Answers

Well,what d'you know? A trip I took to unwind on the weekend has become the starting point for my research. My professor, with whom I discussed last post's issue, had some very interesting points of view and answers to offer.
Does our need justify the hectic construction activity happening?
Is there really a need for so many new buildings? This is an issue that will require a thorough study and possible revamp of by-laws by  civic and governmental departments.
Also, with dense urban centers becoming focal points of a livelihood for lakhs of people, construction activity is restricted to these  heart-beat zones. Local construction material within that 500 mile radius is, thus, depleting faster. Settlements need to spread out to suburbs. Workplaces and residences should mutually co-exist in the same locations.
There's also a lot more to think about...LEED accreditations, the 'trend' that's caught on with getting a 'rating' for each building, analyzing the effectiveness of LEED...