In Pakistan, green buildings are at the forefront of environmentally friendly design and sustainable architecture.
These structures promote resource efficiency and help create a more wholesome atmosphere. Pakistan’s green buildings and shopping malls are leading the construction sector with their dedication to sustainability and conscientious resource management.
The idea of green areas in malls is not a novel one. Their inclusion has been steadily rising over time.
Let’s discuss in detail…
Early Shopping Center Green Space Integration
Early on, shopping mall green areas were sparse and mostly consisted of little indoor fountains or token potted plants.
With minimal consideration for environmental sustainability or customer comfort from a nature-driven perspective, the main focus was on retail space.
Development and Shifts Over Time
As the value of green areas has grown over time, shopping malls have drastically changed how they are designed and incorporated.
From modest potted plants, these spaces have developed into expansive landscaped areas, rooftop gardens, and interior parks.
Contemporary Methods and Trends
Experience shopping and sustainability are the main focuses of contemporary trends in shopping center green areas.
These places are evolving into multipurpose venues with seating sections, children’s playgrounds, and even event rooms.
In an effort to provide a more pleasant and healthy shopping experience, architects are increasingly combining outdoor and retail areas.
The Growth of Green Shopping Centers in Pakistan
A number of factors have contributed to the rise in popularity of green real estate in Pakistan in recent years.
Sustainable techniques are becoming more and more popular among developers, architects, and investors as a result of growing worries about climate change, energy efficiency, and environmental effect.
The idea of “green buildings,” which encourage resource efficiency and a less environmental impact, has gained attention. Renewable energy sources, eco-friendly materials, and effective methods were used in the design and construction of these structures.
Green buildings provide advantages that go beyond protecting the environment. They provide long-term value growth, lower operating costs, and enhanced occupant productivity and health.
Furthermore, green buildings support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which place a strong emphasis on responsible production and consumption, cheap and clean energy, and sustainable cities and communities.
Rooftop Gardens and Green Areas
Designing malls with rooftop gardens and green areas encourages wellness and sustainability. These peaceful havens give customers a break from the bustle of the city, which improves the atmosphere and allure of shopping centers.
Methods of Energy Use in Shopping Centers
Escalators and Elevators
Typically, malls are dispersed both vertically and horizontally over large areas. Elevators and escalators are therefore essential for convenient floor-to-floor mobility.
Elevators and escalators use a lot of energy to operate continuously, and the machinery needs a lot of energy to travel smoothly between floors. During peak season, escalators and elevators are used more frequently.
Lighting
In order to showcase their merchandise, the stores must have adequate lighting. One of the biggest energy users in any commercial facility is lighting.
A better shopping experience requires adequate lighting, which is maintained for more than 12 hours.
Any shopping center’s lighting consists of emergency lights, display lights, general lights, and lights for promotional areas (such during festival season). To add to the festive atmosphere, more fairy lights are lit.
HVAC Systems
Shopping malls are no exception to the rule that heating and cooling are essential in large areas. For suppliers and customers to enjoy comfortable interior and outdoor temperatures, the commercial centers need HVAC systems.
Large amounts of energy are needed for heating and cooling systems, such as air conditioners, especially during peak hours and extremely hot or cold weather.
Pakistani Green Building Initiatives
Through a number of green building initiatives such as Bahria Sky 2, Pakistan is making great progress in advancing sustainable design and construction methods.
These programs are essential for developing the nation’s green building infrastructure and guaranteeing that structures are planned and run sustainably.
The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) accreditation is one of the most well-known green construction initiatives in Pakistan.
Strict requirements for indoor air quality, water conservation, and energy efficiency are set by LEED certification. Buildings can maximize resource use and lessen their environmental impact by following these guidelines.
Using sustainable design techniques lowers greenhouse gas emissions, enhances indoor environmental quality, and aids in resource conservation.
In Pakistan, green construction initiatives play a key role in encouraging the use of these techniques, which eventually results in a more sustainable built environment.
Incorporating Solutions for Renewable Energy
An essential component of Pakistan’s green real estate boom is renewable energy. In particular, solar energy has become a practical and popular remedy.
With year-round sunshine, installing solar panels in buildings helps lessen reliance on traditional energy sources, reduces utility costs, and lessens the effects of power outages.
Additionally, solar water heating systems—which provide hot water while using less electricity—are growing in popularity.
Furthermore, wind energy has promise, particularly along the shore, where wind turbines may produce clean electricity.
In an effort to diversify their portfolio of renewable energy sources, developers are looking into integrating wind energy systems into their projects.