The Ministry of Power in India has introduced the Energy Conservation- New Indian Way for Affordable & Sustainable Homes (ECO Niwas) Samhita 2018, an Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings (ECBC-R). The aim of this initiative is to boost the energy conservation endeavors across the nation. ECBC-R was initiated on National Energy Conservation Day 2018 and each successive year, it is celebrated on 14th December under the supervision of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
Understanding ECO Niwas
ECO Niwas emphasizes on various aspects including building envelope, mechanical systems, and necessary equipment such as the heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It also covers interior and exterior lighting systems, the electrical system, and renewable energy. This comprehensive program considers the five diverse climate zones within India – Hot Dry, Warm Humid, Temperate, Composite, and Cold. However, the current scope of ECO Niwas primarily covers energy efficiency of buildings, leaving out water and other elements.
Benefits of ECO Niwas
ECO Niwas strives to provide benefits both to the residents and the environment by encouraging energy-efficient design and construction of homes, apartments, and townships. Through the effective implementation of this code, a potential energy saving of 125 Billion Units of electricity per year by 2030 is projected. This can reduce around 100 million tons of CO2 emissions.
The Origin of ECBC
In 2007, the BEE launched the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), setting a standard for energy-efficient design and construction of buildings. This was a significant leap towards promoting energy efficiency within the building sector.
About the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
The BEE is a statutory body under the Ministry of Power that was established in 2002 in accordance with the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. The bureau’s mandate includes the implementation of policies and programs in the area of energy efficiency and conservation.
| Organization | Description |
|---|---|
| LEED-India | LEED, or Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, is an internationally acknowledged certification system for green buildings. The LEED-India Green Building Rating System serves as a global benchmark for the design, construction, and operation of high-performance green buildings. |
| IGBC Rating | The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) is a division of the Confederation of Indian Industry and collaborates closely with the government to aim for a sustainably built environment. |
| TERI GRIHA | The Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA) is a national rating system for green buildings, adopted while designing and evaluating new buildings. |
Other Agencies Involved in Promoting Energy Efficiency
There are other organizations besides the BEE that are dedicated to promoting energy efficiency within the building sector. These include LEED-India – Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design, IGBC Ratings from the Indian Green Building Council, and TERI GRIHA – The Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment.
