Building A Sustainable Future For Pakistan: Where Architecture Meets Renewable Energy
Pakistan’s energy sector currently relies heavily on fossil fuels, particularly coal and imported liquefied natural gas (LNG), contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind have shown significant growth in recent years, they still constitute a relatively small portion of the country’s energy mix. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), fossil fuels accounted for approximately 80% of Pakistan’s electricity generation in 2022, highlighting the urgent need for a transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources.
Earlier this month, the Centre for Peace and Development Initiatives under its Green Zameen Fellowship Program hosted a roundtable cohort. This gathering brought together esteemed lawmakers, industry experts, and other stakeholders to discuss critical issues such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, and sustainable architecture. Dr. Fiaz Chaudhry, the esteemed Chairman of the National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC), graced the roundtable cohort with his insightful keynote address. As the founding Director of the LUMS Energy Institute and holder of the prestigious Siemens Verner-Von Chair, Dr. Chaudhry’s expertise in the energy sector is unparalleled. His presentation provided a comprehensive overview of Pakistan’s energy landscape, highlighting the critical role of transmission infrastructure in ensuring a reliable and sustainable power supply. A key takeaway from the event was the urgent need to reimagine our built environment, from homes to large-scale infrastructure, to address climate change and energy security.
Buildings are not just structures; they are significant contributors to our carbon footprint. The construction industry is a major consumer of resources and a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions. However, a new wave of architects is embracing sustainable design principles, prioritising energy efficiency, resource conservation, and minimising environmental impact. This involves a holistic approach, considering the entire lifecycle of a building, from material sourcing and construction to operation and eventual deconstruction.
Minimising energy consumption is paramount. Sustainable architecture emphasises strategies like passive solar design, where buildings are oriented to maximise sunlight in winter and minimise it in summer. Efficient insulation and high-performance glazing further reduce energy loss. Water conservation is also crucial, with rainwater harvesting systems, low-flow fixtures, and drought-tolerant landscaping becoming standard features.
The careful selection of building materials is another cornerstone of sustainable design. Prioritising locally sourced, recycled, and renewable materials, such as bamboo, rammed earth, and timber from sustainably managed forests, reduces the environmental impact of transportation and minimises the use of non-renewable resources.
Furthermore, sustainable architecture focuses on enhancing indoor environmental quality. This includes ensuring good air quality, maximising natural lighting, and providing access to green spaces, all of which contribute to the health and well-being of building occupants.