Call for Dedicated Force to Enforce Building Codes, Zero-Waste Strategies

Islamabad: Pakistan’s construction industry is at a crossroads as climate policies demand immediate attention. Chairperson of the Senate’s Standing Committee on Climate Change, Sherry Rehman, has called for a dedicated force within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to enforce building codes and zero-waste strategies. Speaking at a Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) webinar, she highlighted the urgent need for regulatory action to curb environmental damage.

The Need for a Dedicated Force to Enforce Building Codes

A lack of proper enforcement has led to unsustainable urbanization, increasing pollution, and environmental degradation. Senator Sherry Rehman emphasized:

• Strict compliance with green building codes.
• Establishment of a specialized EPA task force for monitoring construction practices.
• Higher taxes for non-compliant sectors and tax incentives for sustainable construction.

She stressed that Pakistan’s major cities face a growing solid waste crisis, impacting water bodies like the Indus River, the world’s second most polluted river.

Addressing the Solid Waste Crisis in Pakistan

The unchecked dumping of construction waste into landfills is a major environmental threat. According to Akbar Mahmood Zaidi, Resident Engineer at ACES 18:

• Pakistan generates 25-30% of construction waste, most of which goes to landfills.
• Unregulated resource extraction is depleting Margalla Hills National Park.
• Pakistan needs a structured waste recycling framework to incorporate the informal sector’s recycling efforts.

Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri, Executive Director of SDPI, highlighted that aligning Pakistan’s construction sector with circular economy principles can drastically cut emissions and promote sustainable development.

Tax Incentives and Penalties for Green Construction

A taxation roadmap is critical for incentivizing sustainable practices. Experts at the webinar suggested:

• Tax relief for builders using low-carbon materials.
• Hefty penalties for non-compliant construction firms.
• Certification systems for tracking and rewarding sustainable practices.
• Mandatory recycling policies to curb excessive landfill waste.

Dr. Saeed Ahmad from NED University emphasized the importance of low-carbon, cost-effective housing models to meet Pakistan’s demand for 10 million housing units in urban centers.

Circular Economy and Sustainable Housing Models

Circular economy principles can transform the construction industry. Key recommendations included:

• Encouraging material reuse through a centralized database for used materials.
• Adopting sustainable housing models like Khuda Ki Basti.
• Expanding initiatives like the Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF) using green building materials.

Ahad Nazir, Director of Private Sector Engagement at SDPI, stressed the importance of an industry-wide used-materials database and certification system to boost resilience in the construction sector.

Challenges in Pakistan’s Construction Sector

Despite its economic importance, Pakistan’s construction industry faces several challenges:

• Lack of policy alignment with climate goals.
• Inefficient enforcement of building codes and regulations.
• Depleting natural resources due to unchecked construction material extraction.
• Poor waste management leading to landfill overflow and pollution.
• Limited public awareness on sustainable construction.

Bilal Anwar, CEO of National Disaster Risk Management Fund, emphasized that Pakistan must integrate sustainability within urban planning to create long-term economic and environmental stability.

Conclusion & Future Outlook

The call for a dedicated force to enforce building codes and zero-waste strategies is a crucial step towards sustainable urban development in Pakistan. With proper regulatory frameworks, taxation incentives, and circular economy adoption, the construction industry can become an engine of eco-friendly growth rather than an environmental liability.

To stay updated on Pakistan’s green construction reforms, follow Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and explore international best practices on sustainable architecture.

Internal Links:

• Pakistan’s Climate Change Policies
• Circular Economy in Construction
• Green Building Certification Systems

External Links:

• UNEP on Sustainable Construction
• Pakistan’s Environmental Protection Agency

With Pakistan’s rapid urbanization, it is imperative that green building codes and zero-waste strategies become national priorities. The time to act is now. 🚀