British Council launches research to advance sustainable architecture
The British Council and the Bengal Institute for Architecture, Landscapes and Settlements have launched a new Research and Insight publication titled "Sustainable Architecture Practice" in Dhaka.
The publication was launched at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi on 22 May 2026, according to a press release.
The study identifies and describes sustainable architecture practices in Bangladesh and offers policy recommendations to support the sector's growth and recognition.
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The launch event brought together architects, planners, built-environment professionals, researchers, policymakers, and members of the public, marking the culmination of a nationwide research initiative on sustainable and climate-adaptive architecture.
Commissioned by the British Council and led by the Bengal Institute, the research maps existing sustainable and climate-adaptive architectural practices across Bangladesh at public, private and grassroots levels.
The event featured introductory remarks by Professor Kazi Khaleed Ashraf, Director General of the Bengal Institute, the screening of a short documentary produced as part of the project, and presentations by Professor Atiqur Rahman, Professor Ripin Kalra and Architect Khondaker Hasibul Kabir.
The presentations highlighted key findings and case studies from the research.
Speaking at the event, Professor Kazi Khaleed Ashraf said sustainability presents a new paradigm in thinking and practice.
"Sustainability presents a new paradigm in thinking and practice, especially in what we do as humans, on the Earth and to the Earth. What we might today call sustainable architecture has in fact existed for centuries — in how people lived across different geographies and climates, using distinctive materials and social resources to make their dwellings," he said.
Maarya Rehman, Deputy Director, Bangladesh, British Council, said the publication highlights Bangladesh's diverse and innovative approaches to sustainable architecture.
"We are proud to support this crucial research initiative, which highlights Bangladesh's diverse and innovative approaches to sustainable architecture and reflects the strength of collaboration between UK and Bangladesh expertise in addressing climate challenges through design," she said.
She said the publication amplifies local knowledge and practice while contributing to global conversations on climate resilience and the creative economy.
"We hope that, by showcasing practical, locally rooted solutions, it will help inform future policy and inspire innovation across the built environment sector," she added.
The publication documents and analyses practices from 2015 to the present through a scoping report, case studies of innovative sustainable design and a policy report offering guidance from an advisory board of experts on sustainability and resilience in architecture.
A series of public events, including the launch, is being organised to disseminate the findings.
The initiative is part of the British Council's commitment to the creative economy, creative industries, climate resilience, innovation and capacity-building for professionals and policymakers in Bangladesh.
