Livable Cities - London AMPS | City, University of London Page 82 urban areas like Lahore. Our findings highlight the urgency of implementing strengthened energy efficiency standards, promoting renewable energy, integrated urban planning and infrastructure and building energy efficiency. These measures are crucial for reducing the city's carbon footprint and improving air quality. Therefore, the study provides valuable insights for policymakers, architects, and urban planners, offering practical strategies to guide Lahore towards a more sustainable and low-carbon future. These findings also serve as a useful reference for other cities in Pakistan and Southeast Asia facing similar challenges of urban growth and environmental sustainability. POLICY & RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the findings, the following policy recommendations are proposed to promote sustainable urban development, enhance energy efficiency, and reduce CO2 emissions in Lahore: 1. Prioritize sustainable development through zoning regulations that encourage mixed-use developments, reduce urban sprawl, and minimize transportation distances and energy use. 2. Enforce stringent energy codes and standards to promote efficient building designs and incentivize retrofitting and energy management systems to lower operational energy use. 3. Provide incentives and subsidies for adopting renewable energy sources like solar and wind. 4. Encourage electric vehicles, shift from private cars to BRT, and develop cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways to lower transport emissions. 5. Launch campaigns promoting sustainable practices, energy conservation, and the benefits of public transport. 6. Continue data collection to develop evidence-based policies targeting specific energy use patterns and emission sources. 7. Use performance metrics to track sustainability progress and adjust policies to meet targets effectively. These recommendations aim to mitigate urban growth's environmental impact, enhance Lahore’s infrastructure resilience, and improve residents' quality of life. By adopting these strategies, Lahore can reduce energy consumption and emissions, serving as a model for cities in Pakistan and Southeast Asia. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the study emphasizes the need for sustainable urban development in Lahore, focusing on energy consumption and CO2 emissions from residential buildings and transportation. Rapid urbanization has increased energy demands, worsening emissions and environmental pollution, which lower the city's livability. Findings reveal that areas along the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) corridor significantly contribute to this issue, with emissions from both building operations and transportation. To tackle these challenges, the study recommends enhancing building energy efficiency, promoting renewable energy, and developing green transportation infrastructure. Integrated urban planning prioritizing sustainability is key to reducing the city's carbon footprint. Public awareness campaigns and data-driven policies are essential for achieving long-term environmental goals. By adopting these strategies, Lahore can reduce energy use and emissions, improving air quality and overall sustainability. These recommendations not only provide a roadmap for Lahore's development but also serve as a model for other cities in Pakistan and Southeast Asia facing similar challenges.
