Growing climate change vulnerability especially rising temperature is adversely affecting the sustainability of Bangladesh’s construction and building industry, said experts.
The observations came at a dialogue titled "Environmental Sustainability and Certification" on Sunday, organised by Dhaka Chamber of Commerce & Industry (DCCI) in the capital.
To ensure a comprehensive "greening" of the country’s building industry, both the public and private sectors need to work together to support the integration and mainstreaming green building concept, they added.
Besides, participants of the dialogue recommended creating awareness for using green technology in constructing building, loan facility at lower interest rate for green building, reducing duty on green building materials, rain water harvesting, renewable energy, reducing misuse of power and energy and modern waste management system
About 50 participants from different organisations participated in this dialogue. Sustainable Infrastructure Development Consultant & CEO of EnergySolve International (Pvt) Ltd Mahendra Jayalath presented the keynote paper. DCCI President Osama Taseer chaired the event.
Taseer said DCCI is relentlessly working with the policy makers and development partners to promote environmental sustainability through initiatives like 'Eco-friendly Jute Pulp Paper Project' and 'Resource Efficient Cleaner Production Project' in metal industry.
Sustainability is one of the most discussed environmental and climate change related issues, he said.
A study shows that about 40 per cent of total electricity production in Bangladesh and 30 per cent worldwide are consumed at residences.
There are 90 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certified green factories in Bangladesh.
Among those 24 are LEED platinum rated and more than 280 factories are registered with USGBC for LEED certification.
Mahendra Jayalath in his presentation highlighted that sustainable development is the driving force behind modern day development.
Contamination of water, soil and air, pollution by chemical, deforestation and waste management are some of the concerns related with sustainable environment, he added.
According to a study, building's contribution to total environmental burden ranges between 12-42 per cent.
Senior Vice President of DCCI Waqar Ahmad Choudhury gave the concluding remarks.
DCCI Vice President Imran Ahmed, Directors Ashraf Ahmed, Alhaj Deen Mohammad, Enamul Haque Patwary, Hossain A Sikder, Kh. Rashedul Ahsan, KMN Monjurul Hoque, Engr. Md. Al Amin, Md. Rashedul Karim Munna, Mohammad Bashiruddin, Shams Mahmud and SM Zillur Rahman were also present.
