challenges and opportunities of green buildings in pakistan

7/22/2019 Challenges and Opportunities of Green Buildings in Pakistan

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Master thesis

Challenges and Opportunities of Green Building in Pakistan

By

Muhammad Zeeshan Ali

(s0536325)

MSc Construction and Real Estate Management

Supervisors:

M.Arch. Eric Pollock

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nicole Riediger


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Acknowledgment

First of all I would like to thank the Almighty Allah for providing me the strength

and courage to complete the Master thesis and the degree in time. Without his

greatness and help I would not be able to complete the work.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to my final year thesis supervisor

M.Arch. Eric Pollock for accepting my thesis proposal and for providing the

assistance, guidance, feedback and support which helped me a lot during the

thesis work. I am also grateful to Prof. Dr.-Ing. Nicole Riediger for serving as my

second supervisor and taking out the time from her busy schedule for my work.

I am thankful to Rana Hassan Ashraf a very good friend, for his unconditional

support and motivation which encouraged me a lot during my studies.

I would like to dedicate this study to my beloved parents without whom I would

not be able to achieve all the success in life. They have done a lot for making me

a good human and giving me a better life. Without their love, care, moral and

financial support I would have not been able to pursue my studies. I would like to

thank them for always being there for providing me a world full of opportunities.

May Allah bless them, Ameen.


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Abstract

The increasing environmental concerns have forced world community to come

up with such solutions with the least impact on the environment and potential tomeet the ever increasing human needs in a sustainable manner. One such

solution is of Green Building technology, which is also a focal point of this study.

Green building concept actually refers to a process which is environmentally

responsible and resource-efficient throughout the building's life-cycle. The

process has applicability in all distinct phases of building life cycle which includes

design, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation, and demolition. Energy

crisis, water shortage, poor waste management, less intelligent buildings spatialdesign and the usage of energy intensive materials in Pakistan construction

industry have indeed called for analysis which could give deeper insights about

the challenges and problems currently prevailing and creating hurdles in adopting

and implementing green building technology in Pakistan. STEEP analysis has

provided a logical and theoretical basis to visualize all the challenges and

opportunities regarding Green Building technology under five distinct constructs

which are Social, Technical, Economics, Environmental and Political. Thereafter,

a tool, SWOT analysis, commonly used to synthesize information in terms of

Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats is employed. Discerning

relevant challenges and opportunities in terms of strengths, weaknesses,

opportunities and threats warrants a further study of a case in a similar context to

give recommendations a pragmatic shape. Therefore, a brief case study of CII-

Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Center project in a neighboring country of India

having similar climatic, cultural and political conditions is done to make the

recommendations more specific, meaningful and relevant to the context.

Keywords: Green Building Technology, sustainable construction, STEEP and

SWOT analysis, environmental degradation, energy crisis.


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Table of Contents

Acknowledgment ................................................................................................. ii

Abstract .............................................................................................................. iii

List of Figures .................................................................................................... vi

List of Tables.....................................................................................................viii

List of Abbreviation ............................................................................................ ix

1. Theoretical Phase ........................................................................................ 1

1.1 Introduction ............................................................................................ 1

1.1.1 Background ............................................................................................ 1

1.1.2 Problem Statement ................................................................................ 2

1.1.3 Objectives .............................................................................................. 3

1.2 Research Methodology .......................................................................... 4

1.2.1 Theoretical Phase .................................................................................. 4

1.2.2 Analytical Phase .................................................................................... 5

1.2.3 Result Phase ......................................................................................... 5

1.3 Literature Review ................................................................................... 7

1.3.1 What is green building ........................................................................... 7

1.3.2 Why people attracted towards Green Building ..................................... 12

1.3.3 History of Green Building ..................................................................... 13

1.3.4 Green Building Strategies for Pakistan ................................................ 25

2. Analytical Phase ........................................................................................ 44

2.1 STEEP Analysis ................................................................................... 44

2.1.1 Social Factors ...................................................................................... 45

2.1.2 Technological Factors .......................................................................... 49

2.1.3 Economic Factors ................................................................................ 53

2.1.4 Environmental Factors ......................................................................... 55

2.1.5 Political Factors ................................................................................... 57

2.2 SWOT Analysis .................................................................................... 60

2.2.1 Strengths ............................................................................................. 63

2.2.2 Weaknesses ........................................................................................ 64

2.2.3 Opportunities ....................................................................................... 65

2.2.4 Threats................................................................................................. 67

2.2.5 Confrontation Matrix............................................................................. 70

2.2.6 Summary of SWOT analysis ................................................................ 73

2.3 Case Study of CII- Sohrabji Godrej green building center ................... 75

2.3.1 Project Description ............................................................................... 75

2.3.2 Project Details ...................................................................................... 76


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2.3.3 Green initiatives and sustainable technology used in the building ....... 81

2.3.4 Sensitivity to context ............................................................................ 85

2.3.5 Benefits achieved ................................................................................ 86

3. Result Phase ............................................................................................. 87

3.1 Recommendations ............................................................................... 87

3.2 Conclusion ........................................................................................... 89

4. References ................................................................................................ 91


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List of Figures

Figure 1: What is a Green Building? (The Green Makover home, 2009). ........... 9

Figure 2: Energy consumption by different sectors, (NewsRoomFeatures,2009). ................................................................................................................ 10

Figure 3: Evans Mills Our Hand in Greening the White House, (CBS Newsletter,

1994). ................................................................................................................ 16

Figure 4: Total energy consumption by buildings from 1980 to 2030 (Hong, et

al., 2007, p. 8) ................................................................................................... 17

Figure 5: Growth of LEED certified buildings in India (India's leading real estate,

2010) ................................................................................................................. 24Figure 6: Our buildings today world over (Tirmizi, 2010, p. 2). .......................... 26

Figure 7: Specific Consumption of the Total Primary Energy Supply per capita

(Khan, 2007, p. 5). ............................................................................................ 27

Figure 8: Share of built environment in pollution emission and resource use

(Isover Sustainable insulation, 2009). ............................................................... 32

Figure 9: Forecast for Pakistans power generation and consumption (World

News, 2005). ..................................................................................................... 33

Figure 10: Pakistan energy outlook 2008-2022, (OICCI Energy Subcommittee,

2006, p. 14). ...................................................................................................... 34

Figure 11: Estimated average composition of construction and demolition debris

in urban settings (Ashmore, et al., 2010, p. 13). ............................................... 39

Figure 12: Rate of Municipal solid waste generated by countries (Gautam,

2009). ................................................................................................................ 40

Figure 13: Top 10 populated countries in the world (Index mundi, 2012). ........ 42

Figure 14: Aerial View of the CII Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre

Building at Hyderabad India, (Solaripedia, 2013). ............................................. 75

Figure 15: Macro level location-CII Sohrabji Godrej GBC, (Subramanian, 2012).

.......................................................................................................................... 76

Figure 16: Performance of green building in India, (Roy & Gupta, 2008). ......... 78

Figure 17: Public transport near to the site, (Subramanian, 2012). ................... 79

Figure 18: Vehicle charging station at CII Sohrabji Godrej GBC, (Subramanian,

2012). ................................................................................................................ 79

Figure 19: Climate data of India, (imdhyderabad, 2012). .................................. 80
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Figure 20: Hyderabad climate, (Subramanian, 2012). ...................................... 80

Figure 21: Use of photovoltaic cells on the roof top, (Subramanian, 2012). ...... 81

Figure 22: Wind Towers, (Gujral, 2009). ........................................................... 82

Figure 23: Fly ash bricks in comparison with clay and concrete bricks,

(Subramanian, 2012). ....................................................................................... 83Figure 24: Bagasse board and ceramic tiles used in the building, (Subramanian,

2012). ................................................................................................................ 84
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List of Tables

Table 1: Research Methodology Flowchart. ........................................................ 6

Table 2: Sustainable building rating systems (Fowler & Rauch, 2006, p. 3). .... 21Table 3: Historical development of Building materials (Reddy, 2004). .............. 29

Table 4: Work Breakdown structure of macro environment analysis. ............... 44

Table 5: Work Breakdown structure for micro environment analysis. ............... 62

Table 6: Confrontation Matrix. ........................................................................... 72
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List of Abbreviation

STEEP Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental,

Political

SWOT Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threat

IGBC Indian Green Building Council

LEED Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

BREEAM Building Research Establishment Environmental

Assessment Method

USGBC United State Green Building Council

U.S United State

AIA American Institute of Architects

CASBEE Comprehensive Assessment System for Building

Environment Efficiency

CCI Clintons Climate Initiative

WGBC World Green Building Council

OECD Organization of Economic Cooperation and

Development

HVAC Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

WAPDA Water and Power Development Authority

PV Panels Photovoltaic Panels

MSW Municipal Solid Waste

ECBC Energy Conservation Building Code

CAPEX Capital Expenditure

DC Direct Current


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ESCO Energy Service Companies

UNDP United Nations Development Program

PEPO Pakistan Environment Protection Ordinance

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

IAP Institute of Architects Pakistan

IEP Institute of Engineers Pakistan

IGBC Indian Green Building Council

VFDs Variable Frequency Drives

TOE Tonne of Oil Equivalent

VOC Volatile Organic Compound

CPCB Central Pollution Control Board

CLFs Compact Fluorescent Lamps

GBC Green Business Center

CII Confederation of Indian Industry

NC New Construction

USAID United States Agency for International Development

NIAP National Impact Assessment Program

NCEA Netherland Commission for Environmental

Assessment


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1. Theoretical Phase

1.1 Introduction

1.1.1 Background

In the present time, green building has been an integral part in sustainable

development as it controls the environmental crisis, strengthen the energy issue

and balance the long term health and economic matters. It is a concept that builds

a structure which is environmentally responsible and energy efficient. The green

building is designed to overcome the negative impact on health, economy, and

environment (Ali & Nsairat, 2008). In global context sustainable construction isdefined as a holistic process starting with the extraction of raw materials,

continuing with the planning, design, and construction of buildings, and ending

with their demolition and management of the resultant waste (Korkmaz, et al.,

2009).

In the past few decade green buildings concept has taken considerable

recognition in the engineering, architecture and construction industry as the world

has become more sensitive towards the issues of global climate change and

environment. Sustainable construction requires a different conception of thinking

about cost, quality, and time that traditional Benefits of green buildings are that

they reduce the negative impact on the environment and also offer business

opportunity and better occupant health. Many developed nations such as United

States, United Kingdom, Korea, Canada and Japan have already adopted and

implemented green building technology (Korkmaz, et al., 2009). The initial costs

of Green buildings are higher than the conventional buildings specially whenincorporating more advance technologies and selecting higher levels of LEED or

sustainability. But Green buildings may cost more to build than conventional

buildings, especially when incorporating more advanced technologies and higher

levels of LEED, or sustainability. However, they also offer significant cost savings

over time. (Greg Kats, et al., 2003, p. 9). Developing countries are experiencing

exponential growth in the built environment and there is a great potential of

making the design and construction practices in these countries more sustainable

through green building guidelines (Korkmaz, et al., 2009).


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As a developing country, India has witnessed major progress in the context of

green building guidelines since 2001 (Potbhare, et al., 2009, p. 159). Whereas

also Pakistan is facing the environmental issues which is not only threatens the

human health but also disturbing the economic development and environmental

protection of the country. The major problems that Pakistan is facing are theenergy crisis, limited water resources, recycling of solid waste and use of energy

intensive construction material (Sana, 2013). Green building design and

construction are the suitable possible way to overcome the water, energy,

material and waste issues in Pakistan. As per confederation of Indian Industry,

green building in India consumes 30 to 50 percent less energy as compared to

conventional building. There are few buildings in Pakistan that are recognized as

green architecture/ construction but on a larger scale still Pakistan is in need toimplement green building concept country wide. To overcome the crisis such as

energy, water and solid waste it is proposed that by introducing the green

buildings construction in Pakistan market, it will provide an immediate solution to

the mentioned problems (Aslam, et al., 2012).

1.1.2 Problem Statement

Currently energy crisis is the major threat to Pakistan. The current energy crisis

in Pakistan has affected all fields of society badly. A constant increase in the gap

between the electricity demand and supply has been noted with each passing

day (Mahboob, 2013). Major portion of the electricity consumption belongs to

building sector of Pakistan as 40 percent electricity generated by Pakistan is

consumed by building sector (Alamgir, 2008).

Another issue that exist as a biggest threat is the water shortage crisis in the

country over the past few decades. As per the experts, the availability of potable

water per capita was 5600 cubic meter in 1950s but now the value is lower to

1000 cubic meter per capita. Public awareness is very necessary towards the

importance of water management and its efficient use (Islam, 2013).

Also commonly used construction materials in Pakistan i.e. clay bricks etc. are

highly energy intensive. With the excessive use of these construction materials

gives not only negative impact on the environment but also drains the energy

sources (Tirmizi, 2010, p. 4).


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The traditional building design and construction in Pakistan is very congested

with less movement and very less outdoor space. In Pakistan joint family system

is very common so greater number of people living in small houses gives poor

ventilation and bad indoor day light. In these buildings as the indoor air quality

has adverse effect on occupants health (UN-Habitat, 2010, p. 5).

Whereas green building is a practice of creating structures, which reduces energy

consumption, increase in the use of renewable energy, minimum production of

waste, provides better indoor air quality and efficient use of construction material

(INPAPERMAGZINE, 2011).

In terms of words or documents, Pakistan claims to be the part of global world

but Pakistan lacks when it comes to action and implementing environmentalprotocols. The point of concern is that to overcome the above mentioned threats,

many environmental and energy efficient policies were introduced but they were

not implemented properly. Whereas India is far ahead in the implementation of

green building across the country. Indian political parties are serious on this issue

that they have placed the climatic matter and sustainable development on the top

of their manifestos (Sana, 2013).

1.1.3 Objectives

The aim and objective of the research project is to analyze and study the

opportunities and challenges that Green Building technology have in Pakistan.

As despite of having serious environmental and energy crisis in country, why till

now green building technology is not yet introduced or implemented on a larger

scale in Pakistan. The challenges and opportunities for the implementation andadoption of Green building technology exists in Pakistan are discussed in detail

by doing SWOT analysis and a case study.

The aim of research illustrates following research objectives.

A SWOT analyses of large scale green building technology

implementation in Pakistan.

A case study to discuss the technology being already used in similar

climates.


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To propose recommendations for adoption & implementation of green

building technology in Pakistan as per objective 1 and 2.

1.2 Research Methodology

The research methodology will explain the procedures and methods opted to

collect the desired data for this study. The research is done in an adjustable

fashion so as to bolster the way of thinking and obtain knowledge on the problem

space in a coherent way. The research work is divided into four stages which are

explained in detail below. The following four stages are:

Theoretical phase

Analytical phase

Result phase

Results evaluation phase.

1.2.1 Theoretical Phase

This is the preliminary stage where research topic Challenges and Opportunities

of Green Buildings in Pakistan is explained in detail and data collection against

the research topic to determine the problem associated to the research. This

phase includes the introduction, research methodology and literature review part

of the project work. The phase is divided into three parts which are as under:

Introduction

Research Methodology

Literature Review

The introduction part will define the green building and also will discuss the

increase in demand of this technology in developing countries. It will also describe

the present scenario of green building challenges and opportunities in Pakistan.

The literature review will explain in detail that what is actually a green building is,

its important features and why people got attracted towards this technology. A

brief introduction, the history of the green building, its application worldwide and

current situation. It also includes the green building strategies for Pakistan and

what is the current development in Pakistan. The research is based on the data


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collected from the various sources including article, journals, reports, books and

the website sources.

1.2.2 Analytical Phase

Analytical phase comprises of STEEP analysis which is used to determine the

social, technological, environmental, economic and political aspects. The results

from STEEP analysis will be utilized as an input for the SWOT analysis which is

also a part of analytical phase.

SWOT analysis will determine the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and

threats of green building to be implemented in Pakistan. SWOT analysis is

followed by a case study research of a green building constructed in India having

similar cultural, social and political problems like Pakistan.

1.2.3 Result Phase

Recommendation will be made in this phase after the detailed discussion in the

SWOT analysis part and the case study. Recommendations will explain theprocedure and steps to be taken in order to increase the chances of Green

building technology to be introduced and implemented in Pakistan.

Recommendation part is followed by the Conclusion. Data obtained from the

SWOT analysis, case study and recommendations will also be concluded in this

phase.

A flow chart is made to explain all the phases that will help the reader to

understand the structure of this project report.


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Rese

archMethodologyPhases

TheoreticalPhase

AnalyticalPhase

Re

sultPhase

Table 1: Research Methodology Flowchart.

Introduction

Research Methodolo

Literature Review

STEEP AnalysisCase Study

SWOT Analysis

Recommendation on the basis of

SWOT Analysis and case study

Conclusion


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1.3 Literature Review

1.3.1 What is green building

The construction of buildings and development of modern towns/cities have

strong and substantial harmful effect on the environment. Also buildings are quite

responsible for having bad impacts on the mental and physical health of their

residents (JANAK, 2009, p. 1). The maximum percentage of worlds energy is

consumed by the building sector. As per the research 40 percent of the total

energy is consumed by the buildings, they also utilizes 12 percent of the water

and dispose 40 percent of the solid waste to landfill. On a higher level scientists

and think tanks agreed that this is an alarming situation as buildings are also

responsible for the global problems. However buildings can be the biggest

solutions to these environmental problems. (Arnel, 2012).

It is realized that the global warming has been the existing threat to the

environment and a fact which is not deniable. Developed counties are focused

on the promotion and implementation of technique for reducing the energy and

resource consumption and also the reduction in the release of CO2 gasses. The

building sector is the largest energy consumer and also it produces huge amount

of waste, pollution and greenhouse gases, so this sector needs serious

improvement in order to stop the negative harmful effects of building on the

environment. There are about 12.5 million residential and 430,000 commercial

buildings in Canada. As a result, these buildings are actually consuming about

50 percent of the natural resources, utilizing 33 percent of energy and also they

emits about 30 percent of greenhouse gasses (Sangster, 2006, p. 8).

There have many techniques and ways are developed and introduced to reduce,

minimize the environmental concerns of global warming and air pollution related

to building construction industry, as these both factors are linked with the energy

issues (Alnaser, et al., 2008a). As the rapid increase in the population and

economy is expanding, it is now a challenging job for the builders, constructors

and designers to meet the upcoming needs, requirements and demands for the

new or renovated structures/facilities that are easily accessible, secure,

productive and healthy and also they are not putting negative impact on the

environment (Alnaser, et al., 2008b).


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With the increasing awareness of environmental problems, people are coming up

with new ways to solve or decrease environmental degradation. One of the ideas

is of Green buildings. Green building actually refers to a structure which is

environmentally responsible and resource-efficient throughout a building's life-

cycle. The process includes design, construction, operation, maintenance,renovation, and demolition (Aslam, et al., 2012). Another definition of green

building is that a building which includes the efficient usage of clean energy and

water, better use of recycle material or the material ready for recycling and also

it provides a healthy indoor environment (Mohindroo, 2008, p. 5).

At every stage of green building construction process, special attentions to the

environmental consideration is given and major phases are design, construction,

operation and maintenance. The integration concept makes the major difference

between the conventional and green building rest the teams of multi-disciplinary

professional used to work together from the planning stage till the pre occupant

phase (Zafar, 2013). Design phase has the major importance as architecture

design can control the consumption of energy in the building and also its solid

waste. It will be possible to reduce carbon dioxide emission CO2. Design of

building that makes the solar energy usage at the maximum capacity, usage of

renewable resources can control the energy consumption. As water is the most

important depleting resource in India, another important area for green

construction is the optimum usage of water resource (Bagchi, 2011).

1.2.3.1 Important Elements of a Green Building

As per the survey in U.S, buildings are usually responsible for 72% of electricity

consumption, 39% of energy use, 35% of carbon dioxide emissions, 40% of raw

material usage, 30% waste output and 14% potable water consumption (Durmus-

Pedini & Ashuri, 2010). As shown in figure 1, green building just not only address

the energy consumption of the building but also there are other important

elements that are being considered by the green building. Green building is

generally focused on few critical elements which are energy efficiency, indoor air

quality, lot development, homeowner education, global impact, resource/material


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efficiency and water efficiency and management (The Green Makover home,

2009).

1.3.1.1 Energy Efficiency

Energy is the most critical factor that is addressed by Green buildings because

the economic costs and environmental impacts are linked with the use of energy.

The major objectives includes:

Achieving the energy efficiency and reduction in energy use by installing

energy efficient appliances, lighting.

Renewable sources of energy such as solar power, thermal energy and

combustion of biomass are very effectively and efficiently used.

Figure 1: What is a Green Building? (The Green Makover home, 2009).

Lot Development

Resource

Efficiency

Energy Efficiency

Water Effciency

and quality

Indorr Air Quality

Homeowner

Education

Global Impact


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The building sector accounts for the largest percent of produced energy

consumption. It uses 40 percent of our energy resources as compared to industry

and transportation, which consume 32 percent and 28 percent, respectively

(NewsRoomFeatures, 2009).

It is commonly noticed that in green buildings, usually energy has been treated

as its major or sometimes only critical element. But the building is only

considering and addressing the energy element, then that building may not be

called as green building. As there are also many other environmental impacts

which can overshadow the benefits of minimum utilization of energy in that

building (Fischer, 2010, p. 5).

1.3.1.2 Water Management

Water is the most important and valuable element for the existence of human

beings. One of the cost saving factor is the reduction of water usage in the

buildings (Mohindroo, 2008, p. 2). Water resource management can be achieved

by the recycling of the wastewater in the buildings. It is also important to note that

water management also includes how the neighboring land and building itself

Figure 2: Energy consumption by different sectors, (NewsRoomFeatures, 2009).


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controls and handles the rain water, on site water and run off. Water management

may also include how the building and associated land handle rain, on-site water,

and run-off (Fischer, 2010, p. 7).

1.3.1.3 Waste management

It is another important element of the green building. It is essential to reduce the

environmental impact of waste gained from the construction process of the

building. This can be achieved by doing the recycling of the waste material and

also it is suggested to use the material more efficiently. Papers and plastic bags

foodstuffs can be recycled or otherwise processed to reduce their environmental

impact (Fischer, 2010, p. 8).

1.3.1.4 Lot Development

At this phase the developers and planners actually do the lay out of the

communities and cities giving the adequate access to the resources and also they

design the buildings with the proper orientation towards the sun. Echo system of

the building and the storm water management are also part of the low lot

development (The Green Makover home, 2009).

1.3.1.5 Resource/Material Used

It is also known as material efficiency. Material selection and use in the building

construction process and also in its operations is an important factor, as it isresponsible for the sustainability of the buildings environment footprints (Fischer,

2010, p. 8). It is possible to reduce the landfill waste obtained from the

construction and operation process of the building, if it is utilized more efficiently

and designed for recycling. (Smiciklas, et al., 2012, p. 5).


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1.3.1.6 Indoor air quality

Building design should allow the best indoor air quality to maintain the healthy

environment inside the building. With the use of materials such as asbestos,

material without heavy metals or other toxic material can cause building impacts

on occupants health. There are also other factors for example lighting, building

design, or climate change can have major effect on human health (Fischer, 2010,

p. 8).

1.3.1.7 Global Impact

It is important to keep in mind that while focusing on the building sustainability

and comfort for the occupants it is recommended to have a look outward to the

neighbor that the building is not going to harm the surrounding specially the

neighbors (The Green Makover home, 2009).

1.3.2 Why people attracted towards Green Building

Why there is a need of green building and why people attracted towards thisconcept is asked from many occupants of green building and 3 major reasons

came out by these occupants (Srinivas, 2007). The reasons are following:

1.3.2.1 Operational Savings

The advantage of green buildings are that they consume about 40 to 50 percent

less energy and also 20 to 30 percent less water as compared to conventional

building. But there will be an incremental cost which will be pack back in 3 to 5

years time span (Srinivas, 2007).

1.3.2.2 Daylight and Views

Another important aspect is the daylight and views. The daylight and views in the

working environment makes the connection with the outside environment

possible. It also provides pleasant and smoothing effect which has positive effect


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on their work. As per the research the productivity is increased by 12 to 15 percent

of the people having access to daylight and views (Srinivas, 2007).

1.3.2.3 Air Quality

Fresh and healthy air quality is an important aspect of green buildings. To

maintain excellent indoor air quality green buildings use interior material with low

voltaic compound (VOC) emissions. About 15 cfm/person of fresh air exclusion

is needed by the office building to maintain the healthy and fresh environment

inside the building (Srinivas, 2007).

1.3.3 History of Green Building

1.3.3.1 How it got started

Henri Becquerel was the first person who witnessed the conversion of solar

energy into electrical energy which is also called as photovoltaic power. In late

18th century till the start of 19th century sun energy was used to be converted in

to the steam energy with the help of solar power plants. Then from 1950s solar

energy was used on a smaller scale, making way 20 years later for the solar panel

solution. Green building moved to reality from development and research stage

during the 1970s energy crisis. Due to the initial high costs, solar panels on a

smaller scale were installed in the buildings. Since then developers constructed

more efficient and lesser expensive solar panels making possible the maximum

use of solar energy. In the meantime, a research had begun as if solar panels

can be more helpful towards the energy consumption as they make the building

more energy efficient with lower energy bills and also they have minimum

negative effect on the environment (BStone, 2011).

Due to the energy crisis in 1970s American institute of Architects (AIA) made an

energy task force along with the AIA Committee on Energy. They had made two

groups of teams, assigning different jobs to them. One team was responsible for

the passive systems, for example saving the energy. Second team was looking

at the technological solutions like triple grazed windows. The building energy


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conservation efforts were kept on moving ahead as in 1977, Willis Faber and

Dumas Headquarters grass roof were used to make the maximum use of daylight.

Also In 1977, the Solar Energy Research Institute which was latterly renamed as

National Renewable Energy Laboratory was established to examine energy

technologies and Department of Energy was made to look at the usage of energy

and conservation (Duro-Last Roofing, et al., 2003, p. 4). Norwegian Prime

minister Gro Harlem Bruntland gave the first definition to Sustainable

development in 1987 UN World Commission on Environment and Development,

as the development which meets the needs of the present without compromising

the ability of future generations to meet their own needs (Duro-Last Roofing, et

al., 2003, p. 5).

The first national eco labeling program was used in Germany in 1977. The

program is known as Blue Angel. This program contains different types of product

covering all fields including building construction. It is used in the multiple

environmental factors like for pollution prevention, safety, emissions, and for

hazardous substances. In 1989 Nordic Swan, a voluntary echo labeling program

was introduced. The event was attended by the northern European countries

such as Iceland, Finland, Denmark and Sweden (Duro-Last Roofing, et al., 2003,

p. 19).

Globally, in 1990 the Building Research Establishment Environmental

Assessment Method (BREEAM), worlds first environmental assessment method

and rating system for buildings was established in the UK. The U.S Green

building council (USGBC) was established in 1993 and Indian Green Building

Council was formed in 2001. CII Sohrabji Godrej Green is the India first USGBC

LEED Certified (Meghraj, 2007, p. 5). In 1990, the very first internationally usedenvironmental assessment tool introduced to the world is BREEAM, which stands

for Building Research Environmentally Assessment Method. The assessment

method is also used in other countries like Canada, New Zealand and Australia

(Duro-Last Roofing, et al., 2003, p. 18).

The earth summit held in June 1992, was attended by 2400 non-government and

172 government organizations. Agenda 21 which focuses on the achievement of

global sustainability, environmental and development issues, climate change,

biodiversity and announcements on forest principles is a document of historical

importance and its formal passage marked the historical event. In June 1993, at


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UIA/AIA Congress of Architects, sustainability was chosen the theme for the

event by the AIA president due to the inspiration from June 1992 Earth summit.

U.N.s 1985 Bruntland Commission definition of sustainability was being referred

at this event and AIA president Maxman signed the Declaration of

Interdependence for a Sustainable Future. (Duro-Last Roofing, et al., 2003, p.5).

In the same year 1993, the US Green Building Council (GBC) was formed. The

membership of U.S Green Building Council consists of 150 groups. The member

groups represents all divisions of the building sector which includes managers,

design companies, universities and offices, professional societies, financial firms,

city and state and minimum twelve federal government agencies (Landman,

1999, p. 20).

1.3.3.2 The Greening of the White House

Greening the White house was the instruction given by the newly elected

President of U.S Bill Clinton 1993. White house has the tradition of accepting and

demonstrating the new technology innovation. By taking the initiative of greening

the White House had increased and improved the environmental and energy

performance of the building. The outcome of this exercise had reduced the waste,

controlled the energy consumption and improved the proper use of renewable

resources. The Department of Energy carried out the auditing of energy

performance of the White House. By year 1996, $300,000 annual savings has

been achieved from water, energy, landscaping and solid waste costs and also

the reduction in the emission of carbon by 845 metric tons (House, 1994). About

$1.4 million savings was achieved by the White House greening project in the

first 6 years. The major changes made to the building were insulation, lighting,

heating, air conditioning, energy and also minimizing the water and energy

consumption. (Kubba, 2012, p. 10).

The successful greening of the White House encouraged the government to take

further steps towards sustainable development. Pentagon, U.S department of

Energy headquarters and the Presidio were also instructed to be given the green

treatment. A memorandum of understating was signed between United State

Department of Energy and AIA/COTE in 1996, to conduct joint research and


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development (R&D) and to promote and start the series of building projects in

21st century. (Duro-Last Roofing, et al., 2003, p. 5).

As the rapidly increasing growth of green building in U.S set an impression that

though the green building U.S has large numbers but the in Europe GreenBuilding has been more advanced then U.S. One of the few huge projects of

Green building by such as Foster and Partners (London) is Commerzbank

headquarters in Frankfurt opened in 1997 was recognized as the greatest

skyscraper in Europe. It is also the Europes tallest building with 60 stories. Other

major projects include German Parliament also known as German Reichtag in

Berlin and the pickle shaped Gherkin in London are another great examples of

green movement in Europe (Yudelson, 2008, p. 5).

Figure 3: Evans Mills Our Hand in Greening the White House, (CBS Newsletter,1994).


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1.3.3.3 Green Building Movement in Asia

On other hand in Asia Green building movement gained momentum since 2000

where significant government initiative were taken to promote and bring

awareness towards the Green Building introduction in respective Countries.

Japan, India and China took the imitative as being the largest energy consumers

in Asia. Since 2000 China has three new building standards has been issued by

China in order to make the energy savings of the building sector possible by 30

to 50 percent (Hong, et al., 2007, p. 22).

China, for example, has issued three new building standards since 2000. It has

increased the energy-saving target for new buildings from 30 to 50 percent. The

percentage of energy saving is different for the major cities as a higher target of65 percent was recommended for these cities. Targets were established for

making the existing building energy efficient. Japan the other largest energy

consumer country in Asia has been working on establishing the building energy

policies to meet and support the national goal of Carbon Dioxide emissions

reduction after the Kyoto Protocol was negotiated in 1997. In 1999 Japan revised

the energy standards for both residential and nonresidential buildings. The

housing Quality Assurance law and also energy efficiency labeling system was

made in 2000 in Japan. CASBEE stands for Comprehensive Assessment System

for Building Environmental Efficiency was established in 2004 and was updated

in 2006 (Hong, et al., 2007, p. 22).

Figure 4: Total energy consumption by buildings from 1980 to 2030 (Hong, etal., 2007, p. 8)


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The first national building energy standard for India was developed in 2001. The

goal was to ensure reduction of 25-40 percent of energy consumptions in new

building. Green Building movement in other Asians countries were also started

in the same time and building energy standards were revised and upgraded in

Singapore 1999, Malaysia 2001, Hong Kong 2005, Thailand 2001 to 2005, andthe Philippines 2005. South Korea has developed their first building energy

standard in 2004 (Hong, et al., 2007, p. 22).

1.3.3.4 Current Situation

Green building is still a new concept in many part of the world as the history of

sustainable building is few decades old. The demand of sustainable building

construction is increasing rapidly. Today, it is the requirement and need of the

occupants to have clean, environmentally friendly and safer homes for their use

(BStone, 2011).

As per the predictions by many observers, in the next 30 years half of the worlds

new building construction will occur in China covering area of 220 billion square

feet. It is nearly impossible to tackle with the world climate change without

introducing the energy efficiency in the buildings. Currently energy crisis is a

serious problem in major part of the world. Among worlds 40 largest cities by

population, mostly are not in the developed world. Some of these cities are,

Karachi and Lahore in Pakistan. Pune, Mumbai, Delhi in India, Beijing, Chonqing,

Wuhan in China. Out of 40 largest populated cities of the world there are only 2

cities in U.S and Russia, 1 in Japan, 1 in western Europe U.K and in developed

East Asia countries there is only 1 city from Singapore. These figures indicates

that there is a need of introducing sustainable buildings on a worldwide scale to

meet the energy shortages in the coming years. An attempts and efforts are being

made by the developers, architects and owners to discover whether it is possible

to construct a sustainable building on conventional building budget (Yudelson,

2007, p. 4).

Global building energy efficiency retrofit program of about US$5 billion was

initiated by Clintons Foundations Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) in May 2007.

The objective of this initiative is to improve the energy savings and installation of

energy efficient products that can save the energy between 20 to 50 percent. 16

cities were selected for this project out of which 5 cities Karachi, Mumbai,


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Bangkok, Tokyo and Seoul are in Asia. Including Asia across the globe currently

there are many sustainable building project are going on. (Hong, et al., 2007, p.

4).

Green building design and construction has been the fastest growing building

trend which has been adopted globally. Newsletters, articles and magazines on

monthly basis on the current development of Green Building. Green Building

concept has been adopted by major part of the world. Even developing countries

like India has got its first Platinum Green Building CII Sohrabji Godrej Green

Business Center in Hyderabad in year 2003 as per LEED standards. It was also

the first LEED Platinum rate Green Building outside the U.S inaugurated in 2004

(Thring, 2009).

Pakistan having the similar environmental and energy issues as of India, but still

Green Building technology is not accepted and implemented the sustainable

building in the country. It is the matter of concern that in Pakistan building

construction is not done as per the need of the climatic changes. That results in

the extra energy consumption by the occupants and the owners (Tirmizi, 2010,

p. 3).

1.3.3.5 Green Building Rating Systems

It is necessary to discuss about the green building assessment tools which are

being used worldwide. What are the rating systems used in India as the climatic

conditions are quite similar to Pakistan? As right now there is no such practice

going on in Pakistan as far as green building rating systems are concerned.

Green building rating systems are required to examine whether the building isreally green against the predefined rating systems (Shailesh, 2012). Throughout

the world different building assessment tools are being used to determine the

environmental performance of a building through its life time. The different

parameters of the building against its design, construction and operation are

established through various set of criterias. The major reason of creating the

green building rating system is that the buildings are considered to be the largest

contributor to the worlds energy usage, waste management and diminishing

green space. (Modak, 2012).


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Some of the internationally used green building rating systems are as under:

BEEAM (Building Research Establishments Environmental Assessment

Method).

GB tool

Green Globe U.S.

CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for Building

Environmental Efficiency)

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Table 2 contains the list of Green building assessment tools that are being used

worldwide. Column 2 in the table shows the development basis of each tool

(Fowler & Rauch, 2006, p. 3).

Table 2. Rating System Source(s)

Sustainable Building Rating Systems Development Basis

BREEAM (Building Research Establishments

Environmental Assessment Method)

Original

BREEAM Canada BREEAM BREEAM

BREEAM Green Leaf BREEAM, Green

Leaf

Calabasas LEED LEED

CASBEE (Comprehensive Assessment System for

Building Environmental Efficiency)

Original

CEPAS (Comprehensive Environmental

Performance Assessment Scheme)

LEED, BREEAM, HK-

BEAM, IBI

GBTool Original

GEM (Global Environmental Method) For Existing

Buildings (Green Globes) UK

Green Globes Canada


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GOBAS (Green Olympic Building Assessment

System)

CASBEE, LEED

Green Building Rating System Korea BREEAM, LEED,

BEPAC

Green Globes Canada BREEAM Green Leaf

Green Globes US Green Globes Canada

Green Star Australia BREEAM, LEED

LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design)

Original

LEED Canada LEED

LEED India LEED

LEED Mexico LEED

MSBG (The State of Minnesota Sustainable Building

Guidelines)

LEED, Green

Building Challenge '98,

and BREEAM

SPiRiT (Sustainable Project Rating Tool) LEED

TERI Green Rating for Integrated Habitat

Assessment

Original

TQ Building Assessment System (Total Quality

Building Assessment System)

Original

HK BEAM (Hong Kong Building Environmental

Assessment Method)

BREEAM

Table 2: Sustainable building rating systems (Fowler & Rauch, 2006, p. 3).


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1.3.3.6 Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED )

There are many rating systems followed in the world. But it is noticed that LEED

rating system is the most accepted and used system worldwide. In fact many

other systems are influenced by LEED rating concept and processes. It is also

called as mother of all rating systems (rating, 2012). U.S Green Building Council

(USGBC) was formed in 1993. With its formation, it was observed that there is a

need of system that could review and measure green buildings. In 1998 U.S

Green Building Council developed Leadership in Energy and Environmental

Design also called as LEED green building rating system. In the same year, 1998

first LEED pilot project program was initiated. It is also called LEED Version 1.0

and it was presented in USGBC Member Summit in August 1998 (Council, 2009,

p. 7).

It is possible to achieve large range of cost savings and occupant benefits with

the help LEED certification. It also include the lower operating cost, increased

asset value, better indoor air quality, reduced landfill waste, reduced energy

consumption and greenhouse gas emission and other benefits. There are four

levels of certification in LEED Green Building rating system. These rating

includes:

Certified: 26-32 points

Silver: 33-38 points

Gold: 39-51 points

Platinum: 52-69 points (India, 2007, p. XVII).

These points correspond to the number of credits that can be obtained in the

Green Building design categories:

Sustainable sites: 14 points

Water efficiency: 05 points

Energy and atmosphere: 17 points

Materials and resources: 13 points

Energy and atmosphere: 17 points

Indoor environmental quality: 15 points

Innovation and design: 05 points


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Minimum 26 points are require for a building to get LEED certification (Johnston,

2009). The new and nest version of LEED also named as LEED v4 will be

launched in fall of 2013 and builds on the core fundamentals of the current version

of LEED while streamlining the certification process and will put more emphasis

on performance of the building. Already beta version of LEED v4 is beingimplemented in more than 100 building projects in 11 countries (Crea, 2013).

In Pakistan, there have been no building constructed as per international

standards. Though there different projects in Pakistan with sustainability

approach but still no such project is linked with LEED rating (Hyder, 2010).

1.3.3.7 LEEDIndia

Where as in India green building movement started in 2001 with the

establishment of Indian green building council (IGBC). Confederation of Indian

Industries (CII) took the initiative for the formation of Indian green building council

along with the World Green Building Council (WGBC) and U.S Green Building

Council (USGBC). The LEED India Core committee was set up by the Indian

Green Council (IGBC) to concentrate on LEED specifications to be moulded as

per Indian context. The committee consisted of architects, industrial

representatives and building owners. Then the very first Indian LEED rating

system, also called as LEED India Version 1.0 was launched at the Green

Building Congress Conference in October 2006. LEED India is also called as

LEED India Green Building Rating System for new construction and Major

renovations (India, 2007, p. XIII).

Now Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design India (LEED-India) is

globally recognized and accepted for the design, construction and operation of

the high performance buildings. As it provides the basic tools and helps theowners, architects, facility managers to design, construction and operate the

green building as per the international standards. By recognizing in the key 5

areas where LEED- India promotes the entire approach of the building to

sustainability.

Sustainable Site Development

Water Savings Energy Efficiency


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Materials Selection

Indoor Air Quality

As shown in the figure 5, in India LEED Certified buildings are increased to 120

by 2010. There is also increase in the registered building in India. The total

number of registered buildings in India are 720. India achieved 442mn sq. ft. of

green building footprint by 2010 (India's leading real estate, 2010).

1.3.3.8 Situation in Pakistan and LEED Earth

Green building movement in India and also LEED India has been discussed in

detail in this report because of the fact that Pakistan has the similar climatic

conditions as of India. This is a matter of concern as Pakistan government is not

taking this issue seriously. On the other hand the neighbouring countries like India

and China are far ahead in implementing Green Building technology in their

respective countries. So to start with the green building approach and its

implementation in Pakistan, it could be possible to adopt the LEED- India ratingsystem and guide lines to bring the green building awareness in Pakistan on a

Figure 5: Growth of LEED certified buildings in India (India's leading real estate,2010)


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larger scale. Keeping in view the great benefits of green architecture in Pakistan

but unfortunately this concept has to find an application in Pakistan. Also green

building implementation in Karachi Pakistan which is largest city and economic

hub, can overcome existing electricity shortages. Sustainable building concept is

spreading rapidly across the globe but in Pakistan no such efforts in theapplication and implementation of sustainable theory is seen as per international

standards (Hyder, 2010).

For countries like Pakistan where LEED certification has not yet implemented or

got introduced, by adding a new layer to LEED Earth campaign U.S Green

Building Council (USGBC) who created the LEED green building rating system

is offering a free certification of LEED to the first ever Platinum projects thatcertify using the latest version of LEED. This is an attempt to promote sustainable

development around the world (Crea, 2013).

LEED Earth was announced to encourage the sustainable development and

green building practices around the world by offering free certification for the very

first project in 112 countries where LEED has yet to take root. LEED Earth is a

new benchmark and opportunity for the businessman in building design,

construction, operations and maintenance so that they could have greater aim

and target of achieving energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.

Pakistan is also included in the list of 112 countries (Release, 2013).

1.3.4 Green Building Strategies for Pakistan

There is high energy need in the industrialized countries so the quantity of energy

consumption is more. But in developing countries the proportion of energy usageis higher in the building sector due to the inefficiency of systems and its more

significant than the developed countries because there is extreme energy

shortages. In Pakistan Building sector consumes 43 percent of total energy

produced whereas 10 percent of the energy is used in the transportation and

manufacturing of the materials and components (World resource institute, 2007;

as cited in Tirmizi, 2010). It is a matter of serious concern that most of the building

constructed in Pakistan are not designed as per the climatic conditions. It is

observed that the excessive use of concrete and glass materials along with use

of high level of illuminations and heavy reliance on space conditioning are the


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common features of our buildings. So in Pakistan owners and occupants

consume extra energy in order to make the living comfortable for themselves. By

improving the building design it is possible to reduce the energy bills by 20

percent and this figure can be 50 percent with the proper use of energy efficient

appliance (Enercon, 2008; as cited in Tirmizi, 2010).

1.3.4.1 Our Buildings today

As shown in the Fig. 6, buildings today consumes 40 percent of the total world

energy and they are responsible for 45 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions.

40 percent of freshwater consumption, 70 percent of all timber consumption, 40

percent of human produced waste and also 50 percent of the worlds material

consumption (OECD, 2010; as cited in Tirmizi, 2010, p. 1). As discussed earlier

the amount of energy consumed is greater in any industrialized countries for

example in United Kingdom 56 percent of the energy is utilized in order to operate

the buildings, and 10 percent is used in the manufacturing of the materials.

Where as in United States buildings consume 39 percent of energy and 68

percent of electricity, also 38 percent is utilized in carbon dioxide emissions and

49 percent of the sulphurdioxide, 25 percent of the nitrogen oxides and 15 percent

Figure 6: Our buildings today world over (Tirmizi, 2010, p. 2).


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is used in the manufacturing and transporting of the building material. As far as

energy consumption in Europe is concerned about 42 percent of the energy is

used by the buildings and 13 percent is utilized by the building materials (Tirmizi,

2010, p. 2).

Figure 8 show that the energy consumption per capita of Pakistan is 1/5th

of theOECD countries and also it is half of the worlds average. These figures shows

that possible increase in the energy demand will be excessive with the improve

standard of living and with the growth of gross domestic products unless some

actions are taken (Khan, 2007, p. 4).

Figure 7: Specific Consumption of the Total Primary Energy Supply per capita

(Khan, 2007, p. 5).

In Pakistan it is a normal practice that new buildings constructed in Pakistan are

not being designed as per the local climatic conditions. Also the material selection

such as concrete, glass, high levels of illumination and heavy dependence on

space conditioning are the common aspects of building design in Pakistan. So

there is lack of awareness as the owners and occupants are consuming extra

energy in order to make their lives comfortable. It is estimated that by improving

the building design as per the climatic conditions and by selecting the best

materials will decrease the energy bills by 20 percent and also this figure can be

0

0.5

1

1.5

2

2.5

3

3.5

4

4.5

5

TOE/Capita

OECD World Middle East Asia Pakistan


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improved to 50 percent with the usage of energy efficient appliances (Tirmizi,

2010, p. 3).

Green buildings are not only beneficial in reducing the energy consumption but

also they are helpful to avoid the global warming, reduce the demand on the

power grid, improve inside air quality and save consumers money. Now theselection of the procedure in the design and construction of new buildings in

Pakistan will definitely effects the energy use for many coming years. The most

economic process of developing a cost effective opportunity is catered by building

design and construction methodologies in such a way that they last for the lifetime

of the building. Thus it is critical to make energy efficiency a fundamental part of

sustainable building design and construction (Tirmizi, 2010, p. 3).

1.3.4.2 Construction industry of Pakistan

The changes developed in the recent times with the modernization in construction

industry and aim to construct the huge buildings has stretched the technology to

its limits. Introduction of the better and developed composition of high strength

concrete, structural steel, new cladding and glazing material, new developments

in glass industry, HVAC systems and air conditioning have brought greater

change in the construction industry. Such changes have resulted in the

environmentally adverse buildings. In order to maintain better indoor air quality,

these buildings are reliant on non-renewable energy resources and also on the

higher carbon foot prints which will increase the maintenance and operational

costs of the building through its life time. The traditional buildings of the past

were suited to the local weather conditions because the facilities were developed

over the years. On the other hand, the new age buildings are using mechanical

means to monitor the comfort level of the users. Moreover, due to the lack ofusable space, the clients and developers have to use the optimum space

available for development. Urban development has brought to the fore excessive

heat, pollution and greenhouse gas emission that has prompted for renewable

energy use for mechanical HVAC and other associated tasks (Tariq, et al., 2012,

p. 18).

Building construction industry of Pakistan is considered to be the largest industry

in terms of whole volume of natural resources and material consumed, economic

expenditure, volume of products and materials manufactured, employment

opportunities produced and its environmental impacts. Huge amount of material


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consumption is done in Pakistan construction industry. Due to the increase of the

housing demand, there has been increase in the material need is observed in the

last 2 decades. Which doubled the demand of brick, steel and cement (Tirmizi,

2010, p. 4).

As per the table 3 below, the raw material used for the building construction is

actually utilizing the earth resources on a larger scale. As for the brick making

procedure, it is a common practice that the valuable and precious top soil is being

continuously and rapidly consumed.

Material Period

Mud, stones, wood/thatch Prior 8000 BC

Sun dried bricks 6000 BC

Pottery products 40008000 BC

Burnt bricks 4000 BC

Lime 3000 BC

Glass 1300 BC

Iron products 1350 BC

Lime-pozzolana cement 300 BC476 AD

Aluminium 1808 AD

Portland cement 1824 AD

Plastics 1862 AD

Table 3: Historical development of Building materials (Reddy, 2004).

In Pakistan we have variety of arable land comprises of different types of soil for

example black soil, red soil, laterite soil alluvial soils and desert soil. Area under

the soils suitable for brick making may not exceed 50% of the arable land. The

attempts in making the bricks to meet the present and future demands can utilize

and consume the fertile topsoil of arable land in about 100 years (Lunt, M. G.,

1980; as cited in Tirmizi, 2010, p. 4). Similarly the pressure on raw materials like

limestone to manufacture cement and energy requirements to produce these

materials has to be addressed.


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Production of construction materials has gradually transitioned from concentrated

labour intensive approaches to a mechanical approach, which relies more on

modern day machinery. This concentrated production methodology requires the

transportation of raw materials and dispersion of finished products over large

areas. These activities again require spending of fossil fuels for transportation.Another concerning and serious issue is the transportation of finished and raw

materials which can be the reason of the increased energy requirements, material

cost and environmental issues (Reddy, 2004).

The commonly used building material in Pakistan such as cement, brick steel,

aluminium, glass etc. are transported over a long distance. The use of such

material can drain the natural energy resources and could be harmful to the

environment. But the fact that with the use of only energy efficient materials such

as mud, thatch, timber its not possible to meet the desired growing building

construction demands. So it is necessary to utilize the available energy resources

and raw materials to develop energy efficient, environment friendly and

sustainable building alternatives and techniques to satisfy the increase the

increasing demand for buildings. Some of the guiding principles in developing

the sustainable alternative building technologies can be summarized as follows

(Tirmizi, 2010, p. 5):

Use of renewable energy sources.

Energy conservation

Decentralized production and maximum use of local skills

Minimize the use of high energy materials;

Concern for environment

Environment-friendly technologies

Minimize transportation and maximize the use of local materials and

resources

Utilization of industrial and mine wastes for the production of building

materials

Recycling of building wastes (Tirmizi, 2010, p. 5).

If the manufacturing of the building technologies are being done as per these

principles then they could become sustainable and efficient sharing of the energy


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resources will result in the minimum damage to the environment (Tirmizi, 2010,

p. 5).

As we know building materials uses large quantity of natural resources, in other

words construction activities utilizes 60 percent of the raw materials. Salvaging

building materials and reusing them not only saves energy but also reduces the

greenhouse gas emissions. It will be done by minimizing the need to extract and

process raw materials and shipping of new material from a long distances. The

negative impact on the environment will be reduce as the greenhouse gasses

generated from the waste decomposition, the requirement to build new landfills

or the emission of the air pollutions from waste burning (EPA, 2012).

1.3.4.3 Current challenges

In present time, one of the serious threats to our planet is the climate change.

There are various factor that causes the climate change. One of the major factor

that is putting negative environmental effect to the climate are buildings. To give

way to buildings resources such as forests, water, and energy are depleted.

Today, as per the expert analysis energy utilization in the building sector for its

construction and operation is twice as much as of cars and trucks. As per the

experts there will be 40 percent increase in the energy consumption of building

by 2050 emitting 3800 mega tons of carbon which is actually causing global

warming (Mohindroo, 2008, p. 6). Buildings and construction works have the

largest single share in global resource use and pollution emission. Figure 8 shows

that the OECD countries where the built environment is responsible for the 30

percent of the raw material, 30-40 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions,

25-40 percent of total energy use and 30-40 percent of solid waste generation.

30-40% of global greenhouse gas emissions and for 20% of water effluents

(Isover Sustainable insulation, 2009).


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Figure 8: Share of built environment in pollution emission and resource use(Isover Sustainable insulation, 2009).

The requirement of green buildings in Pakistan based on some major factors. Thefollowing factors are explained to develop an idea why and how green building

can safeguard the future of Pakistan.

1.3.4.4 Energy gap

In the present time, energy crisis is the major threat to Pakistan. The current

energy crisis in Pakistan has effected badly all fields of society. There is constant

increase in the gap between the electricity demand and supply every passing

day. It is need of the time to bring the change in the lifestyle and attitudes at the

national level to conserve electricity in order to overcome the energy gap. Energy

conservation is the only short term measure which can fill the gap between

demand and supply. We can save a lot of electricity through energy conservation

which must be taken immediately to cope with the shortage of electricity. With the

ongoing energy failures in Pakistan has destroyed 50 percent of the industrial

sector which results in the increase of the unemployment. It increases the costs


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of services and goods which has also effected the fixed income group (KHAN,

2011).

Domestic consumption of electricity in Pakistan is 45 percent of the total electricity

produced. Large portion of energy in buildings in Pakistan are used in heating,

lighting and cooling and derived from non-renewable sources. With the

application of green building practices with its alternative renewable sources to

power buildings, and energy efficient methods in new as well as existing buildings

will reduce the energy demand (Ebrahim, 2009).

Figure 9 shows the electricity demand touched the record of 20000 MW in year

2010 in Pakistan, whereas the total power generation for the electricity is

approximately 15000 MW. The other major problem is the power theft. While it is

impossible to precisely measure theft (as opposed to line loss), it is obvious that

it creates a sizable proportion of Pakistan's overall 30 percent energy loss rate.

In the past Pakistan army was given responsibility to check and control the illegal

connections to transmission lines and rigged meters. That action has helped to

0

5000

10000

15000

20000

25000

2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Forecast of Pakistan Power Generation and Consumption

Generation Consumption

Figure 9: Forecast for Pakistans power generation and consumption (WorldNews, 2005).


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increase revenues, but power theft is just one part of the financial problems for

the Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) (World News, 2005).

Karachi is the largest city of Pakistan and also economic hub. But the most

alarming situation is the electricity short fall in the city. The duration of electricity

load shedding is approximately 57 percent of the time from 10 am till 12 pm

midnight. Green buildings can be useful in controlling the huge electricity load

shedding. With the installation of photovoltaic panels (PV) which convert the

sunlight in to electricity can cover more than 20 percent of the electricity demand.

Also if there is more uncovered area in the building than number of photovoltaic

panels (PV) can be increased which could meet the electricity demand up to 50

percent (INPAPERMAGZINE, 2011).

According to the Petroleum institute of Pakistan, from year 2008 till 2022 the

expected energy growth in Pakistan will be doubled energy consumption as percapita basis from 381 kg per capita to 700 kg per capita. A quantity of energy

saved via efficiency and conservation measures during this time span would

Figure 10: Pakistan energy outlook 2008-2022, (OICCI Energy Subcommittee,2006, p. 14).


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enable our independence from foreign imports and decrease financial pressure

on our native resources (OICCI Energy Subcommittee, 2006, p. 14).

The application of energy reducing techniques and procedures in existing and

new buildings will help out in overcoming the energy crisis in the country. It is the

need of time to implement the Pakistan building energy code in new buildings

and existing building are required to be renovated as per the standards

mentioned in the code. The government needs to embark on a programme to

encourage energy reduction in buildings in the form of incentives and rebates to

the private sector that undertake these kinds of projects. Pakistan`s building

energy codes should be enforced in new buildings and in existing buildings to be

renovated. Future generation should be aware of the green building concept in

Pakistan by promoting education in this field. So the design and construction of

green buildings in the country will help in reducing the building energy usage

without sacrificing comfort (Ebrahim, 2009).

1.3.4.5 Air Pollution

In Pakistan air pollution is the serious concern, as polluted air hits directory the

respiratory system. Air is essential for all living creature in the world without which

no one can survive for a couple of minutes. This is manmade environmental

disasters that are currently taking place all over the world including Pakistan. The

rate of air pollution is much more in the third world countries as compared to the

developed countries. Pakistan is also included in the list of these third world

countries. There are various reasons which causes air pollution in Pakistan for

example, brick work emissions, industrial smoke, hospital waste etc. Brick kiln

emission produces gasses like carbon dioxide, sulphur dioxide, hydrocarbons

and particulates like dust are extremely dangerous for the environment and health

of the living organisms itself living in its surroundings (ISMAIL, et al., 2012).

Burning of fossil fuels produces air pollutant gasses such as particulates, nitrogen

oxides, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide. Particulates cause illness whereas

nitrogen oxide are a component of smoke. Sulphur dioxid

challenges and opportunities of green buildings in pakistan

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