Sustainable Construction for a Greener Future

Infrastructure Development Authority of the Punjab (IDAP) is involved in mega scale construction projects that aim to provide advanced infrastructure to improve the lives of those located in Punjab. Among IDAP's numerous projects is the Pakistan Kidney and Liver Institute & Research Center (PKLI & RC); the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Hospital (RTEH) upgrade; the Information Technology University (ITU) campus; the Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA) building and the Punjab Agriculture, Food and Drug Authority (PAFDA) complex.

In the design and construction of these advanced structures, IDAP aims to ensure the aspect of sustainability is met. Sustainability or green building refers to carrying out construction activities in an environmentally responsible and resource and energy efficient manner. The goal is to meet present requirements while minimizing negative environmental impact by using materials, energy, resources and space in a way that reduces the impact on the ecosystem.

One of IDAP's flagship projects is the PKLI & RC. The design of the hospital is heavily influenced by the green concept, meaning using minimal consumption of energy and maximum leverage of natural resources to fulfill requirements. The development of such a design promotes the use of thermally efficient architectural design, such as passive solar building orientation, sun shading elements, use of appropriate energy sensitive materials, incorporation of energy efficient air-conditioning and heating systems and use of water efficient equipment.

Some of the components of the design, in line with sustainability and energy conservation include the maximized use of LED lights for energy and cost savings; roof gardens to promote a clean, green, sustainable and healing environment; insulated cavity walls to reduce heat gain/loss through immobilization of air within the cavity; double-glazed glass windows for protection against harmful rays, and maximized use of electronic systems, resulting in reduced need of paper and printing.

IDAP incorporates the aspect of sustainability in every project's interior and landscape design as well. The placement of greenery around any building project is emphasized to add natural beauty to the created building, keeping in mind the responsibility of designing for a greener future. IDAP will continue to give high consideration to sustainable construction processes in order to create and deliver high quality and environmentally friendly infrastructure projects.