A Comprehensive Study on the Environmental Features of Green Buildings in Dhaka, Bangladesh: Prospects, Challenges and Mitigation Strategies

Abstract

The construction industry has played a significant role in causing environmental degradation, primarily due to its substantial energy use. Focusing on green building development projects is gaining momentum as a sustainable solution for mitigating environmental challenges. This study assessed several environmental features of 22 green buildings in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh. In addition, the challenges were discussed, and mitigation strategies were recommended. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification technique is widely acknowledged and globally accepted as the leading green building certification standard. Three LEED versions, v3 for new construction and major renovations and v4 and v4.1 for building design and construction, were investigated. Seven environmental features of three versions, including rainwater management, renewable energy, enhanced commissioning, optimized energy performance, construction and demolition waste management, water use reduction, and water efficient landscaping, were considered in this work. A survey questionnaire was prepared to receive information about these LEED-certified (or applied for certification) buildings. The findings of our study suggested that the general trend for seven environmental features of the selected green buildings was positive except for renewable energy, where 72.72% of buildings were in ‘very poor’ condition. Regarding rainwater management, enhanced commissioning, and optimized energy performance, 40.91% of buildings were in ‘very good’ condition. Despite satisfactory responses for several environmental features, the survey found that renewable energy integration remains challenging for all buildings. Solar energy should be extensively employed to enhance energy utilization efficiency, reduce energy demand, and minimize environmental impact. It was suggested that a few challenges, including the government’s lack of action and initiatives, financial incentives, investor hesitation, and knowledge gaps, must be overcome to create a truly green building market in Bangladesh. Bridging this disparity requires policy reforms, public awareness, industry development, and capacity building. This study provides a basic understanding of the green building situation and guides future research and policy initiatives to accelerate Bangladesh’s commitment to sustainable development goals.