KARACHI - Sindh Planning & Development Minister Mir Hazar Khan Bajarani Thursday inaugurated second three-day international Pakistan Green Build (PGB) Expo & Conference here in Expo Centre Karachi. Companies and delegates from various countries including China, Germany, Italy, France, and Greece are also participating in this event. The expo is jointly organised by Pakistan Green Building Council and FAKT Exhibitions. The conference’s opening was followed by release of PGB Guidelines V-I.
While talking to media persons after the inauguration, Bajarani appreciated the organisers and said that such expo and conferences should be organised more frequently. “We should promote green building concepts and use environment friendly material. This may not decrease electricity load-shed but can surely lessen its demand as green buildings can save 30 to 70 percent energy use,” he informed.
While responding to a question, he said that the government cannot force builders and other people to project green buildings but can motivate and encourage them to adopt these environment friendly practices. The minister expressed hope that electricity generation will be sufficient by 2019 to meet the country needs of energy.
On the occasion, FAKT Exhibitions CEO Saleem Khan Tanoli said that the great minds think alike, there is an extreme need to develop green buildings. He said it is proven that green building uses less energy, water and natural resources, adding that it generates less waste and provides a healthy living environment for the occupants.
Meanwhile, PGB Council CEO Aqrab Ali Rana said that this is the Pakistan's largest conference and expo dedicated to green building. PGB is a perfect opportunity to meet with green building colleagues, network with leading industry professionals and learn from international representatives from around the world, he added. During first day event, Green Excellency Awards ceremony was also held in which council recognised outstanding individuals and organizations like urban planners, architects, engineers and clients, project owners,
who has shown clear leadership and commitment in advancing sustainable building design, construction and operations in the country.
The exhibitors included manufacturers of sustainable building products and related products. Green building material, bricks, HVAC systems, appliances, paints, glass products and government agencies are examples of exhibitors featured products at the show. Architects, builders, contractors, building owners, developers, governmental officials, interior designers, engineers and people from different walks of life also attended the conference.
