Q. With reference to the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), which of the following statements are correct?
1.It sets minimum energy standards for commercial buildings, with the objective of enabling energy savings of between 25 and 50% in compliant buildings.
2.It mandates the use of plants and greenery in buildings to improve air quality.
3.It only applies to newly constructed commercial buildings.
4.It helps to reduce India’s reliance on imported energy.
How many of the above statements are correct?
Statements 1 and 4 are correct. ECBC is a set of guidelines and standards for energy-efficient design and construction of buildings and their systems in India. It sets minimum energy standards for commercial buildings, with the objective of enabling energy savings of between 25 and 50% in compliant buildings.
By reducing energy consumption, ECBC helps to reduce India’s reliance on imported energy, which can improve energy security and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Statements 2 and 3 are incorrect. ECBC doesn’t specifically require the use of plants or greenery, though it does promote the use of natural ventilation, daylighting, and other passive design strategies that can improve indoor air quality.
It is applicable to commercial buildings like hospitals, hotels, schools, shopping complexes and multiplexes which have a connected load of 100 kW or more, or contract demand of 120 kVA or more. The code is for both new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings.
Source: ForumIAS
