Assessing Awareness and Promoting Green Building Practices for Energy Efficiency in Bhutan: A Path to Reducing Electricity Imports

Abstract

Though Bhutan is carbon-negative and one of the water-rich countries in the world exporting hydroelectricity to neighboring countries. Nevertheless, due to its location in the high Himalayas, it requires abundant heating during the cold season when electricity generation decreases. During this season when energy consumption increases because of climatic circumstances in the high Himalayas, the nation imports electricity at a cost of millions of Ngultrums annually. According to the national newspaper dated 23rd September 2023 the country had imported 367.17 million units of electricity, worth 1.75 billion within four months (December 2022 to March 2023) the demand is anticipated to reach 1500 MW by 2030. The demand for electricity keeps on increasing every year, huge expenditure is incurred in importing the energy. This can be reduced if we go for energy-efficient (sustainable or green buildings. As of today, not a single building is certified as a green building in Bhutan. Therefore, this study of assessment of awareness status aims to spread awareness and promote green building construction, which has the greater benefit of energy efficiency (low consumption of electricity). Before undertaking this study, I reviewed past research papers and then prepared questionnaires in the context of Bhutan. Data was collected online, using Google Forms, and analyzed using Python software. All the stakeholders engaged in the development of Bhutan particularly the construction sector, such as project managers, project engineers, architects, contractors, policymakers, and educators of young minds such as academicians, teachers in the schools, and instructors were the target group for this survey data. A total of 140 questionnaires were distributed via emails and other social media platforms such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp, out of which 118 responses were received which is 84.28%. The study findings revealed that the level of awareness is low and needs to focus more on advocacy programs to make aware of the benefits of green building.