Environmental Sustainability In Architecture Education: Integrating Green Thinking Through NEP 2020 For Future Employability

Abstract

The escalating environmental crises, including climate change, resource depletion, and urban pollution, have placed sustainability at the forefront of architectural education worldwide. This paper explores the integration of green thinking within architecture education in India, focusing on the implications of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020—a transformative framework aimed at making education holistic, interdisciplinary, and skill-oriented. The study critically examines how sustainability principles are embedded in architecture curricula in alignment with NEP directives, emphasizing the development of green skills that enhance future employability. Employing a mixed-methods approach involving curriculum analysis, stakeholder interviews, and industry surveys, this research identifies the current gaps between academic offerings and industry expectations. The findings highlight uneven adoption of sustainability modules and a pressing need for enhanced collaboration between educational institutions and the architectural industry. Based on these insights, the paper proposes strategic recommendations for standardizing sustainability education, fostering faculty training, and promoting experiential learning. Ultimately, this study underscores the pivotal role of NEP 2020 in bridging education-employment gaps and shaping environmentally responsible architects equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving green economy.