GWI supports GRIHA Summit in New Delhi

The UNSW Global Water Institute (UNSW-GWI) recently participated in the 10th Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) Summit in New Delhi. The Summit held on 11–12 December, 2018 at the Indian Habitat Centre (IHC) in New Delhi, was co-sponsored by The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) and UNSW Sydney. As the sole Multilateral Partner, UNSW sent a strong delegation from the faculties of the Built Environment, Law, Engineering, Science, Medicine, Business, Art and Design and Arts and Social Science. 

The theme of the summit was “Fostering Partnerships for Sustainable Habitat”, which provided the focus for participants to debate and discuss aspects of green habitat development and sustainability in the context of inclusiveness, international cooperation and education.

The conference featured plenary addresses by Professor Ian Jacobs, President and Vice Chancellor at UNSW and Mr. Laurie Pearcey, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (International).  A specific session on the topic of ‘Water Stress: Perplexing Possibilities’ was moderated by UNSW-GWI. The session focused on water as an integral part of the construction and operations of the built environment—and a crucial aspect of the conceptualisation, design, and execution of construction projects. It enabled discussion about the challenges and probable solutions to ensure rapid dissemination and appropriate adaptation or application of water resource management in the built environment, which is key to strengthening water security.

One aspect of the session focussed on challenges associated with demand forecasting in India’s rapidly developing cities which complicates planning. Speakers commented on the importance of incorporating local knowledge and understanding of water use and the role sound design, both inside and outside the home, can conserve water and provide opportunities for stormwater capture and reuse. In addition, the session featured case studies on how large industrial water users are working towards zero discharge and improved stewardship of local groundwater resources.

The GRIHA summit is organised annually by the GRIHA Council in association with key stakeholders.