Short Note: Energy Conservation Building Code 2017
Energy Conservation Building Code 2017, ECBC 2017, developed by Ministry of Power and Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has been launched. The ECBC 2017 will prescribe the energy performance standards for new commercial buildings which are to be constructed across the country.
Features
- The code provides parameters for builders, designers and architects by integrating renewable energy sources in building design by incorporating passive design strategies.
- The new code was developed by BEE with technical support from United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It was developed as a part of the U.S.-India bilateral Partnership to Advance Clean Energy.
- ECBC are voluntary in nature and has been accepted by majority of states (22 states), who have infused their own modifications to the codes.
- ECBC prescribes minimum energy standards for commercial buildings having a connected load of 100kW or contract demand of 120 KVA and above.
- The ECBC-compliant buildings need to demonstrate minimum energy savings of 25%. Further energy savings of 35% and 50% will lead the new buildings to achieve higher grades like ECBC Plus or Super ECBC status respectively.
Significance
- The code has incorporated present as well as futuristic advancements to further reduce building energy consumption and promote low-carbon growth. It aims to optimise energy savings with the comfort levels for occupants by preferring life-cycle cost effectiveness to achieve energy neutrality.
- The new code sets up the benchmark for Indian buildings to make them amongst the most efficient buildings globally.
The adoption of ECBC 2017 is estimated to achieve a 50% reduction in energy use for new commercial building construction by 2030. It will lead to annual energy savings of about 300 Billion Units by 2030 and peak demand reduction of over 15 GW in a year. It will lead to expenditure savings equivalent to Rs 35,000 crore and will lead to 250 million tonnes of CO2 reduction.
