Power Minister Launches “Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) Certifications Scheme”

What is the news?

Minister for Power launches the “Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) Certifications Programme” for the Brick manufacturing Sector.

About Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) Certification Programme:

• Energy Efficiency Enterprise(E3) is a certification scheme. It aims to recognise burnt clay brick manufacturers for adopting energy-efficient manufacturing. Furthermore, it encourages customers to source bricks from such E3 certified manufacturing units.
• Nodal Agency: Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) will provide certification.

How will the E3 certification be awarded?

• Brick Manufacturing Enterprises need to meet the minimum Specific Energy Consumption performance criteria.
• The criteria can be met by Brick Manufacturing Enterprises by adopting a combination of measures, such as:
  • improving energy efficiency in manufacturing
  • producing bricks having lower (bulk) densities e.g. porous, perforated and hollow bricks.

Significance of this programme:

• The programme will help the brick industry shift towards more efficient technologies. Such energy-efficient bricks will be useful in complying with the requirements of the Energy Conservation Buildings Code (ECBC).
  • ECBC: launched in 2007 by the Ministry of Power, it sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings.
• The adoption of the E3 certification programme may save energy of about 7 Million Tonnes of oil equivalent(MTOE) per year. The savings will be about 25 Million Tonnes by 2030.

Contribution of Bricks Sector in India:

• India is the world’s second-largest producer of bricks. This demand is expected to multiply three to four times over the next 20 years.
• Bricks Sector Contributes nearly 0.7% to the country’s GDP. Furthermore, it offers seasonal employment generation to over 1 crore workers and is important for sectors such as transportation and construction.
• Brick manufacturing industry consumes about 45-50 million tonnes of coal equivalent annually. It amounts to 5-15% of the total energy consumption in the country.
  • However, the brick sector has the second-largest potential for energy efficiency amongst the Indian industrial sector after steel and more than cement.

Source: PIB