Pakistan’s construction industry has a lot of catching up to do in terms of technology and innovation. The majority of construction projects in Pakistan are built using traditional materials such as steel, RCC (reinforced cement concrete), brick and cement.

These materials are very strong and provide very solid structures that are safe to live in. However, these materials can be costly to maintain over a prolonged period of time and their durability and comfort within a dwelling also decreases.

A room constructed out of insulated timber will retain heat inside the space far better than an uninsulated concrete wall and would also significantly reduce the energy consumption leading to cheaper electricity bills.

In this article, we will explore 7 methods that can be implemented in the design and construction phases of a residential project that can significantly impact the energy efficiency and comfort of a house.

1. Timber construction

Timber construction has been a very common form of construction across history as timber is a sustainable material that offers structural rigidity.

By being a material that can be grown, it is hailed as a sustainable material as you can replace the trees that are chopped down with new planted trees.

It is common practice to have designated forest areas where trees, in proportion to being cut down, are planted to not impact wildlife and the environment.

Reduction in foundational and structural costs.

When structural engineers are calculating how much concrete and steel are to be used in the structure of a house, they have to accommodate the weight of all the materials that are being used, such as the bricks and mortar.

By replacing interior brick/concrete walls with insulated wood walls, you significantly reduce the weight of the structure. This in turn reduces the need for steel rebar and concrete, reducing the overall cost of your structure by a significant margin.

With foundations being one of the costlier parts of a concrete structure, implementing wooden interior walls would reduce their size and need for steel rebar and concrete to accommodate the weight of brick and mortar.

Thermal and other advantages

There is a negative connotation in this part of the world associated with timber construction. Common criticisms are that they allow too much sound to go through between spaces, they can break easily and can be affected by mold more easily.

Technology and construction knowledge have advanced greatly to advance timber construction. Majority of homes made in the USA are constructed using only timber or are hybrids of concrete and timber.

Implementing air gaps inside the wall panels would allow a thermal gap which would prevent any heat loss in a room. Further temperature retention can also be achieved by installing insulation inside the wall panels.

Air gaps inside timber walls also provide a sound proof barrier which can be further by adding in layer of sound proof foam to reduce the travel of sound within the wall.

Environmental factors

Timber also has a very low carbon footprint as compared to the production of concrete. Concrete manufacturing is a large contributor to air pollution and emission of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.

Embodied carbon emissions during the processing of timber for construction is miniscule in comparison and offers more advantages such as energy efficiency and reduced structural costs.

As a country that is extremely susceptible to the affects of global warming, timber should be a sought after alternative for Pakistan.

2. Promoting natural air circulation and temperature regulation

It is important to allow natural air to enter space within the home and to expel sitting air to improve air quality which in turn improve breathing quality.

It also reduces the chances of mold due to sitting moisture from the air and in a humid climate like Pakistan, it is important to ensure there is a regular circulation of air.

A common practice is to include windows/vents/openings at high points on an external wall and windows on the opposing wall at a lower level, often closer to the ground level. This allows for cooler air to enter from the lower level and allows hot air to rise to higher windows and be expelled outside.

This allows a constant flow of cooler clean air to enter into a space and pushes out warmer used air, keeping the air quality cleaner and lower temperature. This is especially useful in hot summers in this climate.

By placing air vents throughout the house that allow fresh air to enter it’s spaces, you’re allowing the houses internal temperature to adjust with the air outside.

During the day the internal temperature of a space heats up with the intensity of the sun. As the sun begins to set and the outside temperature reduces, it is often the case that the internal temperature of a house remains warmer than the temperature outside.

This is due to poor circulation of air. By increasing fresh air circulation the internal temperature adjusts accordingly to the outside temperature and reduces the need for excessive cooling.

3. Avoiding south facing windows

Countries that are geographically placed north of the equator will experience a southern sun path. This means that the sun will always pass through the south of a geographic location and emit heat and light from the south. Being that Pakistan is north of the equator, it experiences a southern sun path.

Due to this, we know that the heat from the sun will be coming in from the south. This also means that the southern faces of buildings and houses are the hottest, especially during midday.

There is a distinction to be made between 2 types of light; sunlight and daylight. Sunlight are the direct rays of light that are emitted from the sun whereas daylight is light that is emitted from the sky.

You could have large north facing windows that light up a room with daylight that does not allow sunlight to heat it up. This is where the understanding of sun paths comes into play.

An architect can masterfully play with the position of windows within a home to prioritize natural light while avoiding unnecessary heat gain.

Increasing natural light inside a space increases the quality of living within the house and contributes to physical and mental health. Natural light in spaces is a very sought after phenomenon and this is evident in the real estate market where apartments and houses that have plenty of natural light are often more expensive.

By having windows that are placed to avoid the heat coming in from the southern sun, you are reducing your heat gain which then reduces your energy consumption and reduces electricity costs.

By having an overall lower temperature within a house air conditioning units expend less energy to reduce the temperature of a space. If the room is naturally cooler, A/Cs would have to work less. This reduces their electricity usage and ultimately the cost of running them .

4. Double glazed windows

Double glazed windows are window panes that have two panes of glass installed instead of one. A small air gap exists between both panes of glass that adds many benefits.

Heat insulation

By adding two panels of glass with an air gap in between which could also be filled with a gas (most commonly argon gas), you are creating an insulative layer separating the inside and the outside.

In cold climates, this is very effective as it keeps warm and conditioned air inside a space when it is very cold outside in the winter. It is also very effective at keeping hot air outside during the summer months and not allowing the internal temperature to rise.

You can increase this affect by adding another layer of glass which is called a ‘triple glazed’ window.

Enhanced energy efficiency

The increased insulation provided by the extra panes reduces heat transfer between the interior and exterior of your home. This leads to lower energy consumption for heating and cooling, which translates into cost savings on your utility bills.

Noise reduction

The multiple layers of glass and insulating gas in double and triple glazed windows act as a sound barrier, effectively reducing noise from the outside. This is especially beneficial if you live in a noisy urban area or near busy streets.

Reduced condensation

The inner surface of double and triple glazed windows remains closer to room temperature, which significantly reduces the potential for condensation to form on the glass. Condensation can lead to mold growth and damage to window frames, making this an important advantage for maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

UV Protection

The additional layers of glass in these windows can help filter out a larger portion of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun. This UV protection can prevent fading and damage to interior furnishings such as furniture, carpets, and artwork.

Environmental impact

By reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling, double and triple glazed windows contribute to lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. This makes them a more environmentally friendly choice, aligning with efforts to combat climate change.

Enhanced Comfort

With reduced heat loss and gain, these windows help maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, leading to a more comfortable living environment year-round.

Security

The multiple layers of glass make it more difficult for potential intruders to break through the windows, enhancing the security of your home.

Longevity

Double and triple glazed windows are designed to be durable and long-lasting. They can provide better resistance to environmental factors, reducing the need for frequent maintenance or replacement.

5. Rain water harvesting

Rainwater harvesting is a system of capturing water from rainfall and storing it for later use within a structure. This water is captured through a system of gutters and pipes laid out on the roof of a building which direct the water into storage tanks, often stored underground, that is kept for later use.

This provides a number of benefits for homeowners such as reduced water bills and a secure source of water in scarce regions where water is not easily available through public infrastructure.

Pakistan faces significant water shortages, particularly during dry seasons and droughts. Rainwater harvesting provides an additional source of water, helping to augment water availability and improve water security for both rural and urban communities.

Implementing rainwater harvesting en masse in a community can also significantly reduce the effects of flooding as many regions of Pakistan are very susceptible to them.

Although in the context of singular dwellings it can significantly reduce your consumption costs as you are not only pulling water from the city’s infrastructure but rather your rainwater reserves.

The stored rainwater can be used to water gardens and plants. It can also be used for bathrooms such as toilets, sinks and showers.

Implementation of this system is actually very easy and straightforward. Rather than installing a drain pipe on a roof, you can instead have a pipe that connects to a plastic storage tank on the ground level or even underground. Thereby attaching a small water pump and directing the rainwater to your overhead water tank on the roof.

6. Solar Panels

Leaving the most affective method for last, we have solar panels. Solar panels are an extremely effective method of reducing your energy consumption costs and increasing the efficiency of your home. Solar panels work by taking the heat of the sun and converting that solar energy into usable electricity to power your home.

Most common systems of solar panels include installing batteries that are constantly being recharged by the solar panels and harvesting that energy in unison with electricity from the grid to reduce your electricity bill.

Due to Pakistan’s current economic crisis, the cost of energy is increasing on a monthly basis. By investing in solar panels you are significantly saving yourself high energy costs in the present and the future, only increasing your return on investment.

Installing batteries

By installing batteries that get recharged by solar panels, you can harvest that electricity from the batteries to power your home while also taking from the grid. This greatly reduces how much electricity you are pulling from the grid and reduces your electricity bill massively. Excess energy can also be sent back into the grid and reduce your electricity consumption further.

This means that you will essentially be selling the electricity your solar panels generate back into the grid which also reduces the impact on your electricity bill.

Batteries also add a level of security in areas that are experiencing regular load shedding or power cuts. In moments when there is no electricity, the solar charged batteries can hold enough electricity to run all basic functions in the house such as electric appliances, lighting, heating/cooling etc.

In cases where there is no electricity for longer periods, the panels would recharge the batteries throughout the day, replenishing the batteries continuously.

Feeding electricity directly back to the grid

Some areas, such as the capital city, experience significantly less load shedding. By returning all generated electricity to the grid rather than using it, you can create a massive reduction in your bills as compared to storing some electricity in batteries.

This is applicable when there is little to no load shedding or power cuts.

Despite your personal consumption of electricity throughout the day, the solar panels are generating electricity constantly during the day and feeding that back to the grid. Creating a massive deficit in your bill. Bringing your electricity bills to zero or negatives, where the power supplying company owes you money for the electricity you have provided them.

This deficit is adjusted in your future bill, guaranteeing elimination of your electricity bills altogether.

Conclusion

In a nation marked by energy challenges and environmental concerns, constructing a sustainable home in Pakistan isn't just a choice—it's a powerful statement that shapes a brighter tomorrow. By following six essential principles, homeowners can make a remarkable difference.

Integrating energy-efficient designs like passive solar techniques and proper insulation can cut energy use while boosting comfort. Rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling systems conserve water resources and promote responsible usage.

In essence, building a sustainable home here is an investment in our environment, community, and future. It's a step towards harmony between human habitation and nature. As we move towards a greener future, remember that each sustainable decision is a stride towards a healthier Pakistan for all. Let's construct not just homes, but legacies of environmental care that inspire generations.