In a significant move to enhance urban resilience against climate change, the Department of Human Settlement, Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, and the National Housing Development Corporation Limited (NHDCL) have partnered to introduce and promote climate-resilient construction technologies across Bhutan’s urban landscapes.
The partnership, formalized in an agreement signed today, will tackle the increasing vulnerability of the nation’s urban areas to climate-induced risks such as extreme weather events, urban flooding, heat stress, and water scarcity.
The initiative will feature two key pilot projects:
1. Construction of a climate-resilient building in Thimphu
2. Retrofitting of an existing public building in Paro
These demonstration projects will showcase the integration of inclusive and climate-smart building technologies, such as rainwater harvesting systems, semi-permeable paving, low-flow water fixtures, greening interventions, and enhanced thermal building envelopes.
With a total budget of over USD 850,000 (Nu. 70 million), the initiative will focus on improving thermal performance, water efficiency, and accessibility while serving as national models of sustainable and climate-resilient urban infrastructure.
Beyond the physical outputs, the initiative aims to raise public awareness, catalyze broader adoption, and inform future policies and standards for green and inclusive urban development across Bhutan.
This forward-thinking project is supported by the Global Environment Facility and implemented by the Royal Government of Bhutan in partnership with UNDP through the Enhancing Climate Resilience of the Urban Landscapes and Communities in Thimphu–Paro Region of Bhutan (ECRUL) Project.
