Legal aspects concerning sustainable buildings and cities relating to the urban development in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Sustainable buildings are energy and environmentally efficient, providing economic, environmental and social benefits over the whole built environment, while protecting and improving the needs of future generation. Sustainable construction also should be environmentally efficient and economically viable. "Green Buildings" are an evolving term in Sri Lanka that encompasses both the general concept of environmentally conscious development and construction, as well as multiple formal rating systems for measuring the environmental impact of projects. A Sustainable City is a city where achievements in social, economic, and physical development are made to last. It is now widely recognized that cities make an important contribution to social and economic development at national and local levels. Cities are important engines of economic growth. Cities absorb two-thirds of the population growth in developing countries as well as it offer significant economies of scale in the provision of jobs, housing and services. Also cities are important centre of productivity and social advancement. Laws governing protection of environment in Sri Lanka are largely based on legislative enactments. The objectives, of this legislation are to promote planning of economic, social and physical development aspects and its implementation in the urban areas. This paper presents existing and new environmental and planning law and legal aspects to be considered in sustainable buildings, cities and urban development in Sri Lankan construction industry.