Environment
Future is Green
Building green is no longer an option—it is the key to a thriving and sustainable future.
The real estate sector in Pakistan is one of the most significant contributors to economic activity, often referred to as the mother of all industries. From construction materials to employment generation, it plays a central role in shaping the country’s economic future. However, as the industry continues to grow, it has become evident that traditional practices can no longer meet the dual challenges of urbanization and environmental sustainability.
However, Pakistan’s real estate industry is geared to champion a revolutionary approach to development that integrates eco-friendly practices and cutting-edge technology. This approach addresses the country’s growing demand for housing while preserving natural resources for future generations.
The real estate industry is a sprawling sector contributing approximately 2-3% of the GDP, with indirect impacts on allied sectors such as steel, cement, glass, and transportation. Mega-projects, housing societies, and commercial hubs have sprouted nationwide, reflecting the growing demand for urban infrastructure.
While the industry’s growth is a testament to its potential, it comes with serious challenges, particularly environmental degradation and inefficient resource utilization.
Excessive Energy Consumption: Pakistan’s real estate sector relies heavily on energy-intensive materials like cement and bricks, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.
Urban Heat Island Effect: Concrete-heavy construction and a lack of green spaces in cities like Karachi and Lahore lead to rising urban temperatures, exacerbating climate change impacts.
Unregulated Waste Disposal: The construction industry generates massive amounts of waste, which ends up in landfills or waterways, harming ecosystems.
Pressure on Natural Resources: The unchecked use of sand, limestone, and water in construction is depleting these resources at an alarming rate.
On the positive side, the real estate sector is keen to address these challenges with innovative, sustainable approaches, says Syed Rehan Gillani, a renowned real-estate expert and developer. He believes the future of real estate lies in tech-integrated sustainability, focusing on the following trends:
Incorporating innovative energy systems and sustainable materials and reducing urban sprawl by promoting high-rise developments that conserve land and resources. Ensuring that housing projects include green spaces, energy-efficient designs, and waste management systems. Modern technologies such as IoT (Internet of Things) enable the creation of “smart buildings” that optimize energy use through automated lighting, heating, and cooling systems. These systems reduce energy waste and operational costs.
Solar panels, wind turbines, and energy-efficient grids can be seamlessly incorporated into housing developments. This reduces residents’ costs and contributes to reducing the national carbon footprint.
Tools like Building Information Modeling (BIM) allow developers to plan, design, and construct buildings with minimal environmental impact by simulating energy use, material efficiency, and waste reduction strategies.
In addition, advancements in material science have led to eco-friendly alternatives such as recycled steel, bamboo, and low-carbon concrete. These materials reduce emissions and enhance structural durability.
Technologies like rainwater harvesting systems and greywater recycling can significantly reduce water wastage in residential and commercial projects.
When it comes to promoting renewable energy in real estate projects, developers should integrate renewable energy systems into housing societies. Solar-powered homes and wind energy solutions can drastically cut electricity costs and reliance on non-renewable energy sources. High-rise buildings that use vertical space efficiently can address the housing demand without encroaching on agricultural and green land. Introducing mandatory eco-certifications like LEED for real estate projects will encourage developers to adopt sustainable practices.
Tax breaks, subsidies, and streamlined approval processes for green projects can encourage the private sector to invest in eco-friendly developments.
Public awareness campaigns are also vital in this regard. Educating the public about the benefits of eco-friendly housing will create demand for green real estate and push developers to innovate.
The government must offer incentives for sustainable projects. Tax breaks, subsidies, and streamlined approval processes for green projects can encourage the private sector to invest in eco-friendly developments.
Now more than ever, Pakistan’s real estate industry needs people who are committed to integrating green technologies and sustainable practices, have advanced skills in specialized areas, and have a broad understanding. They must also be able to strike the delicate balance between growth and conservation. Modernizing housing solutions while respecting the environment is the direction the sector must take to ensure long-term prosperity.
A smart blend of innovative technology with eco-conscious strategies provides a model for real estate developers across Pakistan, laying the foundation for a greener, more sustainable nation.
Pakistan’s real estate industry stands at a critical juncture. The challenges of urbanization and climate change require an immediate pivot toward sustainable practices. The country can transform its real estate sector into a model of innovation and sustainability by adopting green technologies and promoting eco-friendly designs and practices. The time to act is now. Building green is no longer an option—it is the key to a thriving and sustainable future.
Based in Lahore, the author is a content writer, blogger, and research analyst. She can be reached at sophiyaqadeer@gmail.com
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