Cabinet Approves Pakistan’s First Green Building Code

In a landmark step toward environmental protection and climate resilience, the Federal Cabinet has approved the Green Building Code of Pakistan and the Rainwater Harvesting Provisions under the Building Code of Pakistan. These national standards are designed to promote energy-efficient, water-conserving, and environmentally sustainable construction practices across the country.

This initiative, driven by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s vision for a cleaner, greener Pakistan, is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The development of these codes was led by Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi and Ministry of Science and Technology Secretary Sajid Baloch, in close consultation with provincial governments, federal ministries, and other key stakeholders to build national consensus.

The Green Building Code will apply to all newly constructed buildings with four or more floors. It emphasizes energy conservation, solar design, green roofs, energy-efficient lighting, and the incorporation of renewable energy technologies. The code also encourages the use of eco-friendly construction materials and the adoption of Building Information Modeling (BIM) for effective building management, ultimately reducing energy usage and improving indoor environmental quality.

Meanwhile, the Rainwater Harvesting Code will apply to residential, commercial, and industrial structures, making it mandatory to install systems for rainwater collection, filtration, and reuse. This measure is intended to combat Pakistan’s growing water scarcity by supporting groundwater recharge and reducing reliance on municipal water supplies.

Both codes have been adopted as Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Bye-Laws, marking a critical advancement toward climate-resilient infrastructure. These efforts are expected to significantly enhance the quality of life for citizens while contributing to global sustainability efforts.