The Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development’s (USAID) MAITREE program, has launched an exciting initiative named “Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings.” This program is designed to make workplaces not only healthier but also greener, addressing challenges regarding retrofitting existing structures and air conditioning systems. Today’s article will explore this initiative, its goals, and how it intends to create a healthier, more environmentally friendly India.
Launch of the New Initiative
The “Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings” initiative was officially launched on World Environment Day, 5th June. This initiative’s objective is to address the considerable task of retrofitting existing commercial buildings and their air conditioning systems. The mission is to ensure these structures are healthy and energy efficient. The EESL has led by example, implementing the initiative in its office setting, demonstrating how other buildings can undertake similar measures. By doing so, they can become healthier and more energy efficiently, which provides a blueprint for future use in other buildings nationally. Further, the initiative serves as a tool for evaluating the cost benefits and effectiveness of various technologies and their impacts on air quality, comfort, and energy use.
The Need for Healthy and Energy-Efficient Buildings
India has been grappling with poor air quality for quite some time, an issue brought further into the spotlight by the Covid-19 pandemic. As people start returning to workspaces and public areas, maintaining high-quality indoor air is crucial for comfort, productivity, well-being, and broader public health concerns. Most Indian buildings lack the necessary equipment to establish and sustain healthy indoor air quality and hence require significant upgrades. Such retrofits typically involve increasing outdoor air and adding extra filtration to the air conditioning system. While this may initially impact occupant comfort and cause an upswing in energy use, there are no standardized approaches to this retrofitting process.
About Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)
Energy Efficiency Services Limited is an agency under the Indian Government’s Ministry of Power. It is diligently working to introduce energy efficiency into the mainstream, implementing the largest energy efficiency portfolio worldwide in India. The EESL aims to create accessible markets for efficient and futuristic solutions that benefit every stakeholder involved. Its role includes implementing programs such as UnnatJyoti by Affordable LED for All (UJALA) and Smart Meters.
Role of U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID)
USAID is regarded as the world’s leading international development agency, driving impactful development results. An integral part of the US-India bilateral Partnership between the Ministry of Power and USAID is the Market Integration and Transformation Program for Energy Efficiency (MAITREE). This program is dedicated to accelerating the implementation of cost-effective energy efficiency as a standard practice within buildings, particularly in terms of cooling systems.
By harnessing energy-efficient practices and retrofitting existing structures for better air quality, initiatives like “Healthy and Energy Efficient Buildings” are paramount for a greener and healthier India. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these practices will be instrumental in shaping the future of our workplaces and public spaces.