Bangladesh Bank Governor, Dr Atiur Rahman said urban and rural citizenry and civil society groups can contribute significantly to sustainable development by fostering energy efficient, environmentally sustainable output practices; and also by adopting sustainable consumption practices and ways of life.

"Higher public and private investment in sustainable agriculture, land management and rural development will be needed to ensure sustainable agricultural production and productivity globally," he said while addressing as chair in a session on "Sustainable Production and Consumption patterns" of a day long programme on "National Consultation Workshop for the formulation of Work Plan for Rio+20 conference."

The programme was orgranised by Palli Karma Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) at its auditorium on Saturday.

BB governor said key areas for investment and support requires inclusion of sustainable agricultural practices; rural infrastructure, storage capacities and related technologies.

Ferreting to "Rio+20 conference" he said poverty eradication and promoting sustainable patterns of consumption and production, and protecting and managing the natural resource base of economic and social development are the essential requirements for sustainable development.

"This needs to be achieved by promoting sustained, inclusive and equitable economic growth; fostering equitable social and human development while promoting ecosystem conservation, regeneration and resilience in the face of current and emerging challenges," Dr Atiur added.

BB governor said Bangladesh is a low energy consuming country with per capita annual consumption of only 220 KW hours, supporting production of zero or low carbon emission energy generation. The Government of Bangladesh is trying to make the demand side management (DSM) of energy through energy efficiency and conservation measures involving making efficient appliances and equipment, he noted.

It is estimated that nearly 400MW power can be saved by changing fluorescent bulbs to CFLs and another 400MW by making electric fans efficient, he said adding  Besides, nearly 30 per cent load reduction is possible by increasing energy efficiency of fridge and air-conditioners, Dr Atiur added.

On power sector investment he said the government is investing substantially in renewable energy, particularly solar power and biogas for rural households and enterprises.

He further said the current electricity generation from Solar Home Systems (SHSs) in the country amount to 65 MW.
The target is to install 2.5 million SHSs by 2014 through IDCOL, he said.

Bangladesh plans to generate 5 per cent of its electricity from renewable energy sources by 2015 and 10 per cent by 2020, he added saying, "The government needs to focus on off-grid areas (60 per cent of rural areas) for power generation through renewable to address poverty elimination and achievement of all the MDGs."

He also said that BB has issued guidelines for Environmental Risk Manage-ment and Green Banking in 2011 aiming at ensuring environment friendly business practices by banks and financial institutions. Banks have been instructed to install solar power system while opening bank branches in rural areas.

BB has introduced Taka 2.0 billion refinance line for financing solar energy, bio-gas and effluent treatment plant (ETP), at only 5 per cent interest rate, he said adding "BB has financed 18MW PV module manufacturing plant of Rahimafroz at a cost of USD 4.5 million through BB green fund."

News: The Daily Independent/Bangladesh/11-Nov-12