Adapting Global Sustainability Indicators to Local Contexts: A Framework Expansion for Urban Residential Buildings in Pakistan

Sustainable residential construction plays a vital role in reducing environmental impact. However, achieving sustainability in housing remains a challenge, because many structures in developing countries like Pakistan lack certification and adherence to established standards. While various frameworks exist, they often lack comprehensiveness, and the adoption of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) in Pakistan is limited due to resource constraints and strict compliance requirements. This study assesses the sustainability performance of 104 residential buildings in Peshawar, a major city in Pakistan, using both LEED v4.1 and a local framework. A questionnaire-based survey revealed that the local framework achieved a higher efficiency score (74%) compared with LEED (52.65%), highlighting gaps in environmental, economic, and governance indicators. Sixteen underutilized LEED indicators, absent in over 40% of residential buildings, were identified, along with five additional indicators commonly present but missing from the local framework. These indicators were evaluated using the Delphi technique and the Likert scale to assess their feasibility and local impact. As a result, the local framework was expanded from 54 to 75 indicators, significantly improving its comprehensiveness. This enhanced framework can facilitate the transition to sustainable cities by aligning global best practices with local requirements.