An increasing number of real estate companies are bringing forward sustainable buildings plans to promote environmental consciousness across the world, and Bangladesh is no exception to this.
Cityscape International Ltd. is a pioneer real estate company in Bangladesh that focuses on sustainable buildings development. Having understood the importance of going green, the company has decided to opt for sustainable project development in Bangladesh. It has taken initiative to develop a first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Platinum Certified commercial building in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
The Cityscape Tower is projected to reduce energy consumption up to 44% and water consumption up to 60%. At least 5% of the buildings’ energy demand is going to be met by imported solar panels. Harvested and recycled water will be used to keep stunning green spaced alive, including rooftop greenery. The building has been designed to be earthquake resistant.
In order to improve the indoor environment of the building, a mechanism to increase outdoor airflow has been designed. The Cityscape Tower parking area will provide parking space for bicycles and vehicles that use alternative fuel.
The Cityscape Tower has been designed to promote environmental awareness among citizens in Bangladesh and inspire them to think green. Cityscape International Ltd. consultant Mujtaba Ahsan has shared his insights about sustainable buildings in Bangladesh with Lamudi.
Q: Have you noticed an increased demand for sustainable building in Bangladesh in 2014?
A: An increased demand for non-residential sustainable buildings in Bangladesh in 2014 has indeed been seen. Generally speaking, demand for green non-residential buildings in Bangladesh started in 2009. At least five factories have registered their projects to achieve LEED certification in 2014. However, sustainable residential housing projects have not yet been developed in Bangladesh. The graph below illustrates the increase of construction of sustainable buildings in Bangladesh.
Most of the sustainable buildings projects are developed by corporations (see graph below).
Q: How likely is it that the demand for sustainable buildings in Bangladesh will increase substantially in the next 10 years?
A: A demand for sustainable infrastructure is very likely to grow rapidly in the next ten years, especially demand for sustainable garment factories. Construction of buildings globally, in general, is expected to grow (see graph below), therefore, a demand for green buildings is projected to rise significantly.
Q: If one had to choose where to build a sustainable house – in Bangladesh or in a developed country – where would you suggest doing that?
A: Obviously, we would expect one to build a greenhouse in a dense urban area with a high standard of living. It is the modern resource consuming environment that we need to fill up with sustainable homes. So a developed country would be the obvious choice. However, building sustainable homes in Bangladesh will help the country to maintain cities that have a low impact on the environment and, therefore, improve citizens lives.
Q: How expensive is it to rent sustainable office space in Bangladesh?
A: Sustainable commercial buildings are still prestigious in Bangladesh and it is difficult to estimate the costs because the price of a sustainable building depends on various factors. However, any sustainable solution does not necessarily have to be more expensive than conventional practice. Furthermore, a sustainable building gives energy cost cutting, water cost cutting and better occupant health. These savings eventually make sustainable buildings more economical than conventional ones in the long run. For Cityscape Tower, it has used state of the art technologies and top class fittings and fixtures which are pricey not because they are sustainable but because they are international standard and top quality.
