Energy Consumption and Carbon Dioxide Emissions of Residential Buildings in Lahore, Pakistan

In Pakistan, an increase in the urban population in recent decades has led to rising demand for energy and so has consequently increased carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In this study, a questionnaire-based survey was conducted on a sample of 300 residential buildings in Lahore, and their CO(2)e emissions from electricity and natural gas consumption were calculated using IPCC methodology. The results show that both electricity and natural gas consumption released 7.65 MMtCO(2)e during the one-year study period. It was found that income class (p<0.001), house area (p<0.001), the size (tons) of AC (p<0.001), number of kitchens (p<0.01), building type (p<0.001) and season (p<0.001) had a significantly positive relationship with energy consumption and CO(2)e emissions. Conversely, roof insulation (p<0.01) had a significantly negative relationship with energy consumption and CO(2)e emissions. The study emphasizes the need of policy formulation to improve thermal characteristics of existing buildings and implementation of building energy codes for new housing construction. It is also recommended to raise awareness among dwellers for the adoption of energy conservation measures to reduce CO(2)e emissions.