ISLAMABAD: The Presidency on Friday declared the first ever green presidential secretariat of the world after it was awarded international certification of ISO 50001 EnMS.

According to the presidency, President Dr Arif Alvi has successfully curtailed over 35 per cent of its energy use, which would save Rs72.5 million to national kitty.

After assuming the office in 2018, the president envisioned a Green Presidency Initiative to curtail president’s secretariat energy usage and shift it to renewable energy source.

On the occasion the president described the monetary benefits of going green and said savings from energy conservation and clean energy generation were equivalent to 3,154,750 KWh. The initiative equates to 3,144 tons reduction of green house gases and plantation of 142,909 mature trees.

Presidency awarded international certification of ISO 50001 EnMS

“The Aiwan-i-Sadr (presidency) also got GBC SEED Platinum as the building is now fully powered by an in-house 1-MW Solar System. The ISO 50001 EnMS certificate was awarded to Project Director Shahid Shaukat by Abdur Razzaq Lakhani of SGS and GBC SEED Platinum certificate by Rashid Bashir of Green Building Council,” the press release said.

Addressing the ceremony, the president said the presidency’s initiative should also be replicated across the country considering the importance of energy conservation across the world.

He thanked the private sector companies who supported the initiative under their corporate social responsibility.

President Alvi said it was always wise to prevent carbon emission as the world including Pakistan was under pressure regarding availability of water and other natural resources.

Citing Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) teachings on conservation of water and wastage of resources, the president called for inculcating habits in youths to conserve energy.

He said while launching the initiative, he never thought of getting such recognition. He asked the youth to be conscious of the global needs considering the sensitivity of the situation.

He said the Aiwan-i-Sadr’s going green would help prevent 3,144 tons of carbon emission which equals 325 trucks.

President Alvi said Prime Minister Imran Khan launched Billion Tree Tsunami when such green projects were nowhere in limelight in the world. However, later, the whole society including civil society, mosques and youths engaged in 10 Billion Tree Tsunami.

The president also distributed appreciation certificates among the representatives of collaborating companies.

He said a Miyawaki Forest was also being developed in the presidency with the support of a private sector.

Executive Director of Association of Energy Engineers Bill Kent, in his virtual address, congratulated President Alvi and his team on achieving the milestone of making Aiwan-i-Sadr the first ever presidency in the world which had been awarded ISO-50001 Energy Management System certification.

He said Pakistan was rich with energy resources including wind, solar and biomass and that if fully tapped, the country could contribute to global economy.

He said the countries needed to educate architects, builders and developers to help achieve the energy conservation goals.

Calling the President Secretariat’s initiative as a step in right direction, Bill Kent said it served as role model for energy efficiency and conservation measures in the country.

Published in Dawn, October 16th, 2021