Energy Efficiency Code On Buildings

Why in news?

• The government is considering mandating new residential buildings to be energy efficiency code compliant, a move that is likely to save Rs. 1,20,000 crore worth of electricity by 2030.

More about the News:

• The proposal, part of India's commitment to reduce energy intensity by 45% by 2030, will require amendment in the Electricity Conservation Act and is being sent to the Union Cabinet for approval.
• The code will be applicable on new residential complexes consuming 100 KW load, typically societies with 20 1BHKs or 10 2BHKs.
• It is expected to increase the cost of construction by 2-3% but the recovery takes place within 4-5 years through reduced electricity bills.

About exiting energy efficiency code on buildings:

• According to the Energy Conservation Act 2001, only commercial buildings can be mandated to follow energy efficiency code.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), in 2017 launched the Energy Conservation Buildings Code (ECBC) for commercial buildings.
• In 2018, BEE launched a separate Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) code for residential buildings.
  • The code can be adopted on a voluntary basis by residential units with more than 500 sq metre plot area.
  • ENS provides guidance about appropriate material, design, ventilation and techniques to make homes comfortable for maximum time of the day so that the usage of ACs, coolers, fans and lights is minimal
• BEE has also launched a star labelling programme for buildings on the basis of annual energy consumption per square metre.

Add ons:

• According to BEE, residential buildings account for about 24% of India's total energy consumption and by 2030.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements:

1. According to the Energy Conservation Act 2001, only commercial buildings can be mandated to follow energy efficiency code

2. Energy Conservation Buildings Code is implemented by Bureau of Energy Efficiency

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer