How Green Building Certifications (LEED, BREEAM) Are Changing the Industry!

Introduction

The global construction industry is shifting toward sustainability, and Bangladesh is no exception. With rapid urbanization, climate vulnerabilities, and increasing energy demands, green building certifications like LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method) are gaining traction in the country.

Bangladesh has already made significant strides in sustainable construction, with several LEED Platinum and Gold-certified buildings, particularly in Dhaka and Chattogram. These certifications help reduce energy consumption, lower carbon footprints, and improve occupant health—critical factors for a country facing extreme weather events and air pollution challenges.

In this blog post, we’ll explore how LEED and BREEAM are influencing Bangladesh’s construction sector, their benefits, key projects, and how local professionals can get certified. We’ll also provide top-rated video courses and books to help engineers, architects, and developers deepen their knowledge in green building practices.

Green Building Movement in Bangladesh

Current Status of LEED & BREEAM in Bangladesh

• Bangladesh ranks 2nd in the world (after China) for the number of LEED-certified green factories, particularly in the garment sector.
• Over 150+ LEED-certified projects, including 50+ Platinum-rated buildings (as of 2024).
• BREEAM adoption is slower but growing, especially in commercial and high-end residential projects.

Why Bangladesh is Embracing Green Buildings?

1. Energy Crisis & Cost Savings
   • Bangladesh faces frequent power shortages; green buildings reduce energy use by 30-50%.
   • Factories with LEED certification report 20-40% lower operational costs.
2. Climate Resilience
   • Floods, cyclones, and heatwaves threaten infrastructure. Green buildings incorporate flood-resistant designs, rainwater harvesting, and passive cooling.
3. Global Market Demand
   • International buyers (e.g., H&M, Walmart) prefer sourcing from LEED-certified garment factories, boosting Bangladesh’s export competitiveness.
4. Government & Policy Support
   • Bangladesh Green Building Council (BGBC) promotes sustainable construction.
   • National Building Code (NBC) 2020 includes energy efficiency guidelines.

Notable LEED-Certified Projects in Bangladesh

Challenges in Adopting Green Certifications in Bangladesh

Despite progress, Bangladesh faces hurdles in widespread green building adoption:

1. Higher Initial Costs
   • Green construction can be 5-15% more expensive, deterring small developers.
   • Solution: Long-term savings justify the investment; banks are introducing green financing schemes.
2. Lack of Awareness & Expertise
   • Many contractors and architects lack training in sustainable design.
   • Solution: More LEED and BREEAM training programs are needed.
3. Limited Local Green Materials
   • Most sustainable materials (e.g., recycled steel, low-carbon concrete) are imported, increasing costs.
   • Solution: Government incentives for local green material production.
4. BREEAM’s Slow Adoption
   • LEED dominates due to US market influence; BREEAM is less known.
   • Solution: BRE Group could partner with Bangladesh’s Real Estate & Housing Association (REHAB) for awareness campaigns.

How Bangladeshi Professionals Can Get Certified

LEED Certification Path

1. LEED Green Associate – Entry-level (Ideal for engineers, students).
2. LEED AP (Accredited Professional) – Specialized (e.g., Building Design + Construction).
   • Training Providers in Bangladesh:
     • Bangladesh Green Building Council (BGBC) workshops.
     • Online courses (Udemy, USGBC official).

BREEAM Certification Path

1. BREEAM Associate – Basic understanding.
2. BREEAM Assessor – Licensed to certify buildings.
   • Training: BRE Academy (UK-based, online options available).

Top 5 Video Courses on Green Building Certifications

1. LEED Green Associate Exam Prep (Udemy)
   🔗 Enroll Here
2. BREEAM Fundamentals (BRE Academy)
   🔗 Enroll Here
3. Sustainable Construction in Developing Countries (Coursera)
   🔗 Enroll Here
4. Energy-Efficient Building Design (edX – ETH Zurich)
   🔗 Enroll Here
5. Green Building & LEED Core Concepts (LinkedIn Learning)
   🔗 Enroll Here

Top 5 Books on Green Building Certifications

1. “LEED v4.1 Reference Guide for Building Design and Construction” – USGBC
   🔗 Buy on Amazon
2. “The BREEAM Bible: A Guide to Sustainable Building” – BRE Group
   🔗 Buy on Amazon
3. “Sustainable Construction: Green Building Design and Delivery” – Charles J. Kibert
   🔗 Buy on Amazon
4. “Green Building Illustrated” – Francis D.K. Ching
   🔗 Buy on Amazon
5. “Climate Responsive Design in Bangladesh” – Dr. Fuad H. Mallick
   🔗 Buy on Amazon

Future of Green Buildings in Bangladesh

• Smart Cities Initiative: The government’s “Vision 2041” includes plans for eco-friendly urban development.
• Solar Integration: More buildings will adopt rooftop solar panels to combat power shortages.
• Affordable Green Housing: Developers like Bashundhara & Rangs Group are exploring cost-effective green designs.

Conclusion

Bangladesh’s construction industry is at a turning point, with LEED and BREEAM certifications driving sustainable growth. While challenges like cost and awareness remain, the long-term benefits—energy savings, climate resilience, and global competitiveness—make green buildings a necessity.

For civil engineers, architects, and developers in Bangladesh, obtaining LEED or BREEAM certification can unlock new career opportunities and contribute to a greener future.

Are you working on a green building project in Bangladesh? Share your experience in the comments!