Energy-Efficient Buildings Pakistan: Cut Rising Electricity Bills

By Muhammad Luqman

Pakistan’s buildings are silently fueling rising electricity bills, experts warn, as design choices and modern construction push energy use higher than ever.

Energy-efficient buildings Pakistan could provide a solution, experts say, by reducing cooling demands and lowering household electricity bills.

Examining the Structure of Modern Buildings

Examining the structure, engineers point out that traditional clay bricks and concrete, widely used in construction, trap heat inside walls and roofs during hot months. This increases indoor temperatures and drives up cooling demands.

Spotlighting Design Problems in Contemporary Homes

Spotlighting design problems, Dr. Javed Younis Uppal, former President of the Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP), explained that contemporary homes often focus on large windows and outward views.

Unlike older designs that relied on courtyards and thick walls for natural cooling, modern homes depend heavily on air conditioning.

Connecting Lifestyle Trends to Energy Usage

Connecting lifestyle trends, he added that bigger houses filled with electrical appliances further boost electricity use. Split air conditioners, in particular, are now essential, adding to peak summer demand.

Addressing Construction Standards and Heat Impact

Addressing construction standards, Dr. Uppal said many buildings are built without energy-efficiency considerations, leaving them ill-suited for Pakistan’s hot climate.

Revealing urban impacts, he noted that rising concrete structures and the loss of trees contribute to the urban heat island effect, raising both outdoor and indoor temperatures.

Proposing Solutions with Energy-Efficient Building Codes

Proposing solutions, Dr. Uppal emphasized that strict enforcement of the Pakistan Building Code could save large amounts of electricity. Studies show that fully applying these codes could reduce energy use by 18–37 percent in buildings, with the potential for a 60 percent nationwide reduction.

Detailing energy-smart codes, the Energy Conservation Building Code of Pakistan (ECBC-2023), alongside the earlier BCP (EP-2011), calls for improved building materials, energy-efficient equipment, and the integration of renewable energy like solar panels.

Encouraging compliance, he said, “Mandatory building energy codes and efficiency targets are critical. Homeowners and businesses should get tax credits, loans, and subsidies to invest in energy-saving technologies such as heat pumps and solar systems.”

Putting it in perspective, energy experts say past governments tried to reduce shortages by adding more power generation, now totaling 46,000 MW, to meet a summer peak of 32,000 MW.

Explaining economic pressures, Dr. Fiaz Ahmad Chaudhary, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Grid Company (NGC), told this reporter that these additions have pushed capacity payments above Rs2,000 billion, straining the energy system.

Breaking down usage, he noted that winter electricity demand ranges from 8,500 MW at night to 14,300 MW during the day, but surges by 16,800 MW in summer because of inefficient cooling in buildings. Residential and commercial sectors alone account for 60 percent of the peak load.

Outlining the benefits, he added that energy-efficient buildings could cut electricity demand year-round. This approach could also help Pakistan overcome its circular debt cycle and stabilize the national energy sector.

Author Profile

Muhammad Luqman: Muhammad Luqman is an experienced journalist specializing in agriculture, livestock, and rural development in Pakistan.

He writes insightful reports on government initiatives, economic potential, and policy impacts in the agriculture and livestock sectors, highlighting how local programs shape livelihoods and boost national and international markets.