Bangladesh is advancing efforts to transform its construction sector through the development of a national Green Building Certification Framework, known as DESH, aimed at promoting sustainable, climate-resilient, and resource-efficient buildings.
The framework is being developed by the Housing and Building Research Institute (HBRI) with support from the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), under the leadership of the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.
DESH is part of a broader initiative titled “Transforming the Built Environment through Sustainable Materials in Bangladesh,” reflecting the country’s growing focus on sustainable development in the construction sector.
A recent stakeholder consultation marked a key milestone in the framework’s development. The session brought together representatives from government, academia, and industry to validate technical aspects and contribute to the co-development of the certification system.
Despite the availability of existing national and international certification models, stakeholders expressed strong support for DESH, highlighting its local relevance, practical applicability, and alignment with Bangladesh’s climate and development priorities. No major objections were raised during the consultation process.
The DESH framework adopts a comprehensive approach, integrating key elements such as climate resilience, energy efficiency, water management, sustainable materials, and occupant health. It is designed to ensure both technical robustness and ease of implementation across the country’s rapidly expanding built environment.
Officials from the ministry and HBRI emphasized the need to increase awareness and visibility of the framework nationwide as it moves into its next phase, which will include broader consultations and a public review process.
According to the UNOPS Bangladesh office, the upcoming phase will focus on ensuring that DESH is not only technically sound but also widely recognized and adopted across sectors—supporting Bangladesh’s transition toward a low-carbon and sustainable construction ecosystem.
The initiative reflects a broader national commitment to align building practices with climate goals, strengthen local capacity, and establish a certification system tailored to Bangladesh’s unique environmental and socio-economic conditions.
