Moin Mahmood : Building construction should not only be energy-efficient in design, but also take into account how much carbon is emitted in the entire life cycle of production, transportation and use of construction materials. Engineering and architectural experts have emphasized on increasing the use of low-carbon and bio-based construction materials in the sustainable and climate-friendly construction system of the future.

Speakers made these remarks at a seminar titled ‘Engineering Low-Carbon and Bio-Based Buildings: From Material Characterization and LCA to EPD and Building Performance’ held at the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh (IEB) Iogen in Ramna, Dhaka on Thursday afternoon.

The seminar was presided over by IEB Vice-President (Academic and International) Engineer Khan Manzur Morshed.

Khan Manzur Morshed said that research and technological innovation have made people`s lives easier. However, the benefits of any technology or invention depend on the purpose and how it is used.

Referring to the advancement of information technology, he said that although technology makes people`s lives easier, its excessive and uncontrolled use can have a negative impact on social communication, family ties and interpersonal relationships.

IEB Honorary General Secretary and Dhaka WASA Chairman Professor Dr. Engineer Md. Sabbir Mostafa Khan delivered the welcome speech at the seminar.

He said that over time, there has been a big change in the construction system. From construction based on stone, wood and local materials, now multi-storey and high-rise buildings are being constructed. Behind this is the innovation of new construction materials, structural analysis, earthquake engineering and a combination of modern construction technology.

He also emphasized the importance of analyzing the local weather and climate characteristics before constructing infrastructure in coastal areas.

BHTE Chairman Professor Dr. Engineer Tanvir Manjur delivered the keynote address at the seminar. He said that in Bangladesh, the construction system based on concrete, rod, brick and cement is mainly prevalent in the construction of permanent buildings.

On the other hand, in rural areas, relatively light houses are built using local materials including tin, bamboo and wood.

He commented that it is necessary to reconsider the conventional construction system in the context of climate change and reducing global carbon emissions.

National Housing Authority Chairman Mosh. Ferdous Begum was also present at the seminar.

Carbon accounting at the beginning of the design
The main paper at the seminar was presented by Dr. Eshrar Latif, Associate Professor at the Welsh School of Architecture, Cardiff University, UK.

He said that a huge amount of energy and raw materials are used in the construction and operation of buildings. Therefore, the real picture cannot be obtained by considering only the electricity consumption during use to determine the carbon footprint of a building.
He mentioned that the carbon emissions generated during the production and transportation of various construction materials including cement, steel, bricks, and glass are also part of the total environmental impact of the building.
The seminar was moderated by Engineer Nessar Uddin, Secretary of the Civil Engineering Department of IEB.

IEB Honorary Assistant General Secretary (Administration and Finance) Engineer Muhammad Ahsanul Russell, members of the Central Council, leaders of the Engineering Department, and engineers from various organizations and departments were present at the event.

The speakers said that in the reality of rapid urbanization and infrastructure development in Bangladesh, a long-term plan is needed now to reduce carbon emissions in the construction sector. From the design of the building to the production of construction materials, construction work, use, and recycling of materials at the end of the building`s life cycle—each stage must be brought under environmental accounting.