The quest for sustainable alternatives is the challenge for most cities and towns located in hilly terrain. It is in this context that the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) in collaboration with the Urban Affairs Directorate Department and other key government departments to champion sustainable construction practices in Shillong.
This collaboration is part of the VICALP project — Vernacular and Innovative Construction Alternatives for Low-carbon Development Practices — initiated by AEEE last month in Shillong.
The project marks a significant step forward in the decarbonisation of Shillong’s building sector, with a focus on environmentally responsible construction methods that align with the region’s unique landscape and urban needs.
The stakeholder event held on November 6 at the State Convention Center in Shillong, attracted representatives from several government sectors, including MUDA, Public Works Department (PWD), and the departments of Health, Education, Sports, and Tourism.
These officials engaged in critical discussions about the path toward low-carbon construction and shared insights on the current challenges facing the city’s infrastructure. Topics included the limitations of existing construction methods and materials, and the hurdles in adopting new, low-carbon alternative materials and construction practices.
They underscored issues such as lack of low carbon material availability, perceived lack of durability of vernacular materials, and the skill gaps that hinder the adoption of low-carbon construction materials and construction practices, which often result in reliance on energy-intensive construction materials. This aligned with the findings from the first stakeholder event with the private sector assessing the situation and the needs before laying out a plan.
AEEE provided a comprehensive overview of the VICALP project, highlighting its goals and anticipated outcomes to seek government support in reducing the carbon footprint of Shillong’s building sector. VICALP aims to support India’s transition to net-zero by promoting locally adapted, low-carbon construction materials and practices.
The project’s objectives include developing city-specific building sector models, assessing decarbonisation scenarios, and promoting skill-building initiatives to enhance employment opportunities for marginalised communities.
Pratima Washan, Senior Consultant at AEEE, emphasised the need for collaborative thinking in sustainable building infrastructure. “We must consider how building infrastructure needs are evolving and how these changes can impact the future emissions from the building sector, especially in regions like Shillong where energy-intensive construction practices are prevalent.”
In Shillong, due to the limitation of land space, landowners are compelled to shift from Assam type houses to three-storied buildings that depend on RCC constructions due to the cost and availability. This shift from traditional methods of construction to carbon-intensive building material is catching on in the rural areas too and that will have an impact on climate change.
S Shullai, Joint Director (Design), Directorate of Urban Affairs, reinforced the essential role that architects, engineers, and planners have in minimising the carbon footprint of construction. He highlighted the importance of embedding sustainable practices within building regulations, underscoring the need for adherence to building by-laws that encourage greener development.
Through VICALP, AEEE, along with their local partner, Barefoot Trust is committed to supporting Shillong’s transformation into a model of sustainable, low-carbon urban growth.
Beyond reducing emissions, this initiative aims to empower the local workforce, contributing to the economic resilience of the region. Over the coming years, VICALP will focus on capacity-building among Shillong’s stakeholders, advancing innovative, low-carbon solutions that respect the city’s cultural and environmental heritage.
This collaborative endeavour positions Shillong as a leader in sustainable urban development, setting an example for other cities across India working toward a similar vision of decarbonised growth.
