The municipal service sector in Pakistan has recently started embracing the concept of an Energy Management System (EnMS). As the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Cities (REEE-SCALE) project nears its conclusion, the eight municipal partners affiliated with the project have delivered significant and favourable outcomes. These outcomes encompass a broad spectrum of benefits, ranging from heightened energy efficiency and environmental sustainability to improved service delivery and reduced energy costs. The comprehensive impact of this initiative has established a lasting legacy with a strong potential for sustained benefits.
On behalf of the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), GIZ Pakistan is providing continuous support to its eight partner municipalities. This support includes the installation of advanced energy monitoring equipment and the development of user-friendly energy monitoring dashboards, covering municipal buildings, fleet management, street lighting, and water and sanitation sub-sectors. Digital energy data monitoring stands as a pivotal component in enhancing energy performance and establishing an efficient EnMS. Real-time monitoring capabilities have empowered municipalities to optimise energy consumption and elevate the energy performance of their designated municipal services. The installed monitoring systems enable automation and remote control, enabling optimal management of energy loads. This not only leads to a reduction in CO₂ emissions but also culminates in substantial cost savings over time.
In a bid to ensure the effective utilisation of the equipment, all partner municipalities underwent comprehensive trainings on various facets of energy monitoring, including data recording, data analysis, and reporting. The municipalities have also devised their unique Energy Performance Indicators (EnPIs), a critical element in establishing an energy baseline, optimising energy utilisation, and improving energy performance. As an integral part of the initiative aimed at strengthening the effective adoption of EnMS, the municipalities have been provided with assistance to conduct measurement and verification of their energy performance, as well as life cycle cost analysis. This equips them with the necessary insights to make well-informed decisions and sustainable choices, thereby enhancing energy efficiency within their respective sub-sectors.
One notable success story is that of the Water and Sanitation Services Company Mardan (WSSCM), which has achieved remarkable energy savings of up to 40% in selected tube wells and an average reduction of fuel consumption by 76 litres per day in their fleet management operations. A similar level of success has been witnessed in the building sector of Peshawar, where behavioural change measures have resulted in energy savings of up to 50% per month.
Two municipal champions, the Water and Sanitation Agency (WASA) Lahore and Water and Sanitation Services Company (WSSC) Mardan, have embarked on the path towards obtaining ISO 50001 certification. Undertaking comprehensive analyses of their EnMS, conducting mock audits, and finalising their EnMS documentation and procedures has brought them close to obtaining the ISO certification, with gap analysis results reflecting a remarkable level of EnMS maturity. The unwavering commitment demonstrated by Pakistani municipalities underscores the efficacy of the EnMS framework as a significant stride towards sustainable development. The German Cooperation remains steadfast in its commitment to continue supporting partners in their quest to enhance energy efficiency, reduce energy costs, and minimise their carbon footprint.
