Work

Climate-Smart Housing in Pakistan: Exploring Climate-Resilient Solutions for Urban Development

Year: 2025

Type: conference-paper

Abstract: Pakistan’s housing sector faces a significant shortfall alongside growing climate risks. This study assesses climate-smart construction options autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks, interlocking bricks, and rat-trap bond masonry through energy simulations, cost modeling, and expert consultations. A 10-Marla residential unit in Islamabad was used as the reference case. Results indicate AAC reduces cooling energy by 22%, interlocking bricks reduce construction costs by 26.6%, and rat-trap masonry lowers electricity use by 12–16%. Despite technical viability, adoption remains limited due to financing and regulatory barriers. The study proposes a phased policy roadmap to integrate low-carbon materials into Pakistan’s housing and climate adaptation strategies.

DOI: 10.3390/engproc2025111023

Authors: Saleha Qureshi, Saad Ali Ahmed Malik, Ubaid-Ur Rehman Zia, Muhammad Zulfiqar

Institutions: Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Capital University of Science and Technology

Language: English

Topic: Building energy efficiency and sustainability

Subfield: Building and Construction

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Industry, innovation and infrastructure, Sustainable cities and communities, Climate action, Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

OpenAlex ID: W4415609033

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