Karachi, The LUMS Energy Institute (LEI), a research entity concentrating on Pakistan’s energy sector, has launched an influential report titled “Sustainable Architecture: Advancing Energy Efficient Buildings.” The report, pivotal in addressing Pakistan’s energy challenges, focuses on reducing energy loads through energy-efficient practices in residential construction.
According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, the report was unveiled in a significant event attended by policymakers, regulatory bodies, and industry stakeholders. Dr. Fiaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director of LUMS Energy Institute, emphasized the critical nature of the situation, stating that Pakistan’s expenditure of nearly USD 100 billion on power plants, mainly for summer cooling, is unsustainable. He pointed out that the implementation of energy-efficient practices could reduce these cooling loads by at least 50%, resulting in billions of dollars in savings.
The report highlights the excessive seasonal variation in electricity usage, particularly during the hot summer months, which necessitates an additional 18,000 MW of power plant capacity. This extra capacity, underutilized for most of the year, imposes an economic burden of nearly $100 billion. The resulting capacity payment obligations have exceeded PKR 2 trillion, significantly impacting the national economy while contributing minimally to GDP growth.
Through detailed exploration of local materials, Building Information Modelling (BIM) results, and cost-benefit analysis, the report provides a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable practices. It offers an exhaustive analysis of different residential constructions, including 5 Marla row houses, 10 Marla semi-detached houses, and 1 Kanal fully detached homes. The study evaluated cooling loads and found that energy-efficient building insulation is key to maintaining reasonable electricity usage during summer. For example, the use of energy-efficient fans can reduce load by 60%, and energy-efficient appliances can decrease energy consumption by 27%. Moreover, integrating air conditioning systems with geothermal solutions offers an additional 19% load reduction. The study also highlights the significant advantages of equipping houses with solar panels, especially in energy-efficient homes, where installation costs could be halved compared to standard homes.
Dr. Chaudhry concluded his remarks at the event by emphasizing the practical implications of the report, stating, “This report is not just an academic exercise; it is a blueprint for the future of sustainable architecture in Pakistan. We aim to inspire change in how buildings are designed and constructed, focusing on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.”