Mandatory Green Building Policy Key for Sustainable Cities: Rizwana

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan

Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan on Sunday stressed that making a ‘green building’ policy mandatory for government infrastructure is essential to create sustainable and livable cities.

“Once the government ensures compliance in its projects, the private sector will follow,” she said at a workshop on “Green Building” organised by the Department of Environment (DoE) in Dhaka.

She clarified that green buildings are not defined merely by their color or certification, but by integrating eco-friendly practices and technologies at every stage of design, construction, management, and maintenance.

The adviser highlighted that sustainable buildings are crucial for protecting Dhaka’s canals and rivers, reducing waste and noise pollution, and regulating temperatures to improve the urban environment.

Rizwana called for policies such as rooftop solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and the use of natural light and ventilation to be incorporated in building projects.

She also proposed forming a “Green Building Council” comprising representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Department of Environment, Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI), Local Government Division, and other relevant agencies.

The council would be responsible for setting standards, updating laws, and monitoring the implementation of green building practices.

The event was attended by Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr. Farhina Ahmed; RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam; Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department Md Khalekuzzaman Chowdhury; Additional Director General of DoE Md Ziaul Haque; and numerous engineers, architects, researchers, and policymakers.