The "Economy of Sustainable Construction" by Ruby Press, Berlin, is a publication inspired by the 4th International Holcim Forum and examines how sustainability can deliver a robust response to fiscal challenges. The book evaluates current architectural practices and models, and also introduces materials and methods to maximize the environmental, social, and economic performance of buildings.
Contained within its 400 pages are essays, reports, and case studies that examine the relationship between commercial and sustainable values, and explore the paths that construction will take in the 21st century. The Economy of Sustainable Construction points out the urgency of adapting more sustainable construction practices and buildings in the light of rapid urbanization, the vast growths of today’s giant cities, the sluggish economy, and burgeoning climate issues.
The Economy of Sustainable Construction, edited and published by Ruby Press Berlin was supported by the Holcim Foundation. Inspired by the 4th International Holcim Forum held in Mumbai in 2013, the authors propose how architecture, engineering and construction can contribute to the challenges of a global economy – in the shadow of increasing urbanization, demands for ever more economic growth around the world, compounded by serious environmental and social consequences. The experts examine how a sustainable future could be secured without making radical changes to the economic system.
Two contributors of the book, architects Alejandro Aravena, Executive Director of Elemental, Chile and Francis Kéré, principal of Kéré Architecture, Germany presented their work engaged on the topic as a launch event in Basel, Switzerland.
