Steps needed to deject extensive glass use in Dhaka city

It is hardly surprising that the hottest April in recent history in Dhaka, thanks to rampant and unplanned urbanization has turned a once lush and revinine city into a heat chamber.

On the other hand, the recent trend of increasing use of glass in new buildings, particularly in upscale parts of Dhaka, is contributing to a rise in the city temperatures, with negative consequences for residents and the environment.

There should be a more considered approach to glass usage, especially in all-glass skyscrapers.

These buildings require a massive energy flow to maintain a cool internal environment. Besides, extensive glass facades can cause visual disruption for pedestrians, vehicles as well as birds due to reflection of the daylight and sunlight.

According to an ongoing study conducted by the Department of Environment Science at Stanford University, it has found a 2oC temperature increase in areas dominated by glass-walled buildings.

The new buildings in upmarket areas such as Dhanmondi, Motijheel, Uttara, Gulshan and Banani have heavily used glass walls over the past decade.

These buildings with extensive glass facades require more energy, mainly for air conditioning, to maintain comfortable internal temperature.

Experts have questioned the suitability of this trend of glass usage for countries like ours with a tropical monsoon climate charecterised by hot and rainy summers and dry winters.

Generally, extensive use of glass facades is more common in countries with colder climates, where it helps retain heat inside buildings.

Whereas Bangladesh which possesses long hot summers requires additional energy to cool these structures.

Unfortunately Dhaka is fast becoming a concrete jungle. Since 2011, Dhaka has claimed its position among the five most unlivable cities in the world. And there is no secret to this.

Thus inclusive planning, adequate finance and adhering to science-based policies are essential for this blueprint to succeed. Steps must be taken to stop extensive glass use for the sake of the environment in the capital city.