Urban transformation via sustainable building stock and transportation

The imperative sustainable development goals of sustainable cities and transport have necessitated urban transformations. Buildings and transportation are pivotal elements shaping the morphology and structure of urban areas, yet they pose challenges and environmental concerns, particularly in terms of energy consumption and associated CO2 emissions. Addressing these issues and mitigating their impacts is crucial for enhancing sustainability and livability. This study focuses on Lahore as a case study, where rapid population growth, driven mainly by urbanization, has led to increased energy consumption and CO2 emissions, endangering the area's sustainability and livability. The city's environment is severely polluted, with an air quality index reaching 170, making it unsustainable for living. The research assesses the energy consumption and CO2 emissions of residential building stock and associated transport along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor Lahore, Pakistan. Calculations include operational energy use through utility bills, and CO2 emissions using the IPCC Tier 1 methodology. A comprehensive database is established, linking energy consumption, CO2 emissions, and associated characteristics. Causal relationships between these factors are identified through multinomial regression, and potential energy efficiency improvements in residential building stock and transport are outlined. The findings aim to guide policymakers, architects, and urban planners in developing effective strategies to promote energy efficiency and reduce CO2 emissions in Lahore's residential buildings. Ultimately, the study contributes to broader objectives of sustainable urban development and the transition to a low-carbon future in Lahore, Pakistan. The findings of this study can be considered when following a similar approach in other areas, cities of Lahore also south east Asian cities.