In a significant move to promote sustainable construction, Karnik Associates has joined forces with the Center for Study of Science, Technology and Policy (CSTEP). The collaboration aims to strengthen initiatives for low-carbon and climate-resilient buildings across Karnataka.
A Strategic Partnership for Green Construction
The alliance was formally cemented through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed at an event in Bengaluru on Monday, 23 December 2024. This partnership marks a concerted effort to integrate scientific research with practical construction expertise to tackle the environmental impact of the building sector.
Speaking at the event, K N Narayana Gowda, Director of Karnik Associates, highlighted the core objective of the tie-up. He revealed that CSTEP has undertaken a crucial initiative to analyze the work carried out by Nirmithi Kendras throughout the state. Nirmithi Kendras are known for promoting cost-effective and sustainable building technologies.
Analyzing Outcomes for a Sustainable Future
The primary focus of the CSTEP study will be to evaluate the real-world outcomes of these projects, specifically their performance in creating climate-resilient structures. This involves assessing how well these buildings withstand local climate challenges while minimizing their carbon footprint.
The analysis is expected to provide valuable, data-driven insights that can guide future construction policies and practices. Key areas of scrutiny will likely include:
- The effectiveness of locally-sourced, sustainable materials.
- Energy efficiency and thermal comfort achieved in the buildings.
- The overall reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional construction.
Paving the Way for Scalable Solutions
The findings from this collaborative research are poised to have far-reaching implications. By understanding what works on the ground, the partners aim to create scalable models for low-carbon building initiatives that can be replicated across Karnataka and potentially other regions.
This initiative aligns with broader national and global goals to reduce carbon emissions from the construction industry, a significant contributor to greenhouse gases. The partnership between a research think-tank like CSTEP and a firm like Karnik Associates bridges the gap between policy research and on-site implementation.
The move is seen as a proactive step towards building a more sustainable urban future for Bengaluru and Karnataka, making buildings not just shelters but solutions to the climate crisis.
