Published: 12:00 AM, 21 October 2026
Building Bangladesh's Future Without Burning Its Present
Md. Mehedi Hasan Rimon
Construction shapes our cities and our climate. Every home, office and road we build leaves a mark on the planet. According to the 2025-2026 Global Status Report for Buildings and Construction, this sector causes about 37 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions and consumes 28 per cent of global energy. Half of the buildings which will exist in 2050, are yet to be built or renovated. So, today's choices will shape tomorrow's world. For Bangladesh, the matter is urgent as, more than 52 million people already lives in urban areas, and Dhaka division alone holds more than 20.7 million.
Sustainable construction refers planning, designing, building and operating properties so that environmental harm reduces while economic and social conditions improve. The Brundtland Report defines sustainable development as development that meets the needs of people today, without harming the ability of future generations to gain their own needs. Article 18A of the Constitution of Bangladesh requires the State to protect and improve the environment for present and future citizens. In the case ‘Mohiuddin Farooque v Bangladesh’ the Appellate Division tied environmental harm to the right to life under Article 32. People see green building as a luxury, but the evidence says otherwise. This sector represents about 13 percent of global GDP and ensures employment of about 9 percent of the global workforce. Green buildings may cost a little more to build, but they save money in the long run by reducing maintaining costs. Globally energy use in buildings has fallen by 8.5%, and certifications of green building have almost tripled in ten years. People’s health may be improved by using better ventilation, natural light, and safe materials. Then why the progress is so slow?
The first reason is cost and lack of awareness. Eco-friendly technologies require more money at the beginning, so the developers who want instant profits often avoid it. Many developers, contractors, and buyers are not aware of green building methods. Consequently, the demand remains low.
The second obstacle is weak enforcement of laws. The Bangladesh National Building Code 2020, have a whole chapter on energy efficiency and sustainability, and the Environment Conservation Act 1995 requires environmental clearance before a project begins. The Real Estate Development and Management Act 2010, however, mainly governs developer registration and buyer protection only. The limited enforcement by allows developers to ignore green building standards without serious consequences. According to a The Daily Star report published in 2019, over 95% of structures under the jurisdiction of RAJUK were built without proper approval. The third barrier is the problem of materials. The industry stands on carbon-heavy cement, steel and bricks. According to the Department of Environment, brick kilns generate about 58 per cent of Dhaka's air pollution, despite having the Brick Manufacturing and Brick Kilns Establishment (Control) Act 2013. As brickmaking is not widely recognized as a formal industry, most kiln owners cannot obtain loans to upgrade.
The problems can be solved by making green building rules mandatory and properly enforced. Rating systems like LEED promote energy and water efficiency. Clear rules, transparent approvals, and trained inspectors can help turn green building rules into actual practice. Moreover, we need clean energy and smart design. In 2024, renewable energy supplied only 17.3 percent of buildings' energy demand globally which is far below from a net-zero pathway. Rooftop solar, efficient lighting and smart energy systems deserve priority, while Building Information Modelling lets designers test and cut energy use before construction begins. Builders should also use recycled materials of buildings and governments should promote planned urbanization, public transport and green space.
Green projects can be encouraged through financial incentives. Bangladesh Bank’s Green Transformation Fund provides financing to banks for green investments which is mainly for industries. A similar fund for green buildings, along with tax benefits and subsidies, could encourage developers to adopt green practices. Strong monitoring would ensure the incentives are used properly. Universities and professional bodies should train engineers, architects and workers in green design, and public campaigns should show buyers the long-term savings.
The outlook is encouraging. Bangladesh is quite ahead among the countries with national roadmaps to support sector transformation. But the progress has slowed since 2020 and annual investment in building energy efficiency shall reach about US$592 billion by 2030. Climate finance and technical help from international institutions may speed things up. Bangladesh already holds useful tools such as a constitutional duty, a building code, environmental clearance and a green finance policy. What is missing is consistent enforcement and affordability in finance. Sustainable construction is a legal duty, an economic opportunity and a social responsibility at once. If government, developers, engineers, financiers and citizens work together, we can build cities that our children can inherit safely.
Md. Mehedi Hasan Rimon studies Law in
Bangladesh University of Professionals
(BUP), Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka.
