Time to Start Green Construction

An Education Ministry official has criticized the lack of attention given to the environmental footprint of modern building designs, calling on authorities to push for sustainable designs. “Sustainable designs, especially those inspired by traditional local architecture, are environmentally friendly and have little to no impact on climate change,” Mohammad Taqi Nazarpour, deputy education minister and head of the Organization for Renovating, Developing and Equipping Schools, was also quoted as saying by ISNA. He said it is time to “reconcile” with the environment, which can be achieved by being mindful of the environmental footprints of development projects and constructing energy-efficient structures. According to Iran Energy Efficiency Organization, buildings are responsible for over 35% of the country’s annual energy consumption, which is about four times higher than the global standard. An energy superpower, Iran holds roughly 10% of oil reserves and 17% of gas reserves in the world. Nevertheless, data show the country recycles only 28% of its oil and gas whereas the figure for certain countries stands at 60%.