Bahrain’s Council of Representatives becomes greener and smarter
Bahrain’s Council of Representatives has become the first legislative body in the region to secure the ISO 14001:2015 certification for environmental management.
The Council’s journey to the certification, awarded in July 2025, involved several key initiatives. Solar panels were installed andnow supply a portion of the chamber’s energy needs, reducing reliance on traditional power sources and promoting wider use of renewable energy. Additionally, the Council expanded its green spaces to improve air quality and support biodiversity.
The shift aligns with the Kingdom of Bahrain’s strategic commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060, setting an example for other government institutions to follow and supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Beyond the structural changes, the Council has adopted more sustainable procurement practices, favouring suppliers that comply with environmental standards when purchasing goods and services.
In its drive towards digital transformation, the Council implemented paperless systems and developed e-parliament practices, sharply reducing paper consumption, minimizing waste and improving operational efficiency.
Artificial intelligence is also being leveraged to support the Council’s green goals by improving resource management, analyzing energy consumption patterns, and providing management with enhanced analytical tools.
These green initiatives form part of Bahrain’s Economic Vision 2030, which highlights sustainable development and environmental preservation as key pillars of national progress.
The Council’s accreditation follows the March 2023 launch in Manama, at the 146th IPU Assembly, of the IPU’s Parliaments for the Planet climate campaign. The campaign encourages parliaments worldwide to adopt greener practices and enact climate legislation.
Looking ahead, the Council plans to build on its existing policies through further innovation in renewable energy, sustainable building design and environmental awareness promotion.
The Council also aims to position itself as a regional hub for knowledge-sharing, offering workshops and guidance to other parliaments interested in advancing environmental reform.
Find out more about the IPU’s campaign to mobilize parliaments to act on the climate emergency.
© Bahrain Council of Representatives
