In the heart of Dhaka, Bangladesh’s bustling capital, a green revolution is quietly unfolding, one building at a time. A recent study published in the journal Nature Environment and Pollution Technology, translated as Nature, Environmental and Pollution Technology, has shed light on the environmental features of green buildings in the city, offering a roadmap for the future of sustainable construction in the region. The research, led by Md. Sultanul Islam, along with Nafis Ibna Oli and Md. Hasibul Hassan, delves into the prospects, challenges, and mitigation strategies for green building development, with significant implications for the energy sector.
The construction industry is a notorious energy guzzler, contributing substantially to environmental degradation. However, the tide is turning, with green building development gaining momentum as a sustainable solution. The study, which assessed 22 green buildings in Dhaka, provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of green buildings in the city, focusing on seven key environmental features.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is the gold standard in green building certification, and the study investigated three LEED versions. The findings reveal a mixed bag of results. While features like rainwater management, enhanced commissioning, and optimized energy performance showed promising trends, renewable energy integration emerged as a significant challenge. A staggering 72.72% of buildings were found to be in ‘very poor’ condition regarding renewable energy.
“Renewable energy integration remains challenging for all buildings,” said lead author Md. Sultanul Islam. “Solar energy should be extensively employed to enhance energy utilization efficiency, reduce energy demand, and minimize environmental impact.”
The study’s findings have significant commercial implications for the energy sector. As the demand for green buildings grows, so will the need for renewable energy solutions. This presents a substantial opportunity for energy companies to innovate and invest in sustainable technologies.
However, the path to a truly green building market in Bangladesh is not without its challenges. The study identified several hurdles, including a lack of government action and initiatives, financial incentives, investor hesitation, and knowledge gaps. To overcome these challenges, the authors recommend policy reforms, public awareness campaigns, industry development, and capacity building.
The study provides a basic understanding of the green building situation in Dhaka and guides future research and policy initiatives. As Bangladesh commits to sustainable development goals, the findings of this study could shape the future of green building development in the country and beyond. The energy sector, in particular, stands to gain significantly from this green revolution, with opportunities for innovation and investment in renewable energy solutions.
The research, published in Nature, Environmental and Pollution Technology, offers a compelling narrative of the prospects and challenges of green building development in Dhaka. As the city strives to become more sustainable, the findings of this study could pave the way for a greener, more energy-efficient future. The lead author, Md. Sultanul Islam, along with his team, has provided a valuable contribution to the field, one that could shape the future of green building development in Bangladesh and beyond.