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How did sustainability came in existence

We strongly embrace the straightforward definition of sustainability outlined in the 1987 UN Brundtland Commission report, Our Common Future

“Sustainable development is development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.”

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What is unTAG’s take on sustainability in Architecture-

On a broader scale, we define architectural sustainability as the art of creating context-driven buildings that minimize environmental impact. By prioritizing resource efficiency and low energy consumption, we advocate for a sensitive design approach where humanity and nature coexist in harmony

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We believe sustainability is an inherent pillar of architecture, not a specialized add-on. It should be treated as a fundamental responsibility of every practice rather than a separate discipline

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While 'eco-friendly' and 'green' have become popular terminologies for the layman, they are simply different names for the same core principle: architecture that exists in balance with its environment

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Current State of Sustainability in Architectural Practice in India

The current architectural landscape in India reflects a growing disconnect between the built environment and the surrounding context. Urban centers are increasingly dominated by structures that feel "imported"—designed for aesthetics or speed rather than the specific ecological and cultural demands of India.

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It is time to re-establish the ethical foundation of our profession: designers and planners are not just creators of form, but custodians of the environment. The fundamental responsibility of any architect is to ensure that buildings, neighborhoods, and cities exist in a state of mutual respect with their context. 

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Buildings account for approximately 30–40% of global energy consumption, underscoring the significant responsibility borne by the building sector. In the Indian context, there remains a continued reliance on generic and conventional practices that are increasingly misaligned with present-day challenges, including environmental degradation, global warming, rapid industrialization, depletion of non-renewable resources, and the creation of uncomfortable and unhealthy built environments. There is an urgent need to promote awareness within the architectural profession and, subsequently, among the broader public to address these concerns effectively.

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Pathways to Sustainability in Design Practice

Sustainability in architecture is an amalgamation of multiple philosophies that emphasize climatic responsiveness, energy efficiency, and cost effectiveness. Rather than being governed by fixed mathematical formulas, sustainable practice is achieved through informed design decision-making—whether guided by scientific understanding, contextual intuition, or technologically driven approaches. The fundamental measure of sustainability lies in the extent to which resource and energy consumption is minimized, human comfort is enhanced, and the built form imposes the least possible impact on the natural environment.

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In our approach, sustainability is understood through two complementary dimensions: passive and active strategies. Passive sustainability focuses on harnessing natural elements such as sunlight, wind, rainfall, and local microclimatic conditions. The primary objective is to achieve thermal comfort and livable spaces with minimal reliance on energy-intensive systems or mechanical interventions.

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Active sustainability, on the other hand, involves the integration of appropriate technologies to improve building performance, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce overall environmental impact. While technological solutions may be advanced, their effectiveness depends largely on thoughtful and context-specific integration; inappropriate application can significantly diminish their efficiency. Smaller-scale projects may not always require extensive technical interventions, whereas larger and more complex developments often necessitate such systems.

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Furthermore, active sustainability extends beyond physical building components to include the use of simulation and performance-analysis software during the design development phase. As the architectural profession continues to evolve, there is a growing need to adopt technological tools judiciously, ensuring a balanced integration of innovation with environmental responsibility.

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Misconceptions and Misinterpretations of Sustainability in Practice

Buildings are often misinterpreted and judged primarily on the basis of their visual appearance, form, or choice of materials. A common misconception is that structures constructed using vernacular materials are inherently sustainable, while buildings employing metal and glass are automatically considered unsustainable. This perception is misleading. Sustainability is a broad and multidimensional concept, of which material selection constitutes only one component.

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Buildings that are poorly designed, climatically inappropriate, or insensitive to their context may perform unsustainably even when constructed with vernacular materials. Conversely, glass- and metal-intensive buildings, when thoughtfully designed and appropriately integrated within cold or temperate climates, can achieve high levels of environmental performance.

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As emphasized earlier, sustainable buildings are defined by their contextual responsiveness, climatic sensitivity, and reduced consumption of resources and energy, rather than by their outward appearance alone. Therefore, architectural sustainability must be evaluated through a comprehensive assessment of multiple performance parameters, rather than through superficial visual judgments.

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Can sustainability be integrated in underconstruction and completed buildings 

There is no “zero day” for integrating sustainability into the built environment and sustainability is not exclusive to new designs. It can—and must—be integrated into buildings at any stage of their lifecycle. Whether a project is currently a skeleton of concrete or a decades-old structure, there are strategic "interventions" to move it toward the "New Normal

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While it is often easier to incorporate sustainable strategies when a project begins on a blank canvas, meaningful sustainability interventions can be implemented at any stage by carefully evaluating the project and applying appropriate measures.

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At unTAG, we have established a set of parameters to achieve sustainability throughout all phases of a project. These span from defining the project brief and conducting thorough site analysis, to integrating passive solar strategies, studying and consciously selecting materials, prioritizing human well-being and comfort, conserving energy, water, and other resources, ensuring good construction practices, and conducting post-occupancy documentation. For clarity, these parameters are categorized into pre-design, design, and construction phases.

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Taking deliberate steps in the right direction is crucial. For ongoing projects, priority should be given to materials and finishes with low embodied energy and locally sourced resources. Building envelopes and openings can be optimized to control sunlight penetration and minimize unwanted heat gain, while incorporating courts, planters, and green patches to enhance environmental performance and occupant well-being. Waste management should be carefully planned, with on-site segregation and the reuse of construction debris, such as broken tiles or concrete, for sub-flooring or landscaping. Energy-efficient devices should be installed to optimize energy consumption, and water recycling and reuse strategies should be implemented.

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For completed buildings, sustainability interventions can include the installation of cool roofs or vertical green walls, optimization of fenestration through high-performance films, and replacement of lighting and electrical appliances with energy-efficient alternatives. These measures collectively improve resource efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance occupant comfort