Abstract
In current times, the construction industry of Nepal is motivated to adopt green building practices because of the increasing rate of urbanization and global environmental issues. A green building is constructed mainly to conserve resources and reduce carbon emissions, and the advantages associated with such buildings go beyond environmental gains to also include economic and social. This research attempts to assess how far Nepal’s construction industry has embraced green building technologies and what barriers and prospects lie ahead. It particularly focuses on these aspects of development in Nepal in order to reveal how the country will be able to adopt them more effectively in the future.
Introduction
With growing urbanization in Nepal, construction activities are more under the lens of sustainability and chronic environmental concerns worldwide. The construction industry is under escalating obligations in terms of Green concepts such as Green structures which embody the concept of energy use reduction, water-harnessing practices, and preservation of eco-friendly building materials. The main focus of this research is to evaluate the development of green building practices in Nepal in the context of government policies, technology, and market forces.
Current Trends related to Green Building in Nepal
The green building concept in Nepal has seen improvement with time. Some of the important factors can be a better understanding of the relevance of environmental concerns, the need for energy-efficient alternatives, and the increased need for non-toxic housing. The Nepal Green Building Council has also been helping with the promotion of green building practices and the utilization of certifications such as LEED and GRIHA. Regardless of this, the rate of adoption of a few green buildings is still very low due to the cost, lack of technical know-how, and inadequate supportive policies.
Technological Innovations and Sustainable Materials
There is confusion about what technological knowledge consists of when it comes to green building conception. Nepal is slowly with a strong pace adopting the concept of integrating other renewable energy like solar and wind power into designs of the buildings. Especially the use of photovoltaic systems has been very effective in the reduction of building energy necessities thus reducing the operational costs of the buildings. Equally, sustainable building materials such as recycled concrete, bamboo, and stones collected in the vicinity of the site serve to minimize the negative impacts of construction on the environment.
Government Policies and Incentives The Government of Nepal has recognized the importance of promoting green building practices and has introduced several policies to support sustainable construction. These include tax incentives for green-certified buildings, subsidies for renewable energy installations, and regulations that mandate energy efficiency in new constructions. However, the implementation of these policies faces challenges, including limited public awareness, bureaucratic hurdles, and the high upfront costs associated with green technologies.
Here are some key policies by the Government of Nepal regarding green building practices:
- National Building Code (NBC) 205 (1994, revised 2003): Includes guidelines on energy efficiency and sustainable construction practices.
- Building Construction Guidelines (2009): Emphasizes energy efficiency, use of solar energy, and rainwater harvesting.
- National Urban Development Strategy (NUDS) (2017): Focuses on sustainable urbanization with green infrastructure and eco-friendly building materials.
- Green Building Guidelines (2016): Provides specific principles for constructing environmentally friendly buildings, including energy efficiency and water conservation.
- Renewable Energy Subsidy Policy (Various years): Offers financial incentives for incorporating renewable energy in building designs.
Challenges and Opportunities
The journey towards green building practices in Nepal is fraught with obstacles. There are still limitations with respect to finances as there is a higher maintenance cost for green buildings than conventional buildings. Also, there is not enough technical knowledge and curriculum in place to educate about such skills. The increasing popularity of green structures, nevertheless, provides a huge opportunity for the construction sector. Green buildings not only help protect the environment but also assist the occupants in living a better life by virtue of providing clean indoor air, lower energy costs, and healthier conditions.
Conclusion
Green building practices in Nepal represent a vital step toward environmental conservation and sustainable development. While the journey is fraught with challenges, the potential benefits of green buildings, both for the environment and society, are immense. To accelerate the adoption of green building practices, there is a need for stronger government support, increased investment in green technologies, and widespread public awareness campaigns. By embracing sustainable construction practices, Nepal can pave the way for a greener, more resilient future.
References
1. Bhattarai, B., & Bhattarai, B. S. (2023). Green Building Approach Towards Achieving Sustainability in Nepal. American Journal of Modern Energy, 9(2), 27-35.
2. Amin, N., Song, H., & Ali, M. (2023). Role of Information and Communication Technology, Economic Growth, Financial Development and Renewable Energy Consumption Towards Sustainable Environment: Insights from ASEAN Countries. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 30, 89391–89394.
3. Sharma, I., Bajracharya, S. B., & Pokharel, E. (2023). The Challenges and Opportunities in Adaptation of Green Building Rating System in Nepal. International Journal of Research -GRANTHAALAYAH, 11(6), 66-82.
Sagun Poudel:
Construction Management (Columbia University)
Engineering Project Management (RICE University)
