Conferences and summits: InfoPoint conference: Shaping Nepal’s building sector towards low-carbon and resource efficiency

InfoPoint Conference: Shaping Nepal’s Building Sector Towards Low-Carbon and Resource Efficiency

Nepal, with its diverse climate conditions ranging from 60 meters to 8,848 meters in elevation over just 241 km, has historically had vernacular architectures suitable to local climatic conditions. These designs withstand the hottest to coldest climates with thoughtful climate-responsive designs.

With an annual urbanization rate projected at 1.9% between 2014 and 2050, this urban growth is driving a substantial increase in residential and commercial buildings, which collectively consume about 70% of the country’s total energy.

Practical Information

• Date: Monday 24 February 2025
• Time: 11:00 - 12:30 (CET)
• Location: InfoPoint, Brussels, Belgium
• Languages: English

Description

Contemporary buildings in Nepal are poorly designed to account for local climate variations. Buildings are designed similarly, regardless of their location at an elevation of 150 meters, where summer temperatures can soar to a scorching 45 degrees Celsius , or at an altitude of 3,500 meters, where winter temperatures can plummet to -15 degrees Celsius .

This has resulted in an uncomfortable thermal environment within buildings, leading to an escalating reliance on energy-intensive heating and cooling solutions, with some buildings using up to 60% of their energy for heating and cooling.

Furthermore, the widespread use of energy-intensive materials like bricks, cement, and iron bars contributes to a significant carbon footprint, hindering Nepal's goal to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045 .

Challenges for People in Building Landscape

As climate change accelerates and the occurrence of more extreme weather events such as heat and cold waves increases, the intense impacts on buildings are becoming increasingly evident. A study by the BEEN Project found a 2.5°C difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures, indicating poor building design.

Vulnerable populations, particularly children, the elderly, and people with disabilities, are disproportionately impacted by extreme temperatures. Research shows rising mortality rates from heatwaves among the elderly and children, and increasing cold-related deaths in Nepal.

Women, especially during pregnancy, are more vulnerable to heat-related health risks. The growing use of air conditioning is contributing to urban heat islands, making life more difficult for poorer people who cannot afford cooling solutions, further deepening social inequalities.

The economic impact is also significant, with many women in Nepal’s home-based workforce losing productivity due to extreme heat or cold within buildings. Many buildings in Nepal fail to address the thermal needs of vulnerable groups due to poor design, inadequate insulation, and lack of affordable cooling and heating options.

Efforts of BUILDING Energy Efficiency in Nepal (BEEN) Project

The BEEN project engaged with multiple stakeholders to promote low-carbon and resource-efficient practices in Nepal's building sector.