Journal of Environmental Engineering and Studies

A Review on Green Buildings for Sustainable Futures: Applications, Materials, and the Indian Perspective

Mahadeva M., Chandana C. — Sat, 04 Oct 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Green buildings represent a vital approach to sustainable development by integrating environmentally conscious design, innovative materials, and long-term management strategies. Their application in building design emphasizes energy efficiency, resource optimization, and harmony with the environment to reduce ecological impacts and improve human well-being. The use of green building materials—such as recycled, renewable, and locally sourced resources—not only conserves energy and natural assets but also enhances indoor air quality, durability, and economic value. However, while the adoption of green practices continues to expand, challenges such as inadequate management systems, lack of post-construction maintenance, and the gap between conceptual design and real performance hinder their sustainability. Addressing these issues requires comprehensive planning frameworks, supportive policies, and innovative technologies to ensure that buildings remain efficient and sustainable throughout their life cycle.

The Impact of Pro Forma and Strategic Ambiguity Approaches in Research and Governance for Ecological Sustainable Development

Chrysanthus Chukwuma Sr — Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The approaches and roles of pro forma and strategic ambiguity can be formidable in governance and research for sustainable development, but tend to create challenges, issues, and opportunities. Whereas pro forma strategies may provide a structured approach for assessment, ascertainment, progression, and assurance of transparency, on the contrary, strategic ambiguity can variably suppress implementation, management, and accountability. Globally, through the lenses of pro forma, strategic ambiguity and conventional presentations, it is important to elucidate the intricate challenges, issues and opportunities concerning sustainable development, particularly focusing on environment, health and healthcare delivery, agriculture, insecurity and governance. These highlight the multifaceted impacts of climate change and socio-political instabilities, proposing a holistic approach to sustainable governance. Whether by regulatory affairs using pro forma approaches and/or strategic ambiguity in governance and/or research, the erstwhile and extant journals or records constitute greater than mere historical depositories or memoirs. However, their usage must be appreciated constructively and collaboratively with caution, transparency, credibility, and ethical standards. We must keep in mind that flexibility is key, taking into cognizance that as policy makers, scholars, lawmakers, and politicians continue to debate pro forma and strategic ambiguity with further increases in citizen participation in local, regional, and global affairs, as applicable to humanity. It is pertinent that a vast majority of valiant stakeholders in research and governance encompassing environment, agriculture, insecurity, and employment in convergence with interdisciplinary approaches of pro forma and strategic ambiguity to tinker with challenges, issues, and opportunities, which will pave the pathways for sustainable development in our society. In the absence of challenges, issues, and opportunities, there will be stagnation and no exploration in diverse aspects of scientific and technological advancement, without inter alia insecurity, maladministration, hunger, and unemployment. Formulating an equilibrium between these pathways is pivotal to achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs). The appreciation and insights of pro forma and strategic ambiguity of research into governance and sustainable development are of extant value and pertinence with cognizance in enhanced future refurbishments, which ensure and encompass the expansive potential in geopolitics and sustainability. Embracing both pro forma approaches and strategic ambiguity may be promising in research and governance for sustainable development, human welfare, and wellbeing. However, it is pertinent to understand the nuances and potential caveats. Pro forma provides a structured framework for planning and evaluation, whereas strategic ambiguity grants the latitude for flexibility and adaptability in intricately complex situations. Both require careful management to avoid hindering progress or stifling trustworthiness.

Indigenous Knowledge for Modern Solutions: Exploring Vedic Environmental Management in the Pursuit of SDGs

Arabinda Sharma — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0000

This study explores the indigenous environmental management practices elucidated within Vedic literature and their relevance to contemporary sustainability goals, particularly the attainment of the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs). Drawing upon a comprehensive analysis of Vedic texts, this study examines the principles and practices embedded within these ancient texts that promote the management of the natural environment and alignment with modern sustainability objectives. The study begins by contextualizing the historical significance of Vedic literature and its profound influence on Indian culture and civilization. It then delves into the rich repository of environmental wisdom contained within Vedic scriptures, highlighting key principles such as reverence for nature, holistic ecosystem management, and sustainable living practices. Through a systematic review of Vedic hymns, rituals, and philosophical discourses, the research elucidates how ancient societies integrated environmental stewardship into their daily lives, agriculture, and spiritual practices. It also analyzes the applicability of Vedic environmental ethics and methodologies to contemporary sustainability challenges and alignment with the UN SDGs. The research acknowledges the limitations of directly applying ancient practices but emphasizes the potential for modification and integration with modern scientific advancements through a SWOT analysis. Overall, this research contributes to the growing discourse on the intersection of traditional indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and modern environmental management, highlighting the enduring relevance of Vedic literature in fostering harmony between humanity and the natural world.