Experts urge shift to green construction to tackle climate risks

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 22nd Apr, 2026) Experts have warned that Pakistan’s construction sector must urgently adopt modern and environmentally sustainable practices to effectively address the growing impacts of climate change, cautioning that delays could aggravate environmental and economic challenges in the years ahead.

The views were expressed during a webinar organised by EMPAK Strategies on the occasion of World Earth Day.

Saeed Aftab Gilani, Chief Operating Officer and Airport Manager at Islamabad International Airport, said Pakistan’s key challenge was not the absence of policies but weak implementation.

He stressed the need to move from “policy to implementation” to promote green buildings and sustainable construction practices.

He added that the use of modern technologies, including AI-based building management systems and improved public transport initiatives, could support this transition.

Dr Muhammad Arshad, a water resource management and climate planning expert, highlighted water scarcity as a critical issue for the country.

He called for making rainwater harvesting systems mandatory in urban construction to help mitigate water shortages.

Arshad Dad, Chief Adviser to the Constructors Association of Pakistan, said the lack of financial resources remained the biggest obstacle to promoting green buildings. While energy-efficient structures offered long-term benefits, he noted that high initial costs discouraged adoption by developers and individuals.

He also underscored the need for reforms in the agriculture sector, noting that it consumed about 93 per cent of the country’s water resources.

Participants of the webinar called on the government to introduce incentives such as tax relief, subsidies and easier financing options to encourage green construction. They also recommended launching model green building projects to raise awareness and demonstrate practical solutions.

The experts further emphasised the need for strict enforcement of construction regulations and greater institutional transparency to help achieve sustainable development goals.