To promote sustainable urban development, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to strictly enforce the National Energy Conservation Building Codes (ECBC) 2023 in all upcoming construction projects across Islamabad.
The major aim behind this step is to reduce energy consumption, cut electricity costs, and promote environmentally friendly infrastructure.
As per CDA officials, new building plans will only be ratified if they fully comply with the ECBC requirements. This means builders will be highly required to utilize energy-efficient construction materials, install low-voltage wiring, and adopt power-saving equipment. By doing so, the city hopes not only to reduce its overall energy demand but also to lower utility bills for citizens.
At a meeting chaired by CDA Chairman Mohammad Ali Randhawa, attended by National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) Managing Director Sardar Moazzam, CDA board members, and senior officials, it was emphasized that energy efficiency must now become central to Islamabad’s growth.
Training, Tools, and Compliance
Officials shared that NEECA is conducting training sessions in relevant institutions to ensure smooth adoption of the new codes. To assist builders and regulators, the authority has also developed tools such as the Building Performance Database Tool, ECBC Compliance Tool, and Residential Load Factor Tool. These digital systems will help track compliance and improve monitoring.
The CDA chairman also stressed the need for a financial model to gradually bring older residential and commercial buildings into compliance. For existing structures, the new rules will be phased in after assessing financial feasibility.
Read more: Govt approves new standards to promote energy-efficient and water-conserving buildings
A Push for Electric Mobility
Alongside construction reforms, the meeting also scrutinized Islamabad’s growing need for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure. Plans are already underway to establish EV charging stations at
- Petrol pumps
- Government offices
- Commercial centers across the city
NEECA has committed to supplying electricity to registered charging stations at subsidized rates, making EV adoption more affordable.
The CDA also agreed to register its electric feeder buses with NEECA, further integrating green mobility into the city’s transport system.
Summing up the meeting, CDA officials claimed that the initiative is clearly depicting the government’s broader vision of creating a culture of energy conservation. With these building codes and EV policies, Islamabad is positioning itself as a strong case point or example for sustainable urban living in Pakistan.