The Cabinet Committee for Disposal of Legislative Cases (CCLC), chaired by Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazir Tarar, has given its approval to the Green Building Code of Pakistan (GBCP-2023) along with the Rainwater Harvesting Provisions for the Building Code of Pakistan (RWH-BCP-2023).
These significant codes were developed by the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) and were introduced by Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Sajid Baloch, with Registrar PEC Engr. Khadim Hussain Bhatti and other senior officials from PEC also in attendance at the meeting.
The CCLC commended the efforts of PEC in creating these codes, which will be implemented nationwide.
The Green Building Code of Pakistan (GBCP-2023) sets forth national standards for buildings that are four stories or taller, emphasizing site sustainability, indoor air quality, energy and water conservation, emissions reduction, and the safeguarding of local biodiversity.
Aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this code does not pertain to single-family homes, low-rise buildings, or structures that do not utilize electricity, fossil fuels, or water.
Additionally, it serves as a structural benchmark under the IMF’s Climate Public Investment Management Assessment (PIMA), highlighting its strategic significance.
In conjunction with this effort, the Rainwater Harvesting Provisions for Building Code of Pakistan (RWH-BCP-2023) mandate systems for the collection, storage, filtration, and reuse of rainwater for both drinking and non-drinking purposes.
These provisions are applicable to all types of buildings—residential, commercial, and industrial—and aim to tackle Pakistan’s urgent water scarcity issues by lessening reliance on municipal water supplies.
To facilitate enforcement, the CCLC has approved changes to two key PEC bye-laws: the Conduct and Practice of Consulting Engineers Bye-Laws, 1986, and the Construction and Operation of Engineering Works Bye-Laws, 1987.
These changes legally integrate both codes under Section 25(1) of the PEC Act, 1976.
The draft Statutory Regulatory Orders (SROs) have been thoroughly reviewed by the Ministry of Law and Justice, ensuring adherence to federal legislative protocols.
Once the federal cabinet gives its approval, the GBCP-2023 and RWH-BCP-2023 will be rolled out across Pakistan.
Their implementation will be overseen by the appropriate provincial and federal authorities, engineering organizations, and development agencies.
During the drafting phase, extensive consultations took place with stakeholders from all provinces and regions, including Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, and various federal ministries.
With widespread support and legal endorsement, these codes signify a national dedication to sustainable, climate-resilient construction and effective water management practices.
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