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Source: The post is based on the article “Energy Conservation Building Code, 2017: Why the IEA called it a ‘notable exception’ among developing countries” published in “Indian Express” on 9th November 2023
Why in the News?
The International Energy Agency(IEA) has released the World Energy Outlook report 2023.
The report has said that India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) is better than those in many other developing countries due to its strong emphasis on energy efficiency.
What is the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)?
| Specifications | Details |
| Released by | Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) |
| First released in | 2007 and then updated in 2017 |
| Purpose | It sets minimum energy standards for commercial buildings, with the objective of enabling energy savings of between 25 and 50% in compliant buildings. |
| Code 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. Note: The code is for both new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings. |
| Assessment Parameters | The code primarily looks at parameters like building design including envelope (walls, roofs, windows), lighting systems, renewable energy integration among others. |
| Tagging of buildings | Compliant buildings are assigned one of three tags in ascending order of efficiency, namely ECBC, ECBC Plus and Super ECBC. |
How many states have implemented the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)?
(1) 23 out of 28 states have notified ECBC rules. But only 15 states have notified rules based on the latest ECBC,2017.
(2) Five states — Gujarat, Maharashtra, J&K, Ladakh, and Manipur — are yet to notify ECBC rules.
How have the States performed in energy efficiency in buildings?
(1) BEE has published the State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) in 2022. It rated states on various parameters of energy efficiency.
(2) As per the index, Karnataka was the top state in energy efficiency in buildings. It was followed by Telangana, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab.
(3) Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Jharkhand were the five worst rated states for energy efficiency in buildings.
What does the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 provide for?
(1) The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 provides for the transitioning of ECBC into Energy Conservation and Sustainability Building Code.
(2) It incorporates measures relating to reducing carbon footprint, achieving zero emissions, using materials efficiently, promoting clean energy and adopting circular practices.
(3) Additionally, it makes ECO Niwas Samhita, the residential building energy code, mandatory. This is crucial as residential buildings use 75% of total electricity consumed in the building sector.
UPSC Syllabus: Policies/Environment
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