Environment

Future is Green

Building green is no longer an option—it is the key to a thriving and sustainable future.

By Sophia Qadeer | February 2025

Future is Green
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.

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