Moot calls to build climate-resilient cities
People head to work a day after torrential rain in the city. Photo: online
The Pakistan Green and Resilient Building Conference 2025 concluded on Saturday with a strong push for practical strategies, policy reforms, and financial mechanisms to promote sustainable, energy-efficient, and climate-resilient construction across the country.
The three-day event brought together representatives from federal and provincial departments, private sector firms, financial institutions, and development partners to explore ways of embedding sustainability into Pakistan's construction and urban development sectors.
Aisha Moriani, Secretary of the Ministry of Climate Change and Environmental Coordination, highlighted key government initiatives including the Pakistan Green Building Code 2023, Green Taxonomy, and Climate Risk Screening Guidelines 2024. These, she said, "represent a major step toward aligning the country's development planning with global sustainability standards."
The conference also featured the EDGE Awards, recognizing excellence in energy and resource efficiency. Eight organizations received EDGE certification, including OGDC, Zameen Development, Allied Bank, Safia Homes, Modulus Green Homes, HBL Microfinance Bank, Serena Hotels, and Habib University. Planning and Development Chairman Najam Shah presented the awards, praising the recipients for "setting an example in sustainable business practices."
Director General of the Sindh Building Control Authority, Muzamil Hussain Halepoto, served as chief guest at the closing ceremony. "Promoting sustainable construction will not only help mitigate climate risks but also strengthen the foundations of urban development," he said.
Halepoto also joined a panel discussion with officials from the Ministry of Climate Change, NEECA, and the World Bank to discuss policy implementation, green financing, and scaling up resilient construction.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable building through technical cooperation, policy alignment, and financial partnerships. New professionals were awarded Experts PIN Certification, and speakers emphasized the role of youth in driving innovation in climate-resilient design.
The conference concluded with a high-level roundtable on Green Building Incentives and workshops on the IFC's Building Resilience Index (BRI), offering hands-on training in assessing climate-related risks.