INDIA’S ENERGY CONSERVATION BUILDING CODE 2017

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Picture Courtesy: blog.ipleaders.in

Context: According to the International Energy Agency's World Energy Outlook 2023, India's Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for commercial buildings sets it apart from other developing economies, making it a notable exception in promoting energy efficiency in the construction sector.

Key points about India's Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)

• ECBC, introduced in 2007 and updated in 2017, sets minimum energy standards for commercial buildings in India.
• It aims to achieve energy savings of 25 to 50% in compliant buildings.
• It applies to commercial buildings like hospitals, hotels, schools, shopping complexes, etc., with specific energy load requirements.
• It focuses on six building design components: envelope (walls, roofs, and windows), lighting systems, HVAC systems, and electrical power systems.
• 23 states have notified rules for ECBC compliance. States like Maharashtra and Gujarat are in the process of drafting rules, indicating ongoing efforts for nationwide implementation
• Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 expands ECBC into the Energy Conservation and Sustainability Building Code.
  • The amendment makes ECO Niwas Samhita, the residential building energy code, mandatory. Residential buildings consume 75% of the total electricity used in the building sector, emphasizing the need for efficiency standards in this sector.
  • The government is expected to update ECO Niwas Samhita in the coming months.
• Uniform enforcement of building codes can lead to significant energy savings in the commercial and residential sectors. ECBC and related amendments play a vital role in India's sustainable development goals by promoting energy-efficient building practices.