**3. Lessons from world experiences**

Balancing the equation between societal, economical and ecological issues could be quite difficult but it's not unachievable [19]. Different countries, more of developed countries, are adopting different approaches for sustainable construction and have set different priorities depending on their economic conditions. Nations with high economic growth are developing sustainable buildings making use of latest technologies and innovations [13].

In the order of countries with best sustainability measures to the poorest, Finland among many other countries was voted best in the quality of natural environment, with very innovative and eco-friendly built environment [20]. Finland was a pioneering country of energy efficiency, after the energy crisis over three decades ago. Her goal of sustainable building was to build a house with as low energy use as possible and by utilizing the best available technology [21]. For building designs, solar heat from solar collector, geothermal heat from under building drilled borehole, solar electricity with high insulation level as well as low energy windows were adopted. Some houses adopted the use of locally available biomass to generate electricity and heat with a very low carbon footprint. Cutting edge LED application, developed through interdisciplinary research is very useful in energy saving as shown in **Figures 1** and **2**. Local waste is managed with interconnected conduits that carry them away for proper disposal and recycling [21].

India, a developing country, on the other hand, has 12.5% of all deaths caused environmental issues such as air pollution [20]. Most of research experts do not support government's approach towards environmental protection policies,

#### **Figure 1.** *Ecofriendly house in Finland. Source: The culture trip.com.*

**Figure 2.** *House built with energy efficient materials. Source: Skimbaco lifestyle.com.*

### *Sustainable Housing in Developing Countries: A Reality or a Mirage DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.99060*

meanwhile more than half of the experts are of the opinion that the total population is not interested in environmental issues [20] as shown in **Figures 3** and **4**. Energy resources used in India for manufacturing and transporting building materials has green high gas emission and related environmental issues. The sustainable use of these materials is also a call for concern as about 300metres depth of fertile top soil of the entire country have been said to be consumed for burnt brick clay bricks production in the next six decades if growth rate is assumed as 5% [22].

However there are improvements in some countries that were time past taking a down toll in sustainability. In United Arab Emirate, ABU-Dhabi as a case study, innovative technologies that are consistent with overall state expansion and growth over the years have been adopted in the creation of sustainable cities in Dubai and Abu-Dhabi [23]. A pearl rating system was established to achieve sustainability of housing throughout its life cycle from design to construction and operation. This

**Figure 3.** *House in Mumbai, India. Source: India ink, New York times.*

**Figure 4.** *Aerial view of slums in India. Source: Hindustan.com.*

has introduced green building norms and regulation, minimizing water and energy consumption; improving waste recycling and using local, environmentally friendly materials for construction [23].

Moreover, despite the housing crisis in the UK, environmental stewardship and long-term sustainability is the foremost in the minds of individuals, governments and businesses [13]. Environmental impact is factored in to safeguard the environment; therefore environmental sustainability is always embedded in every level of construction. Environmental stewardship is seen as not just creating great places and improving local environment, but having regard for the global climate as well by reducing energy and material consumption [13].

Since sustainability is all about meeting today's needs without compromising the needs of future generations, sustainable housing must target economic, social and environmental sustainability ensuring that houses are affordable, accessible and posing no harm to the environment [24].
