Fozia Azam

In a significant leap towards transforming Pakistan into an energy-efficient country, the government has announced plans to integrate the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) into the bylaws of development authorities. This move is expected to transform the construction industry and promote sustainable practices, ultimately reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions. According to the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA), the ECBC will provide a comprehensive framework for energy-efficient building design and construction. By incorporating the ECBC into bylaws, the government aims to establish a standardised approach to energy conservation in the construction sector, ensuring all new buildings adhere to energy-efficient practices and technologies.

According to NEECA, the integration of ECBC into bylaws will be carried out by the Ministry of Housing and Works in collaboration with development authorities across the country. This collaborative effort aims to streamline the implementation process, ensuring a smooth transition towards energy-efficient building practices. The ECBC implementation is expected to yield numerous benefits for Pakistan. It will significantly reduce the energy consumption of buildings, leading to a decrease in energy bills. This reduction in energy demand will also alleviate strain on the national power grid, contributing to a more stable and reliable energy supply. Furthermore, the move will spur innovation and investment in energy-efficient technologies and practices. The construction industry will witness a surge in demand for energy-efficient building materials, such as insulation, solar panels, and other appliances.

This, in turn, will create new business opportunities, generate employment, and drive economic growth. It is expected that the ECBC implementation will play a crucial role in combating climate change by reducing carbon emissions. Buildings are a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions, and energy-efficient construction practices can help mitigate this impact. By adhering to the ECBC guidelines, Pakistan aims to meet its international commitments under the Paris Agreement and contribute to global efforts in tackling climate change. To ensure effective enforcement, the government plans to establish a monitoring and evaluation mechanism. This system will monitor compliance with the ECBC guidelines, conduct energy audits, and provide technical assistance to builders and developers. Experts believe that by integrating the ECBC into development authorities' bylaws, the government is paving the way for a greener, more sustainable future.

With reduced energy consumption, lower carbon emissions, and economic growth, Pakistan is poised to become a shining example of successful energy conservation efforts. This progressive move will not only reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions, but also promote innovation, generate employment, and drive economic growth. As Pakistan leads in sustainable construction practices, it sets a remarkable example for other countries striving towards a greener future. Pakistan is one of the countries with the highest energy consumption for domestic use. Annual energy consumption by the domestic sector is 45.9% of the total, while the industrial sector consumes about 27.5%. About half of the total energy consumed is used in buildings and/or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) and lighting appliances.

Credit: INP-WealthPk