The 4^thInternational Conference on Green Architecture (ICGrA, 2026) serves as a dynamic platform for professionals, including architects, researchers, academics, and policymakers, to promote a transition toward regenerative and climate-responsive habitation development. This shift is strengthened by emerging technologies such as optimisation techniques, building information modelling (BIM), artificial intelligence, machine learning, genetic algorithms, parametric design, and Internet of Things (IoT), enabling smart building systems. These tools collectively support precision, performance optimisation, and data-driven decision-making across the building life cycle.

Jointly organized by the Green Architecture Cell (GrACe), Department of Architecture (DoA), Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Dhaka, and the Department of Architecture (DoA), Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST), Sylhet, the conference builds upon the strong legacy and success of ICGrA 2017 (BUET, Dhaka), ICGrA 2018 (ICCB, Dhaka), and ICGrA 2025 (CUET, Chattogram) in fostering innovation, collaboration, and critical discourse in green architecture. The conference is led by GrACe, DoA, BUET, and hosted by DoA, SUST, in collaboration with other national and international partners.

The theme for ICGrA 2026, “Design for Environment and Sustainable Habitats (DESH-দেশ),” reflects Bangladesh’s commitment to shaping a built environment that is ecologically responsible, culturally grounded, and resilient. The term DESH, meaning “country (দেশ)” in Bengali, symbolizes a national aspiration to safeguard natural heritage while advancing toward low-carbon, high-performance building futures.

The optimized DESH framework is anchored in four core objectives: ensuring design suitability to local climatic and cultural contexts; minimizing environmental impacts across the life cycle; promoting sustainable resource use for future generations; and ensuring that habitations at different scales demonstrate optimized energy performance, reducing operational demands while promoting human health, comfort, safety, and well-being. Aligned with national regulations and global sustainability agendas, optimized DESH encourages improved standards, performance-based assessments, incentive structures, and clear energy-labelling systems. Demonstration initiatives, including the nearly Zero Emission Communities (neZECom), will further generate insights into cost-effective and replicable solutions.

Optimized DESH is a forward-looking vision for a smart, sustainable, and climate-resilient Bangladesh. Through collaboration among academia, professionals, regulatory authorities, industry partners, and international agencies, optimized DESH aims to catalyze transformative change toward greener and more equitable built environments. Optimized DESH (দেশ) invites innovative and research-driven contributions that expand the boundaries of sustainable habitation design. Through presentations, seminars, workshops, exhibitions, and cultural events, the conference aims to shape policies, guide professional practice, and strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation. We look forward to engaging with you in advancing a future where communities embody environmental stewardship and resilient development.

We look forward to meeting you at the ICGrA - 2026.