The paper addresses certain issues pertaining to the
energy, environment, alternative building technologies
and sustainable building construction. Brief history of
developments in building materials is discussed. Energy
consumption in manufacture and transportation
of some common and alternative building materials and
the implications on environment are presented. Brief
details of some of the energy-efficient alternative building
technologies developed by ASTRA are provided.
Impacts of alternative building technologies on energy
and environment are discussed. Some thoughts about
utilizing industrial and mine wastes as well as recycling
of building wastes for meeting the demand for buildings
in a sustainable fashion have also been presented.