Message from Chief Architect Punjab

On both the local and global fronts the concern regarding environmental crises reflects a general acceptance that the present form and degree of resources exploitation, especially energy, and our associated consumption practices are unjustified to say the least, if not criminal.
The challenge for present times is suitable building design that is climatically appropriate, environmentally friendly and ecologically suitable and at the same time creates livable spaces in such a way that an optimal or atleast tolerable microclimate is created for the users while employing as little energy and technical equipment, very.
Our architects, engineers and builders have to constantly battle against major factors both fixed and variable like solar radiation, air temperature, ambient radiant temperature, humidity levels, air velocity etc, to develop methods of building that offer users comfortable spaces without relying too much on mechanical cooling systems. From an ecological view points, mechanical systems are anyhow senseless as these consume exorbitant levels of energy. Considering the present energy crises our buildings should cater to energy conservation for economy and efficiency. As human skin helps in regulating the body temperature, similarly the building skin that is the wall, roof and floors play a strategic role in energy efficiency of the building. Hence insulation of the entire building envelop (walls, roof and floor) is the key to success.
Keeping in view the rising rate of energy (electricity, gas, petrol / oil) it is imperative that the public sector buildings should be mandated to have standardised insulation specifications.
Recent studies on cost effectiveness of thermal insulation in weather zones similar to Pakistan show that thermal insulation can be used economically to remove at least 30% of the building cooling load. Insulation boards, foams, etc, employed in the private sector are increasingly contributing in energy efficiency in buildings. It is pertinent to mention here that the initial costs of insulation materials would be offset in terms of reduced energy consumption.