Lahore: Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) has entered into a strategic partnership with the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Peshawar’s Buildings Energy Research Centre (BERC) to enhance research and development in energy-efficient building technologies. This collaboration was solidified with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on August 29, 2024, aiming to transform Pakistan’s construction sector towards sustainable practices.
According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, the MoU signing took place in Peshawar and was presided over by Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost of LUMS, and Dr. Qaisar Ali, Vice Chancellor of UET Peshawar. This agreement is part of the ‘Transformation of Construction Sector in Pakistan: A Pathway towards Clean, Green, and Sustainable Buildings’ project, which is supported by GIZ Pakistan and funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ).
The ceremony saw participation from key representatives of both institutions. From LUMS, attendees included members from the LUMS Energy Institute, notably Mr. Faisal Javed Mughal, Ms. Navaira Najeeb, Mr. Muhammad Talha Saeed, and Ms. Zafeera Ahmad. UET Peshawar was represented by Dr. Naveed Ahmed, Director of BERC; Dr. Rizwan M. Gul, Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical, Chemical, and Industrial Engineering; and Dr. Khizar Azam Khan, Registrar.
The partnership aims to address Pakistan’s energy challenges through various collaborative efforts, including joint research projects, conferences, training sessions, and consultancy services. Both institutions will also explore new research opportunities and work on pilot projects that focus on energy demand management.
Dr. Jadoon expressed optimism about the impact of this collaboration on advancing energy-efficient practices in the building sector. “Through this partnership, supported by GIZ Pakistan and funded by BMZ, we aim to introduce innovative research practices and training initiatives that align with our shared commitment to environmental sustainability,” he stated. “As two of the country’s leading educational institutions, we are responsible for driving societal change. Together, we are poised to drive innovation and promote a cleaner, greener future for the nation.”