National Energy Conservation Centre (Enercon) has proposed appointment of energy managers in the major buildings of the country to save electricity and alleviate the prevailing energy crisis. The non-implementation of building energy code, prepared in collaboration with Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), Pakistan is resulting in the loss of 2,500-3,000 MW electricity and more than seven billion dollars a year of the foreign exchange.
A senior official at Enercon on Saturday told APP that the energy survey of Pak Secretariat Islamabad has been completed, which showed potential of around 38 percent energy saving in all blocks of the building. "No doubt blocks of Pak Secretariat were constructed in 60s, but we need to meet the modern energy requirements in view of the current power situation in the country," he said.
He said following energy audit report of all blocks the commission has suggested the administration to hire energy managers who would prepare power saving plans and monitor the situation on regular basis. He also said finances are required for ensuring energy saving and in this regard, the administration was asked to include expenditures in the routine maintenance budget.
Regarding the draft of Building Energy Code-2011, the official said this has been finalised with the objective to reduce electric load in the buildings and saving around 30 percent power for the national grid. He added that PEC governing body would meet in September to endorse the code. Then the draft code would be sent to the Law Division for approval, he said and added the code, expected to be notified in near future, would play a significant role in reducing the energy crisis.
He said that in view of persistent energy shortfall it has become imperative to design better systems that minimise energy consumption and improve efficiency. The Pakistan Building Code would ensure energy efficiency benchmarks for buildings, he said. The government has mandated Enercon to act as the national co-ordinator for energy conservation measures and policy and in this regard it approached PEC for developing the building code of Pakistan.
The PEC, being the statutory body for the development of building codes constituted a taskforce for said code development. The implementation and enforcement of this Code vests with Ministry of Housing and Works, through concerned authorities.
About the major benefits of the code, the official said with efficient appliances, we could enhance the overall efficiency of national economy. He said that if improvements in energy efficiency averted 20 percent of our projected energy demand over the next 25 years, Pakistan would need US $10 billion less in hard currency for capital investments in power plants, and transmission lines and fuel.
He said by boosting energy efficiency, standards also enhance consumer welfare while efficiency standards and improved products can make local businesses more profitable and make local appliance, lighting, and motor manufacturers more competitive in the global marketplace. Efficiency standards can also help a country meet climate change goals and avert urban/regional pollution. Reducing energy consumption decreases both carbon and other emissions from fossil-fuelled power plants, he added.