Experts Urge Low-Carbon, Circular Construction to Tackle Urbanization Challenges

Bangladesh’s development momentum is steadily increasing, alongside growing urbanization challenges. To address these risks, experts have emphasized that the use of low-carbon materials and circular approaches in housing and infrastructure construction is essential. They stressed the importance of reusing materials multiple times and ensuring renewable energy use at every stage—from design to utilization.

These observations were made at a workshop titled “Circularity in the Built Environment,” held on Sunday, 29 March, at a hotel in the capital. Speakers highlighted the need to ensure the reuse of old materials, the adoption of low-emission construction materials, and the use of renewable energy at every stage of the construction process—from planning to implementation.

At the workshop, organized to promote and implement sustainable and resource-efficient construction practices in the country, speakers noted that while the construction sector is a key driver of economic growth, it is highly resource-intensive and has a significant environmental impact. With rapid urbanization increasing the demand for construction materials, this pressure is expected to intensify in the future. If conventional construction methods continue, it will significantly increase pressure on natural resources, waste generation, and carbon emissions.

Md. Sarwar Alam, Chairman of the project’s Technical Committee and Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, said, “Although the construction sector is a major driver of Bangladesh’s development, we must consider its significant environmental impact. If we continue with traditional construction methods, it will create immense pressure on natural resources. We now have the opportunity to choose a path of sustainable and low-carbon development.”

The Additional Secretary also noted that work is underway to develop a “National Green Building Certification System” with the support of the Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI).

Ulrich Kleppmann, Head of Development Cooperation at the German Embassy, said, “Transitioning to circular approaches is not only an environmental necessity but also an economic opportunity. This requires fundamental changes from design to construction and recycling processes.”

Sudhir Muralidharan, Country Manager (Bangladesh and Bhutan) of UNOPS, said, “Material reuse is not new to Bangladesh—it is part of our tradition. Many buildings constructed in the 1970s and 1980s have now aged and will generate significant waste. Through data-driven planning, we can transform this waste into resources.”

Also present at the workshop were Stefan Liller, Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh, and Mohammad Gias Uddin Haider, Director General of HBRI, along with teachers and researchers from various universities. Speakers also recommended enhancing coordination among the public and private sectors and academia in infrastructure development, as well as aligning the construction sector with national climate commitments.

A panel discussion titled “How to Institutionalize the Circular Economy” was also held at the event. Organized by the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, the workshop was supported by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), UNOPS, and UN-Habitat.

DBTech/SA/EK/OR