The sustainability haul: Are we really going green?

What is it about?

Ever since the need for ‘sustainability’ became evident, policymakers and government bodies have shifted their attention to achieve the collective objective of sustainable development. However, most sustainable goals have remained a far cry from being accomplished. This chapter highlights how the narrative surrounding sustainable development has proven to be absurd over time. The author emphasises how the notion of ‘sustainable green homes’ has led to a real-life hypocrisy. For instance, the ‘Ecopark’ is one of the controversial projects that made several people homeless on the pretext of building sustainable homes. Likewise, certifications for achieving minimum energy use, such as ‘Passive House’, have become status symbols to flaunt under the banner of green planet.

Featured Image

Photo by Blake Wheeler on Unsplash

Photo by Blake Wheeler on Unsplash

Why is it important?

The practice of ‘going green’, which gained considerable impetus in terms of improved health and sanitation, has failed in achieving carbon reduction. This is due to global consumption patterns, which continue to expand along with rising affordability. Convincing people to ‘go green’ is difficult not because people are unsure on how to adopt sustainability. Moreover, ‘Why would someone pay the price for protecting the environment at the cost of his own comfort?’ is a question that has sparked debates over the concept of green buildings, which are far more expensive and not entirely free of carbon footprint. KEY TAKEAWAY The sustainability agenda appears to be more of a hoax in the hands of the governments. Ambitions for a greener future demand better technologies and management that offer real solutions.