Organization Helps Revive Sustainable Building Traditions in India

India has a rich history of building homes from sustainable materials, including mud, bamboo, and lime plaster. However, with rapid urban expansion and population growth, the country’s construction industry shifted towards concrete and steel, making India the world’s second-largest cement producer. This transition carries a heavy environmental toll, as concrete production accounts for up to 8% of global CO2 emissions.

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Shagun Singh, the founder of Geeli Mitti, seeks to reverse this trend. Established in 2016, Geeli Mitti promotes traditional, eco-friendly building techniques in India. Shagun’s vision extends beyond mere construction, intending Geeli Mitti to serve as a center of excellence for sustainable living and as a training and research hub.

Geeli Mitti conducts a variety of workshops, from natural building courses to water management programs and permaculture design certifications. The objective is to foster a holistic understanding of sustainable living. Shagun emphasizes that participants “experience what sustainable living is all about,” from exploring natural construction and farming methods to understanding healthcare and livelihood opportunities related to sustainability.

A crucial part of Geeli Mitti’s mission is to demystify mud-building. They educate people about different soil types and demonstrate various building techniques. The foundation maintains that a building composed of clay, sand, straw, and water can be sturdy, sustainable, and have an impressive lifespan of at least a century.

Shagun and her team are firm advocates of the potential for traditional building methods to combat modern climate challenges. They argue that buildings made from mud are not just eco-friendly but also practical for warm climates like India’s, thanks to their high thermal mass that slowly absorbs and stores heat, ensuring natural ventilation.

Geeli Mitti’s philosophy is resonating with architects who are returning to natural materials to develop resilient, self-sufficient buildings capable of withstanding extreme weather and rising temperatures.

Alongside teaching sustainable building, Geeli Mitti also provides job opportunities for local communities, contributing to their overall objective of promoting sustainable living. Shagun emphasizes the importance of starting small in the journey toward sustainability. By initiating small changes like segregating waste, one can gradually influence larger communities, resulting in significant environmental impacts.

Through her commitment to reviving sustainable building traditions, Shagun aspires for Geeli Mitti to create a lasting legacy, constructing buildings that are not just environmentally friendly, but flood, fire, and earthquake-proof – a testament to sustainability that will stand the test of time.

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