Leghari calls for swift action on energy-saving building code

ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Energy Sardar Awais Ahmed Khan Leghari has asked provincial chief ministers, prime minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), and federal ministers to implement the Energy Conservation Building Code 2023 (ECBC-2023) in building regulations nationwide.

The appeal is aimed at boosting energy efficiency, curbing waste and reducing utility costs for both the government and consumers.

In letters dispatched to key officials, Leghari highlighted the code’s critical role in addressing energy inefficiencies in buildings under their domain, which drive up electricity bills and necessitate the costly maintenance of idle power plants during off-peak seasons.

Similarly in peak summers for managing peak load of 60 to 80 hours, the power sector has to maintain a number of power plants which remain idle for rest of the year due to lower demands resulting in capacity and other allied payments making part of overall electricity tariff. Additionally, energy-efficient buildings contribute to the conservation of natural gas by reducing the need for heating during the winter season.

As the federal minister has identified peak load and its very short duration as one of the major reasons for maintaining many power plants in the system, the implementation of Energy Conservation Building Code 2023 will also help in managing the peak demand, helping the power sector to reduce operational costs and energy consumption.

The minister proposed a two-pronged approach for sustainable power sector growth, revising the existing building bylaws to integrate the ECBC-2023 and incorporating the code into public sector infrastructure development under the Annual Development Programmes.

He expressed confidence that nationwide adoption would promote sustainable growth and economic resilience.

The ECBC-2023, approved by the Federal Cabinet and National Economic Council (NEC), is now accessible to the public on the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) website. Leghari urged citizens and stakeholders to utilise these resources to advance energy conservation efforts. This is a step forward for mutual benefits — enhanced energy efficiency, reduced consumer costs and a sustainable future, he said.