Pakistan Approves National Green Building and Rainwater Harvesting Codes
In a significant step toward sustainable development, the Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC), chaired by Federal Law Minister Azam Nazir Tarar, has approved two groundbreaking national codes:
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Green Building Code of Pakistan (GBCP-2023)
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Rainwater Harvesting Provisions for Building Code of Pakistan (RWH-BCP-2023)
These important frameworks were developed by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and presented during the meeting by Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Sajid Baloch. Senior PEC officials, including Registrar Engr. Khadim Hussain Bhatti, also participated in the session.
Green Building Code to Promote Sustainable Urban Development
The Green Building Code (GBCP-2023) sets comprehensive standards for multi-story buildings (four stories and above). The key focus areas include:
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Site sustainability
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Energy and water conservation
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Indoor air quality
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Reduction in emissions
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Biodiversity protection
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this code targets energy-efficient and environmentally responsible construction. However, it does not apply to single-family or low-rise dwellings or buildings that do not consume electricity, fossil fuels, or water.
Importantly, the GBCP-2023 is recognized as part of Pakistan’s compliance with the IMF’s Climate Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA), underlining its strategic national value.
Nationwide Rainwater Harvesting Now Mandatory
The Rainwater Harvesting Provisions (RWH-BCP-2023) will be applicable to all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. Key features include:
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Mandatory rainwater collection systems
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Storage, filtration, and reuse protocols
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Support for both potable and non-potable applications
This initiative is a crucial response to Pakistan’s growing water scarcity crisis, aiming to reduce pressure on municipal water supplies and promote self-sufficiency in water management.
Legal Backing and National Implementation
To enforce the new codes, the CCLC has approved critical amendments to PEC’s foundational bye-laws:
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Conduct and Practice of Consulting Engineers Bye-Laws, 1986
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Construction and Operation of Engineering Works Bye-Laws, 1987
These changes are enacted under Section 25(1) of the PEC Act, 1976, and have been legally vetted by the Ministry of Law and Justice. Draft Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) are now ready for final cabinet approval.
Broad-Based Support Across Provinces and Ministries
The development of these codes involved extensive consultations with stakeholders from:
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Punjab
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Sindh
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Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
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Balochistan
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Gilgit-Baltistan
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Azad Jammu & Kashmir
as well as federal ministries and engineering bodies.
Once approved by the federal cabinet, both codes will be enforced nationwide by provincial and federal authorities, ensuring uniform application and monitoring.
Toward a Greener, More Resilient Pakistan
With formal legal backing and broad institutional support, GBCP-2023 and RWH-BCP-2023 represent a milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward sustainable construction and responsible water use. These initiatives will help the country build climate-resilient cities, conserve resources, and contribute meaningfully to global environmental goals.
