Pakistan’s prevailing building architecture is contributing significantly to rising energy and electricity consumption, largely due to design practices and material choices that offer poor thermal performance and increase dependence on mechanical cooling. Construction experts noted that the extensive use of high–thermal-conductivity materials — particularly traditional clay bricks and concrete — results in substantial heat gain through walls and roofs during hot weather.

“Modern architectural designs often prioritize large windows and outward views over traditional inward-oriented structures that naturally provided shade and used courtyards for cooling,” said Dr. Javed Younis Uppal, former President of the Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP). Speaking to Wealth Pakistan, he said that modern lifestyles and larger floor areas in contemporary homes have increased the use of electrical appliances — especially energy-intensive split air conditioners — further pushing up electricity demand.

He regretted that many buildings are constructed with little attention to energy-efficiency standards, making them unsuitable for Pakistan’s climatic conditions. “The proliferation of concrete buildings and the reduction of foliage in urban areas contribute to the urban heat island effect, raising ambient temperatures and increasing indoor cooling requirements,” Dr. Uppal added. He said these architectural trends have created structures heavily dependent on active heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems to maintain thermal comfort, leading to significant energy wastage and exacerbating the national energy crisis and frequent power outages.

According to him, Pakistan’s long-standing energy crisis can be eased through strict adoption of the Pakistan Building Code, which could result in major electricity savings. Studies and government assessments indicate potential energy reductions of 18–37 percent across various building types and climate zones, while the government aims for up to a 60 percent nationwide cut in power use with full implementation of updated codes.

The Energy Conservation Building Code of Pakistan (ECBC-2023), along with the earlier BCP (EP-2011), outlines reforms to make buildings energy-smart by improving building envelope performance, encouraging energy-efficient equipment, and integrating renewable energy solutions. Dr. Uppal stressed the need to enforce mandatory building energy codes and national efficiency targets. “Tax credits, loan programs and subsidies that encourage homeowners and businesses to invest in energy-efficient technologies — such as heat pumps and solar panels — are essential,” he said.

According to energy experts, successive governments have sought to tackle electricity shortfalls by expanding supply, adding costly power generation that now totals 46,000 MW to meet a brief summer peak of 32,000 MW. “This has resulted in a steep rise in capacity payments, which now exceed Rs2,000 billion,” said Dr. Fiaz Ahmad Chaudhary, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Grid Company (NGC), in a conversation with Wealth Pakistan.

He said winter power demand ranges from 8,500 MW at night to 14,300 MW during the day, but surges by an additional 16,800 MW in the summer due to cooling loads from inefficient buildings. The residential and commercial sectors account for 60 percent of the peak load. Dr. Chaudhary noted that smart, energy-efficient buildings could cut year-round power demand and help the country escape its crippling circular debt cycle.

Credit: INP-WealthPk