Energy Efficient Architecture: Unpacking Implications and Barriers

Abstract

This study aims to pursue dual objectives. The first is to assess architects' awareness of energy efficiency techniques. Secondly, it aims to investigate the barriers and incentives to implementing energy-efficiency techniques to achieve energy conservation through building design. For this purpose, a survey was conducted among 200 architects from 5 major cities of Pakistan: Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Peshawar, and Karachi. A survey was conducted using a questionnaire to assess architects’ views on the incentives, benefits, and barriers to implementing energy-efficient designs across different projects. It measured the energy efficiency techniques being practised and implemented in their projects, as well as the impact of energy conservation policies on current building designs. The results demonstrated that architects hold the view that energy consumption can be effectively reduced by incorporating energy-efficiency techniques into building design across all sectors of Pakistan. To address the barriers and hurdles, there is an acute need for incentives and motivation for consumers and architects alike. Additionally, there is a need to improve and practically implement the current bylaws to incorporate energy efficiency measures at the government level.