From energy crisis to sustainable architecture: Rethinking our urban future 

In the context of the current global energy crisis, Bangladesh faces a complex and multidimensional reality. Geopolitical instability in the Middle East, volatility in global energy markets, and a heavy dependence on imported energy have created uncertainty in the country's electricity generation and supply.

According to the International Energy Agency, energy security risks in developing countries have increased significantly over the past decade — and Bangladesh is no exception. With about 90–95% of its primary energy dependent on imports, the impacts of this crisis are particularly severe.

In response, the government has taken several administrative measures to save electricity, such as reducing office hours, closing shops early, setting air conditioner temperatures at 25°C, and limiting the use of unnecessary electrical appliances. 

However, an important question remains: Can such temporary control measures provide a sustainable long-term solution?

In reality, urban architecture in Bangladesh — especially modern commercial buildings in Dhaka — has become increasingly dependent on artificial air conditioning. Buildings designed as "glass boxes" allow direct solar heat gain, making continuous air conditioning necessary to maintain indoor comfort. 

Studies show that 40–60% of total electricity consumption in commercial buildings is used solely for cooling systems.

As a result, when electricity supply is disrupted, these buildings become almost non-functional. In contrast, natural ventilation is an ancient yet scientifically proven effective method. The World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) has shown that proper ventilation reduces the risk of respiratory diseases and improves productivity. 

In future urban planning, passive design must be considered an essential component. Building orientation, shading control, natural lighting, and cross-ventilation can significantly reduce dependence on electricity. Public-private partnerships (PPP) in research and innovation — such as smart facades, double-skin facades, and atrium design — can make urban buildings more adaptable.

Similarly, the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE, UK) notes that ventilation-based design can significantly reduce energy use.

According to research by UNDP, rapid urbanisation in developing countries has made the building sector one of the largest consumers of energy, but it also presents a major opportunity. 

With appropriate policies and technologies, it is possible to achieve 20–40% energy savings in this sector. However, to realise this potential, it is essential to implement mandatory building codes, financial incentives, and awareness programmes in an integrated manner.

Unfortunately, many modern buildings lack effective windows, cross-ventilation, or adequate airflow pathways. In many cases, windows are permanently sealed, making buildings entirely dependent on mechanical systems.

As a result, when electricity is unavailable, indoor environments quickly become unhealthy — affecting both productivity and human health. A significant structural gap is the absence of a comprehensive national database on energy use, air-conditioning dependency, and energy efficiency in large buildings. 

The International Energy Agency recommends that data-driven policies are essential for improving building energy management. Establishing such a database in Bangladesh is now a pressing need.

In the current situation, several immediate and medium-term solutions can be adopted. The "hybrid ventilation" approach — combining natural and mechanical systems — has been successfully implemented in Europe and Australia.

Additionally, installing operable windows, ventilation shafts, and improving corridor-based airflow can make existing buildings more energy-efficient. From a technological perspective, the use of Building Management Systems (BMS), inverter air conditioners, LED lighting, and sensor-based automation can significantly increase energy savings. 

"Cool roof" technology can reduce building temperatures by 2–5°C, directly lowering the need for air conditioning. Green roofs and urban tree planting are also effective in reducing the urban heat island effect.

In the long term, it is crucial for Bangladesh to introduce a mandatory Building Energy Rating System, similar to LEED (USA), BREEAM (UK), or Green Mark (Singapore). This would ensure energy efficiency from the design stage of buildings.

In this regard, establishing an independent Building Energy Authority is necessary to oversee design approval, construction monitoring, and performance evaluation during operation. At the same time, engineering universities should strengthen specialised education and research in building science and energy efficiency.

In future urban planning, passive design must be considered an essential component. Building orientation, shading control, natural lighting, and cross-ventilation can significantly reduce dependence on electricity. 

Public-private partnerships (PPP) in research and innovation — such as smart façades, double-skin façades, and atrium design — can make urban buildings more adaptable. At the same time, retrofit programmes and incentives for older buildings will help reduce future risks.

According to analysis by the Asia Global Institute, significant energy savings in the building sector are achievable through the proper combination of policy, technology, and financial incentives. This can also reduce the need for new power generation infrastructure.

Moreover, the lack of advanced building codes, energy labelling, and performance monitoring systems has been identified as a major challenge in many Asian countries. Therefore, with planned policy interventions, efficient construction technologies, and data-driven management, this sector can become a key driver of sustainable urban development.

Finally, this crisis serves as a warning. Administrative measures may provide temporary relief, but lasting solutions lie in integrated changes in architecture, technology, and policy. Natural ventilation-based design is no longer a luxury — it is a necessity for survival. 

Therefore, by rethinking the definition of development, we must build cities that are energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and humane. The architecture of the future will be one where nature and technology coexist in balance.

Professor Sajal Chowdhury is an architect, educator and head of the Department of Architecture, CUET and a researcher focusing on Environmental Experience Design, IEQ, Architectural Science and Wellbeing.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.