Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Adviser to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources has proposed the formation of a "Green Building Council" on Sunday saying that the constructing environment-friendly buildings is no longer a choice, but a necessity.

"The council would be responsible for setting green building standards, updating legal frameworks, and ensuring effective implementation. However, representatives from the Ministry of Housing and Public Works, Department of Environment, Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI), Local Government Division, and other relevant bodies will be the member of the committee," the Adviser said.

She was speaking as the Chief Guest at a workshop on "Green Building," organized by the Department of Environment in Agargaon this morning.

Syeda Rizwana Hasan said a building cannot be called 'green' merely by using special paint or obtaining a certificate. Environmental principles and technologies must be integrated at every stage-from design and construction to operation and maintenance.

The Adviser stressed that making green building standards mandatory in all government infrastructures is essential for building sustainable and liveable cities. "Once the government sets the standard through its own buildings, the private sector will naturally follow," she added.

Highlighting the importance of sustainable architecture, she said that protecting Dhaka's canals and rivers, reducing waste and noise pollution, and controlling urban heat islands are no longer possible without eco-friendly construction systems. She called for incorporating rooftop solar power, rainwater harvesting, and the use of natural light and ventilation into building designs.