Publications :

• Kumar, Arun; Lakshmikanthan, K.R.L; Vaidyanathan, Geeta: "Cleaner Brick Production in India: A Transectoral Initiative"; UNEP, Industry and Environment, January-June 1998, pp 77-80.

  Keywords: Environmental Regulations and performances

                   Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK)

                   Cleaner Production

  Abstract: In India, where there is an extremely serious and fast growing housing shortage, burnt bricks are the most popular building material (current demand is estimated at 55billion bricks per year). The investigation of technologies to improve energy efficiency and achieve other environmental objectives has generally been lacking in the brick industry. The most promising method of decentralised burnt brick production, vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) Technology, was developed in China over the last three decades. Through changes in design features and operating procedures, environmental performance and product Quality are being improved as this technology is introduced at Indian VSBK sites

• Lakshmikanthan, K.R.L: "Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln Technology in India"; All India Brick and tile Manufacturers, Annual issue, 1999.

  Keywords: VSBK Construction

                   VSBK Operation

                   Environmental Performance

  Abstract: The search for cleaner brick production technologies has lead to the identification of Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) technology. The Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln (VSBK) technology originally developed in China is an energy efficient, environment friendly and economically viable means to produce quality brick. The article features the basics of VSBK and the principle of its working for ready reference

• Kumar, Arun; "Bench Marking of indices for sustainability";

  Keywords:

  Abstract:

• Patara, Shrashtant: "Creating sustainable livelihoods in a globalising world"; Conference on globalisation and development; University of Warwick, England
  

• Patara, Shrashtant: "An approach to technological change in rural shelter for sustainable   development"; International conference on sustainable village based development, Colorado State University, Colorado; Development Alternatives, New Delhi . 1993. 6 p. Rs.  12/- US$1.00
  

• Patara,Shrashtant: "Developing entrepreneurship for rural housing - a national imperative : The catalytic role of voluntary organisations". National Consultation on Rural Housing. Council for Advancement of People’s Action and Rural Technology (CAPART), New Delhi. 1995. 6p. Rs 12/- US$1.00
  

•  Kumar,Arun: "Technology for recycling initiatives in manufacturing - a case study";  Seventh Talloires Seminar on "Strengthening partnerships for technological cooperation", Tufts University European Center, France. 1993. Rs. 28/- US$3.00
  

• Subramanian, T.N and Kumar, Arun: "Development of the Indian handmade paper  industry a case study"; Industry and Environment, 17(2). 1994 Pp 8-13. Rs. 12/- US$1.00

• Sriraman,V and Sharma,N; "Design of Ferro cement under-structure for sloping roofs"; National seminar on low cost housing and infrastructure, Indian National Academy of Engineering, New Delhi. Development Alternatives, New Delhi. 1994. 14p. Rs. 28/- US$3.00  "Cement in service of nation", Shelter group, Development Alternatives; dec’99           Abstract: This publication has been inspired by the stalwarts in the Building Materials Sector and attempts to shatter the myth "that cement based construction results in high costs". Research Institutions like Central Building Research Institute, Structural Engineering and Research centre, Auroville Building Centre and Development Alternatives have devised alternative building systems and technologies which are based on efficient utilisation of cement and other material resources. These alternative building technologies are used extensively for walling, roofing, flooring and other building components. This publication details highly innovative technologies for roofing; Micro Concrete Roofing; Ferro cement Roofing Channels and Funicular Shells, and for walling; Concrete Blocks and Stabilised Compressed Earth Blocks, that are improvements vis a vis traditional methods. The details of the technologies such as manufacturing process, cost and utilisation norms are highlighted. Case studies of actual buildings constructed with these technologies; both for housing and public buildings have been highlighted to demonstrate cost savings up to 30% even while using higher quantities of cement. It is evident that Cement based building products for walling, roofing, flooring, door and window frames and structural elements can be manufactured using innovative techniques and processes that exploit the full potential of cement and steel. This publication clearly demonstrates that building products can be produced efficiently in a decentralised manner resulting in local manufacture of affordable cement based products. This is the key for expanding rural markets for house construction and ensuring the efficient use of cement.The delivery of these products, technologies and allied services will require decentralized production and marketing. The active participation of cement companies and the private sector is crucial in strengthening and promotion of sustainable building systems to create a win-win situation for improved affordable housing and expanding the use of cement in rural India.

• "Reversing the Downward Spiral"; A Research study conducted by Development Alternatives and Infras (Switzerland); Development Alternatives, 1999.

   

  Keywords: Livelihood systems

                   Improved shelter

                    Energy in construction sector

  Abstract: The research program on structural and institutional transformation processes related to Sustainable development puts forth the proposal that increasing demand of housing and building materials must be met by augmentation of supply through technological initiatives. This needs to be achieved through sustainable production systems designed to improve the basic factor conditions in the local economy. The growth of supply of materials must be simultaneously achieved while raising the energy productivity (ton output/energy input) in the building materials industry. This can be achieved through improvements in existing products/ technologies and introduction of new alternatives that influence mass consumption.

• Revi.A; "Shelter in India"; Development alternatives; New Delhi.1990.158p.Rs.195/- US$19.50.

• Development Alternatives; "Awareness Exposition on Sustainable Building Technologies"; New Delhi, 15^th Nov' 1999.

  Keywords: Economics - Affordability of Social housing

                  Technology - Local Resource

                  Legal Frameworks - Standards

                  Institutional - Job creation

  Event Introduction: The basin Awareness Exposition, at the India International Trade Fair, New Delhi, brought together a large number of concerned individuals from the building sector to deliberate on issues related to the "Delivery of Adequate Shelter for All". About 100 professionals and decision makers from the government, non-government and private sectors addressed the challenges posed by the rapidly growing demand for shelter in an environment of limited resources and explored the critical ingredients of successful programs for building technology and shelter delivery.

• Development Alternatives; "basin Sustainable Building Technologies Seminar"; Jhansi - India, 17^th - 20^th Nov' 1999.

  Keywords: Environmental impacts

                  Best Practices

                  Technology

                  Practical Demonstrations

                  Dissemination

  Event Introduction: The overall objective of the basin seminar was to ensure comprehensive information exchange about sustainable building technologies through focusing on practical application to learn from "small successes" and explore ways in which these successes could be multiplied at a larger scale.

  The Seminar was designed with the specific objectives of promotion of affordable, environmentally sound and energy efficient building technologies; to understand the process of selecting technologies and building systems, utilizing local resources, skills and building traditions by discussing in detail the production systems and application of alternative building materials.

• "Vertical Shaft Brick Kiln Technology in India"; Development Alternatives, October 1999.

  Keywords: VSBK Construction

                  VSBK Operation

                  Advantages

                  Environmental performance

                  Status report in India

                  Pilot operations

• "Compressed Earth Block Technology"; Compiled from GTZ, CRATerre, Development Alternatives; November 1999.

• "Ferro cement Technology"; Development Alternatives, November 1999.

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