditions and stability.
- ELEVATED STRUCTURES:: Raising buildings above ground level using stilts or raised foundations to minimize flood damage.
- FLOOD-RESISTANT MATERIALS:: Utilizing waterproof materials like concrete with high water resistance, specialized sealants, and flood-resistant doors and windows.
- DRAINAGE SYSTEMS: Implementing efficient drainage systems with large capacity to quickly channel rainwater away from buildings.
- ROOFTOP RAINWATER HARVESTING: Collecting and storing rainwater from roofs for irrigation and other non-potable water needs.
- PASSIVE COOLING TECHNIQUES: Designing buildings to maximize natural ventilation and minimize heat gain through features like overhangs, reflective roofs, and proper building orientation.
- ENERGY EFFICIENT SYSTEMS: Incorporating renewable energy sources like solar power and energy-efficient appliances to reduce reliance on grid electricity, which can be disrupted during extreme weather events.
- HEAT-RESISTANT MATERIALS: Using building materials with high thermal resistance to mitigate heat stress during extreme temperatures.
- COASTAL PROTECTION MEASURES: In coastal areas, implementing seawalls, mangroves, and sand dune stabilization to protect against storm surges and coastal erosion.
Challenges in building climate-resilient infrastructure in India:
- HIGH INITIAL COSTS: Implementing resilient design features can often be more expensive upfront compared to conventional construction methods.
- LACK OF AWARENESS:: Not all builders and stakeholders may fully understand the importance of climate-resilient design.
- REGULATORY COMPLEXITIES: Need for clear building codes and regulations that incorporate climate resilience standards.
- ACCESS TO TECHNOLOGY AND EXPERTISE: Availability of specialized materials and expertise in designing climate-resilient structures can be limited in certain regions.
Conclusion: Building resilience in construction is crucial for India to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure sustainable development, especially in vulnerable regions facing extreme weather events.
