IEA: India’s Energy Efficiency Building Codes Leading the Way in Sustainable Construction

November 9, 2023

A recent report from the Paris-based International Energy Agency (IEA) in its World Energy Outlook 2023 has highlighted India’s commendable progress in the realm of energy efficiency building codes. India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017, specifically for commercial buildings, stands out as a noteworthy achievement in the fight against climate change.

ECBC’s Significance

The ECBC, introduced by the Ministry of Power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), was initially released in 2007 and received an update in 2017. It has now been implemented in 23 states, with others in the process of drafting rules. ECBC plays a crucial role in addressing the energy consumption of buildings, which currently account for 30% of India’s total electricity usage, a figure expected to rise to 50% by 2042.

Understanding ECBC

The Energy Conservation Building Code sets minimum energy standards for commercial buildings, aiming to achieve energy savings ranging from 25% to 50% in compliant structures. It applies to various commercial buildings such as hospitals, hotels, schools, shopping complexes, and multiplexes with specific criteria for connected load and contract demand.

Components of ECBC

ECBC focuses on six key building design components, including the building envelope (walls, roofs, windows), lighting systems, HVAC systems, and electrical power systems. These components have mandatory and prescriptive requirements, making compliance flexible and adaptable. ECBC applies to both new construction and retrofitting existing buildings, categorizing compliant structures into three efficiency levels: ECBC, ECBC Plus, and Super ECBC.

ECBC’s Evolution

The 2017 version of ECBC introduced enhancements such as prioritizing renewable energy integration, ease of compliance, passive building design strategies, and increased flexibility for designers.

State Implementation of ECBC

While 23 out of 28 states have notified ECBC rules, only 15 states have adopted the latest ECBC, 2017. This discrepancy highlights the need for uniform implementation across the country. States that delay implementation risk missing out on substantial energy savings.

Potential Benefits and Savings

Effective ECBC compliance can result in significant energy savings, as demonstrated in the case of Gujarat, which could save nearly 83 terawatt-hours of energy by 2030 with comprehensive compliance. Such savings are vital, considering the growing electricity consumption in the state.

State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI)

The State Energy Efficiency Index (SEEI) rates states on various energy efficiency parameters. Karnataka, Telangana, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab lead the rankings, while Bihar and several other states lag behind in energy efficiency in buildings.

Future Prospects

India is making substantial strides in energy efficiency by transitioning ECBC into the Energy Conservation and Sustainability Building Code. This transition includes measures related to embedded carbon, net-zero emissions, materials and resource efficiency, clean energy deployment, and circularity. The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022, also mandates the ECO Niwas Samhita for residential buildings, a significant step toward overall energy conservation.

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