In recent times, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has highlighted India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017 in its World Energy Outlook 2023 report. Notably, the report states that India’s stringent rules for energy efficiency in commercial buildings make it stand out among other developing economies. This is especially significant as many other developing nations do not have advanced energy efficiency regulations in place for their buildings.
About International Energy Agency (IEA)
The IEA is an autonomous Intergovernmental Organisation that was established back in 1974 in Paris, France. The organisation primarily focuses on energy policies that encompass various factors like economic development, energy security and environmental protection, known as the 3 E’s of IEA. Although India joined IEA as an Associate member only in March 2017, it had been working with IEA for a long time before that. Recently, India signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement with the IEA to strengthen cooperation in global energy security, stability, and sustainability.
Understanding India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017
The ECBC was first introduced by the Ministry of Power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2007, with an update in 2017. Currently, 23 states have notified rules to enforce ECBC compliance, while big states like Maharashtra are still in the process of drafting rules. This code sets minimum energy standards for commercial buildings, with an aim to enable 25-50% energy savings in compliant buildings. It is applicable to various commercial buildings such as hospitals, hotels, schools, shopping complexes, and multiplexes having a connected load of 100 kW or more.
Key Components and Focus of ECBC
ECBC in India pays special attention to six key components of building design. These include the envelope (walls, roofs, windows), lighting systems, HVAC (Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems, and electrical power systems. Energy efficiency building codes like ECBC are crucial as buildings in India account for a total electricity consumption of 30%, a figure expected to reach 50% by 2042.
Evolving from 2007 to 2017
The 2017 update of ECBC introduces new priorities such as renewable energy integration, ease of compliance, and the inclusion of passive building design strategies. This marks a remarkable shift from the 2007 version and aligns the code with global trends towards sustainable and energy-efficient practices.
ECBC Implementation in Different States
Out of 28 states, only 15, including Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Kerala have adopted the latest 2017 (ECBC) rules. In contrast, states like Gujarat, Maharashtra, J&K, Ladakh, and Manipur still have not implemented these rules, thereby missing out on potential energy savings.
Government Initiatives for Energy Conservation and Efficiency
The government of India has launched various initiatives to promote energy conservation and efficiency. The Perform Achieve and Trade Scheme (PAT) is a cost-effective market-based mechanism to improve energy efficiency in energy-intensive industries. It’s part of the National Mission for Enhanced Energy Efficiency (NMEEE), one of eight missions under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC). Standards and Labeling and Demand Side Management (DSM) schemes have also been launched.
Looking Ahead
IEA recognizes that India is amongst the few developing nations that enforce building codes for commercial and residential buildings. Further uniform enforcement could lead to significant energy savings in this sector. The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 was also passed, expanding the reach of building codes in the country. This Act facilitates the transition of ECBC into the Energy Conservation and Sustainability Building Code by incorporating measures related to embedded carbon, net-zero emissions, materials and resource efficiency, deployment of clean energy, and circularity.