ISLAMABAD, Dec 9: It’s been two years since the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) of Pakistan was drawn up by the National Energy Conservation Centre (Enercon) after extensive consultations with relevant stakeholders, however, it’s no closer to being approved.

The code has been developed to provide minimum requirements for energy efficient design and construction of buildings, resulting in energy savings by 30 per cent.

“The code facilitates energy saving measures in buildings and would be made mandatory in both public and private buildings,” said Asad Mahmood, technical manager Enercon, which works under the Ministry of Water and Power.

He added that the intent of ECBC is to encourage energy efficient design or retrofit of commercial buildings in such a way that energy losses are reduced and hence energy consumption without constraining the building function, the comfort, health, or the productivity of the occupants.

For instance, during construction, builders would have to block gaps between windows, doors and walls with insulation equipment such as green netting or applying insulation paints on walls.

In fact, energy audits conducted in Pak-Secretariat blocks in Islamabad as part of the Enercon project revealed a potential of 25 to 30 per cent energy loss reduction by implementation of various measures.

Another issue is regarded for economic considerations by task-oriented lighting and optimising heating inside the building according to the weather outside.

According to Enercon, the ECBC would also create more jobs.

“Under the law, energy managers would be required to conduct energy audits in buildings to ensure efficiency. Personnel are being trained through basic courses at Enercon and PEC in universities registered with it,” said Mr Mahmood.

It is pertinent to mention that the ECBC was submitted to the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) in December 2009 for vetting for incorporation into the Building Code of Pakistan.

In February 2011, the PEC through its task force finalised this code as Building Code of Pakistan (Energy Provisions 2011), but since then the notification has been pending with the PEC.

“After the PEC governing body endorses the code, it can be sent to the law division for approval. The energy efficiency provisions would then become an integral part of the Pakistan Building Code 1986. It would then become mandatory for all existing offices and commercial buildings and new ones coming up to ensure that their rooms, corridors and halls are properly insulated to prevent heating or cool from escaping,” said Mr Mahmood.

Only recently the Ministry of Science and Technology asked PEC for its stance and to take all necessary actions for endorsing the ECBC.

However, an official source in the PEC explained that ECBC has been on the agendas of several governing body meetings but was not taken up seriously for consideration.

“There is no saying how soon the governing body will take up the ECBC case for approval,” replied Mehmood Rehmani, spokesman for PEC.

Nisar Mohiuddin, general manager Diamond Foam, told Dawn that PEC has been sitting on all the documents even though certain enterprises in the market already had the necessary insulation gear/material to make homes and even offices energy efficient.

“A lot of effort and money has gone into preparing the code with all the stakeholders like Nespak and the Ministries of Water and Power and Housing and Works and special consultants, engineers and architects were hired to make the code a reality,” said Mr Mohiuddin.