Building energy efficiency policies in Pakistan: Current Issues and Future Prospects

The household sector in Pakistan consumes nearly half of the electricity. In 1990, The Building Energy Code of Pakistan (BECP) was developed. It was an adapted version of ASHRAE Standard 90.1. However, its compliance was not mandatory. In 2008, a new version of BECP was introduced without any provision for multifamily buildings. Later, the Building Code of Pakistan (Energy Provisions 2011) was introduced. These provisions are mainly adopted from ASHRAE Standard 90.1 2004. These provisions shall apply to buildings and building clusters that have: a total connected load of 100 kW or greater, or a contract demand of 125 kVA or greater, or a conditioned area of 900 m2 or greater, or unconditioned buildings of a covered area of 1,200 m2 or greater. Compliance is mandatory. Yet, considering its scope, these provisions do not apply to residential buildings. Pakistan is currently facing a housing shortage and an energy crisis. The existing buildings are not designed considering thermal comfort, indoor environmental quality and energy efficiency. Active systems are mainly used to improve indoor environmental conditions. It is essential to develop energy codes focusing on all building types. Government should ensure compliance at all levels. The architects, designers, building engineers, and public and private sector organizations related to the construction industry must make serious efforts to incorporate thermal comfort using passive design techniques, renewable energy and energy-efficient practices. There is a need to focus on research and innovation. Promoting local materials and industries while introducing awareness programs can help to improve the existing situation.