ISLAMABAD: A meeting was held at the Capital Development Authority (CDA) Headquarters chaired by Chairman CDA and Chief Commissioner Islamabad, Muhammad Ali Randhawa. The meeting was attended by CDA Board members including Member Planning and Design Dr. Khalid Hafiz, Member Finance Tahir Naeem, Member Environment Esfandyar Baloch, Managing Director of the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) Dr. Sardar Moazzam and other senior relevant officers.
The meeting discussed the adoption and implementation of Building Codes in Islamabad for energy efficiency and conservation. Similarly, various measures related to the establishment of electric vehicle charging stations in government and commercial buildings and areas were also deliberated upon.
A briefing was given to the meeting regarding the adoption and implementation of the Energy Conservation Building Codes 2023 and PEC By-Laws. The briefing informed that the CDA has already issued a notification to ensure the implementation of the Energy Conservation Building Codes. The meeting decided that the implementation of NEECA Building Codes will be mandatory for all new constructions and buildings in Islamabad. The financial aspects of constructions, keeping in view energy saving and conservation for the implementation of Building Codes, were also reviewed. It was noted that the implementation of these codes will also lead to financial savings for citizens through energy conservation.
The meeting was briefed that NEECA is also conducting various training programs in relevant institutions for the implementation of these Building Codes. Furthermore, to ensure implementation, NEECA has developed software and tools, including the Building Performance Database Tool, ECBC Compliance Tool and Residential Load Factor Tool.
Chairman CDA Muhammad Ali Randhwa directed the development of a financial model to bring old residential and commercial buildings into compliance with the new codes. He said that for pre-existing and old buildings, the new Building Codes will be implemented in phases after a financial review.
The meeting also held a detailed discussion on the Prime Minister’s vision regarding introducing Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
The meeting was informed that measures are being taken to establish charging stations at all petrol pumps in Islamabad. Additionally, it was informed that steps are being taken to set up charging stations in government and commercial buildings and areas. The MD NEECA said that electricity will be provided to NEECA-registered charging stations at a subsidized rate. The meeting agreed to register CDA’s electric feeder buses with NEECA.
The meeting concluded with a consensus on energy conservation, construction in accordance with Energy Efficient Building Codes, and the provision of EV charging stations across Islamabad.
