My OperaPioneering alternate technology in construction
Friday, May 9, 2008 3:05:48 AM
Several alternative housing projects have grown up under the umbrella of BCIL (Biodiversity Conservation Limited). Started a decade ago, this for-profit environmental organization relies on market dynamics, rather than external funding, to create sustainable alternatives to conventional housing. BCIL director Chandrashekar Hariharan believes that since business must by necessity become sustainable sooner or later, he hopes that BCIL can lead the way in proving the feasibility of working within (and ultimately influencing) market mechanisms to create environmentally responsible housing. This would include design for self-sufficiency, community, waste management and efficient use of space, materials and energy. He wants to "tell business that [they] are viable in their business framework." This has been a challenge, he says, because "people can't accept that it's possible to have both values and financial viability."
