PTBP Web Desk
The National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) has taken the lead in promoting sustainable urban development in Islamabad, with Dr. Sardar Mohazzam, the Managing Director of NEECA, playing a pivotal role in the implementation of the Energy Conservation Building Codes (ECBC 2023).
In close collaboration with the Capital Development Authority (CDA), NEECA has made it mandatory for all new constructions — whether residential, commercial, or public — to comply with its building codes. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Pakistan’s efforts to achieve energy efficiency, reduced carbon emissions, and smarter urban planning.
The decision was announced during a high-level meeting held at CDA Headquarters, chaired by CDA Chairman and Islamabad Chief Commissioner Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The session reviewed strategies to strengthen building regulations, enforce energy conservation, and align Islamabad’s development with global standards for sustainability.
The enforcement of ECBC 2023 and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) by-laws demonstrates the government’s broader energy-saving agenda. Officials highlighted that the framework not only focuses on technical standards in construction but also takes into account financial aspects to ensure builders and developers achieve long-term energy savings.
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Sardar Mohazzam emphasized that NEECA is fully committed to providing technical support and training for effective implementation of the building codes.
To facilitate the adoption of ECBC, NEECA has developed innovative software and digital tools, including:
- Building Performance Database Tool – to assess the energy efficiency of building designs.
- ECBC Compliance Tool – to help contractors and regulators monitor compliance with the codes.
- Residential Load Factor Tool – to analyze household energy consumption.
These tools are designed to assist builders, engineers, and regulators alike, making it easier to implement and monitor energy-efficient construction practices in Islamabad.
NEECA has launched training programmes in collaboration with universities, professional organizations, and construction associations. The goal is to educate architects, engineers, and contractors on how to integrate energy-efficient designs into their projects. According to Dr. Mohazzam, capacity building is vital to ensure that the codes are implemented successfully and that energy conservation becomes an industry-wide standard.
The meeting also reviewed the Prime Minister’s vision for electric vehicles (EVs). A comprehensive plan is being developed to establish EV charging stations across Islamabad. The plan includes installations at:
- All petrol pumps.
- Commercial and public buildings.
- Selected urban sites to improve accessibility.
NEECA Managing Director Dr. Sardar Mohazzam informed the meeting that registered charging stations will be supplied with electricity at subsidised rates, making EV adoption more affordable for citizens. Furthermore, CDA’s electric feeder buses will also be registered with NEECA to ensure they benefit from the same facilities.
By combining energy conservation codes with EV infrastructure, Islamabad is moving closer to becoming a green capital city. Officials noted that these measures align with international best practices, as seen in countries like Germany and China, where energy efficiency and EV integration are central to sustainable development.
This initiative is not just about reducing costs. It will contribute to:
- Lowering carbon emissions.
- Improving air quality.
- Reducing reliance on imported fuels.
- Stabilizing Pakistan’s energy supply-demand balance.
Experts believe that if Islamabad successfully implements these policies, other cities across Pakistan could follow suit. The enforcement of NEECA building codes along with the establishment of EV charging infrastructure represents a bold step toward addressing Pakistan’s climate challenges and modernizing its urban framework.
NEECA’s training initiatives under Dr. Sardar Mohazzam will help prepare the next generation of engineers and architects, ensuring that Pakistan’s workforce is well-equipped to meet future sustainability goals.
