Islamabad, Pakistan – As urbanization accelerates and climate threats intensify, Pakistan’s construction sector must urgently adopt sustainable practices to meet global climate goals. Experts and policymakers emphasized this during a recent SDPI webinar, calling for tax incentives for green buildings, stricter regulations, and eco-friendly construction materials to combat environmental degradation.
Why Pakistan’s Construction Sector Needs a Green Overhaul
1. Climate Crisis & Unsustainable Construction
- The construction industry contributes 30-40% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
- In Pakistan, 25-30% of construction waste ends up in landfills, worsening pollution.
- Unregulated resource extraction, especially near Margalla Hills, is depleting natural reserves.
Senator Sherry Rehman stressed integrating circular economy principles into national policies, proposing:
✅ Tax incentives for sustainable projects
✅ Higher penalties for non-compliant industries
✅ A dedicated EPA enforcement unit for zero-waste construction
2. Urbanization & Housing Crisis Demand Green Solutions
With 10 million housing units needed, Pakistan must adopt low-carbon, affordable construction models.
Dr. Saeed Ahmad (NED University) highlighted successful initiatives like:
🏡 Khuda Ki Basti
🏡 Naya Pakistan Housing Programme
🏡 Sindh Peoples Housing for Flood Affectees (SPHF)
3. Economic Stagnation & Policy Gaps
Bilal Anwar (NDRMF) warned that the construction sector—once a major employment driver—is now stagnant.
🔹 Lack of green policies in climate discussions
🔹 No incentives for modern, eco-friendly materials
Key Recommendations for a Sustainable Construction Boom
🌿 Tax Reforms for Green Construction
- Dr. Abid Qaiyum Suleri (SDPI) urged a taxation roadmap rewarding sustainability.
- Nauman Amin (UNOPS) called for green tax credits to boost eco-friendly projects.
🏗️ Circular Economy & Waste Reduction
- Ahad Nazir (SDPI) proposed a used-materials database to promote recycling.
- Kamil Khan Mumtaz (Architect) demanded strict circular economy regulations to curb industrial pollution.
🌍 Protecting Natural Resources
- Akbar Mahmood Zaidi (ACES 18) warned against unchecked mining near Margalla Hills National Park.
- Senator Rehman highlighted the Indus River’s pollution crisis, stressing zero-waste policies.
The Future of Real Estate in Pakistan: Green or Grim?
The webinar concluded with a consensus: Pakistan must act now to:
✔ Regulate construction waste
✔ Promote green building certifications
✔ Enforce climate-smart zoning laws
Will Pakistan’s real estate sector embrace sustainability, or risk deeper environmental collapse?
🔗 Explore eco-friendly property listings at PropertiesPakistan.com – Your Gateway to Sustainable Living!
