The Federal Cabinet has approved the Green Building Code of Pakistan along with the Rainwater Harvesting Provisions for the Building Code of Pakistan. The initiative is designed to promote urban development and ensure that future construction all over the country meets modern standards of energy efficiency, water conservation, and environmental sustainability.
Green Building Code for Energy Efficiency
The new Green Building Code is going to equally apply to all new buildings with four or more floors. The major focus of it is on energy conservation and sustainable design. Provisions include the
- Use of solar-friendly architecture
- Green roofs
- Energy-efficient lighting
Additionally, the code makes it extremely useful to use eco-friendly materials and Building Information Modeling (BIM) for effective construction and management. Officials keep on saying that these measures will not only minimize energy consumption but also improve indoor environmental quality, guaranteeing healthier living and working spaces.
Rainwater Harvesting Becomes Compulsory
Perhaps the most significant development is the ratification of the Rainwater Harvesting Code. It demands all new residential, commercial and industrial buildings to install systems that collect, filter, and reuse rainwater.
This effort is meant to tackle the worsening issue of water scarcity in PK, and also help in recharging the underground aquifer. Moreover, effort will assist in minimizing dependency on municipal water supplies.
Addressing Water and Climate Challenges
Experts note that Pakistan is the most vulnerable to climate change and water stress. They also said that by enforcing rainwater harvesting, the government is strongly hoping to not only conserve water but also mitigate the impact of urban flooding during heavy rains.
The Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) ratified that these codes have been approved as part of its Bye-Laws, ensuring legal enforcement. They are also the clear manifestation of strong alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to
- Climate action
- Sustainable cities
- Clean water management
A Step to Promote a Greener Future
Officials kept on considering the move as a pivotal milestone toward creating climate-resilient infrastructure. By encouraging eco-friendly design and responsible water management, the initiative is making promises not only a better quality of life for citizens but also a healthier planet for future generations.