CAPE TOWN: The Provincial Assembly of Punjab, Pakistan, has been recognised among the first recipients of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association’s (CPA) new Green Mace Initiative at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference in Cape Town, South Africa.
The Green Mace recognises Commonwealth parliaments that demonstrate strong commitment to environmental sustainability and greener institutional practices. The CPA said the initiative aims to highlight parliamentary leadership in reducing environmental impacts and promoting sustainable practices.
The Punjab Assembly was recognised for combining renewable energy, digital transformation and climate resilience in its approach to sustainability.
According to the CPA, 1,111 solar panels have been installed across the Old and New Assembly Buildings and associated facilities. They are expected to generate around 916,860 kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity annually.
The Assembly has also taken steps towards becoming a paper-light Parliament through digital processes. During the 2026–27 Budget Session, agenda printing was reduced from around 70,000 pages to 8,000, while the need for 600 printed sets of Budget Books was eliminated.
Another environmental measure is a 1.5-million-gallon underground rainwater storage facility, supported by drainage and pumping infrastructure, to manage rainfall across a 25-acre catchment area.
The Assembly has also established a Green and Disaster Risk Reduction Caucus, providing lawmakers with a platform to engage with climate change, environmental protection and disaster resilience.
CPA Chairperson Dr Christopher Kalila, MP, presented the Green Mace awards at the 69th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference. Other 2026 recipients include the National Assembly of Seychelles, Gauteng Provincial Legislature, Québec National Assembly, Parliament of South Africa and Parliament of Pakistan.
The recognition highlights how parliamentary institutions can reduce their environmental footprint while incorporating sustainability, renewable energy, digitalisation and climate resilience into their everyday operations.
