A recent international conference on Augmenting Nature by Green Affordable New-habitat (ANGAN) was put into motion in New Delhi, placing a spotlight on the pressing issue of energy efficiency in the building sector. Organized by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, in collaboration with GIZ under the Indo German Technical Cooperation initiative, this event witnessed participation from experts and policymakers from around 16 countries worldwide.
Key Highlights From The Conference
The primary objective of the conference was to identify cost-effective solutions and advanced technologies in the domain of designing and constructing energy-efficient commercial and residential buildings. Estimates suggest that an investment of Rs. 2000 billion in building energy efficiency activities could potentially result in cumulative savings of 388 billion units of electricity over the next ten years. Beyond energy savings, the conference also emphasized the importance of conserving other resources such as water and building materials within the building sector.
The Role of Buildings in India’s Integrated Energy Policy
In the Indian landscape, buildings have emerged as a critical component of the integrated energy policy. While policy formulation in this sector presents formidable challenges – including the provision of adequate energy of the desired quality at reasonable costs to consumers and improving efficiency for suppliers – it is essential to address them rigorously.
About the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
Operating as a statutory body under the Ministry of Power, the BEE plays a pivotal role in developing policies and strategies primarily aimed at reducing the energy inefficiency of the Indian economy. In 2007, BEE introduced the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), which established energy efficiency standards for building design and construction, marking a crucial first step towards promoting energy efficiency in the building sector.
Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ)
GIZ, a German development agency, collaborates with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency on this initiative. The thematic areas of GIZ in India are Renewable Energy & energy efficiency, Environment, Climate Change, and Biodiversity, Sustainable Urban and Industrial Development, and Sustainable Economic Development.
Some Important Facts
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| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Investment required in building energy efficiency activities | Rs. 2000 billion |
| Potential savings in electricity over ten years | 388 billion units |
| Number of countries participating in the conference | 16 |
| Year when BEE introduced ECBC | 2007 |
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Source
The information for this article was obtained from PIB.