Sustainable Construction Materials and Techniques for Low-Cost Housing in Pakistan

Abstract

The high rate of urbanization, population increase and lack of housing in Pakistan have resulted in a desperate demand of low cost and sustainable housing solution. The conventional ways of building are usually based on resource-consuming materials, thus resulting into high costs, environmental degradation and inefficiency. This paper discusses the use of sustainable building materials and methods of construction to reduce the costs and also the effect on the environment including bamboo, Compressed Stabilised Earth Blocks (CSEB), Fly Ash bricks, recycled materials and energy saving design methods. The study examines the current adoption trends, challenges in material performance and implementation as well as examples of the favorable implementation in Pakistan and other developing nations. The results have shown that sustainable construction will not only reduce costs in terms of finance and environmental impact, but also increase their longevity and energy efficiency; and will boost their social acceptability. The paper emphasizes the need for policy incentives, technical training and awareness to scaffold the institutions of sustainable housing in Pakistan to have access to safe and affordable and environmentally friendly homes.