UET workshop: ‘Energy-efficient designs can help conserve electricity’

Two-day workshop on building design concludes

LAHORE: Energy-efficient building designs are needed to help reduce electricity consumption, speakers at a workshop said on Wednesday.

The two-day workshop had been organised at the Department of Architectural Engineering and Design of University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore in collaboration with Auburn University, Alabama, USA.

Addressing the concluding session, Punjab Planning and Development Board Chairman Muhammad Jehanzaib Khan said that architects, engineers, academicians and industry should utilise modern technology to formulate a comprehensive strategy for designing energy-efficient buildings, equipment and construction tools.

“The government believes in energy conservation. It is taking steps to facilitate energy conservation measures. We will have to conserve energy for the next generation. For this purpose, appropriate mechanisms are required,” he said.

UET Vice Chancellor Fazal Ahmad Khalid said that a research-based approach was needed to consume energy in an effective manner. “A consensus must be developed among all stakeholders. Energy efficient gadgets and construction techniques should be used to reduce the wastage of energy. For this, we must take initiatives to bring a positive change in building designs to overcome the energy crisis,” he said.

Prof Dr Muhammad Aarif, Dr Sabahat Aarif, Prof Dr Ghulam Abbas and Prof Dr Abdul Sattar Shakir also addressed the gathering. Professor Emeritus Norbert Lechner from Auburn University had said that energy consumption had increased in developing countries. “Energy consumption has risen rapidly because of the massive consumption of electricity. We need to take steps to conserve energy and adopt energy efficient designs,” he had said.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 31^st,  2016.