KARACHI: To turn the Pakistan Green Buildings initiative into a reality and make it a significant national milestone, experts at the Pakistan Green Building Conference 2025, held on Thursday, emphasized the need for well-coordinated, long-term efforts and a sustained partnership among all major stakeholders.
Experts have emphasized the urgent need for policy reforms, regulatory updates, and long-term planning to promote sustainable and eco-friendly construction practices in Pakistan. They noted that overlapping industry structures and outdated laws have created systemic challenges that hinder the adoption of green building standards.
Speaking at a conference on the Sindh Green Buildings Initiative, officials and engineers highlighted that Pakistan’s construction sector has expanded over decades without a unified framework. “The most critical factor in the construction industry is cost. Green buildings require proper planning, expert input, and higher investment. However, most developers focus on quick profits — this mindset must change,” one expert said, adding that while transformation will take time, it is both necessary and inevitable.
Participants pointed out that many countries have already set sustainable development targets for key sectors such as energy, health, and housing, with timelines ranging from 10 to 20 years. They stressed that Pakistan must follow suit by revising building by-laws and implementing a modern regulatory framework to ensure a sustainable future.
Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA) Director General, in his address, shared that the provincial government aims to modernize the authority’s operational mechanism. “Our legal framework, regulations, and the SBCA Act have become outdated. Amendments are necessary. We have already prepared a draft framework, which will soon be presented to the Cabinet for approval,” he stated.
He added that adopting eco-friendly and energy-efficient construction methods is vital for ensuring public health and creating sustainable urban environments. “By using renewable energy and efficient design, we can reduce costs, conserve resources, and protect the environment,” he said.
Earlier, Dr. Sarosh Lodhi, Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), delivered a presentation on the council’s ongoing initiatives to enhance the role of engineers in the housing and development sectors, highlighting new policy measures aimed at improving standards and professional practices.
