Islamabad, July 30, 2025 – In a significant move toward environmental sustainability and climate resilience, the Federal Cabinet has officially approved the Green Building Code of Pakistan, alongside the Rainwater Harvesting Provisions for the national Building Code.
These landmark decisions aim to establish a framework for constructing environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and water-conscious buildings across the country.
The approval is a key milestone in Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s environmental vision, which emphasizes clean air, energy conservation, and sustainable urban development. Spearheaded by Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi and Science and Technology Secretary Sajid Baloch, the development of these codes was the result of broad consultations with provincial governments, federal ministries, and other stakeholders, ensuring consensus and national ownership.
The newly approved Green Building Code applies to all new constructions with four or more floors. It emphasizes energy conservation through passive solar design, green roofs, energy-efficient lighting, and the integration of renewable energy systems. The Code also mandates the use of eco-friendly construction materials and promotes Building Information Modeling (BIM) to optimize building performance and management. These measures are expected to reduce energy consumption and improve indoor air quality, contributing to healthier living and working environments.
In parallel, the Rainwater Harvesting provisions of the Building Code apply to residential, commercial, and industrial properties, requiring the installation of systems to capture, filter, and reuse rainwater. This component supports water sustainability by promoting groundwater recharge and reducing reliance on municipal supplies.
Now incorporated into the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) Bye-Laws, both the Green Building Code and rainwater harvesting guidelines align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These codes mark a critical step in building a Green, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient Pakistan—enhancing both the quality of life for citizens and the health of the planet.