Environment, Forest and Climate Change Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today said that constructing environment-friendly buildings is no longer a choice, but a necessity. 

"A building can't be called 'green' merely by using special paint or obtaining a certificate. Environmental principles and technologies must be integrated at every stage, from design and construction to operation and maintenance," she said.

Rizwana, also adviser to the ministry of Water Resources, made the remark while speaking as the Chief Guest at a workshop on "Green Building", organized by the Department of Environment (DoE) in the capital's Agargaon this morning, said a ministry press release. 

She stressed that making green building standards mandatory in all government infrastructures is essential for building sustainable and livable cities. "Once the government sets the standard through its own buildings, the private sector will naturally follow," she added.

Highlighting the importance of sustainable architecture, the adviser said that protecting Dhaka's canals and rivers, reducing waste and noise pollution, and controlling urban heat are no longer possible without eco-friendly construction systems. 

She called for incorporating rooftop solar power, rainwater harvesting, and the use of natural light and ventilation into building designs.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan proposed the formation of a "Green Building Council" comprising representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, DoE, Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI), Local Government Division, and other relevant bodies. 

The council would be responsible for setting green building standards, updating legal frameworks, and ensuring effective implementation.

Environment, Forest and Climate Change Secretary Dr Farhina Ahmed, RAJUK Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam, Public Works Department's Chief Engineer Md Khalekuzzaman Chowdhury, DoE Additional Director General Md Ziaul Haque, Director AKM Rafiqul Islam, World Bank's Environmental Specialist Bushra Nishat, HBRI Principal Research Officer Md Nafizur Rahman and Architect Rafiq Azam, along with engineers, architects, researchers and policy experts were present.