Sustainable Housing
And Sustainable Construction Research Unit

A sustainable home is built, operated and maintained in ways that reduce owner’s carbon footprint and impact of climate change. Additionally, sustainable homes are built or retrofitted in a way that
conserve resources, optimizes energy and water use and that will last longer with quality systems; they are built with low – impact, and high – performance materials. Sustainable construction means using recyclable and renewable materials in building projects and minimizing energy consumption and waste production. The seven principles of sustainable construction are sustainable design; durability; energy efficiency; waste reduction; indoor air quality; water
conservation and sustainable building materials. Sustainable construction primarily exists to minimize the impact of construction on the environment.

SFI research on sustainable housing and sustainable construction aligns with the goals of the SDG 11 – making cities inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable; the SDG goal includes provision of basic
services and upgrading slums. Thus SFI research in this cluster focuses on the design of buildings and entire neighborhoods in sustainable architecture that enhances the quality of life through the thoughtful use of materials, energy, space and ecosystems. Our research also focuses on energy conservation, environmental protection and other supporting factors that ensures affordability of houses in housing delivery. The research focus in this cluster will also include examining the barriers to sustainable
construction.