ENERGY CONSERVATION BUILDING CODE, 2017 – ENVIRONMENT
News:
India’s Energy
Conservation Building Code, 2017: Why the IEA called it a ‘notable exception’
among developing countries
What's
in the news?
●
India was cited as a “notable exception”
for being among the few emerging markets and developing economies to have
energy efficiency building codes.
●
Paris-based
International Energy Agency (IEA), in its World Energy Outlook 2023,
report has highlighted that India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC),
2017 for commercial buildings sets it apart from other developing economies
where “energy efficiency in buildings stands out as a laggard”.
Key
takeaways:
●
The ECBC was first released by the Ministry of Power’s Bureau of Energy
Efficiency (BEE) in 2007, followed by an update in 2017.
Energy
Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017:
●
ECBC 2017 sets standards for energy
efficiency in commercial buildings, with the aim of promoting energy conservation and sustainable building practices.
Need
for ECBC:
●
ECBC was introduced to address the growing
energy consumption in India’s building sector, which is projected to skyrocket
with the rapid urbanization and economic
growth.
Key
features of ECBC, 2017:
●
It includes norms for walls, roofs,
windows, lighting systems, HVAC systems, and electrical systems to enhance the
energy efficiency of buildings.
Uniqueness
of ECBC, 2017:
●
The 2017 version provides greater
flexibility and has updated thresholds for energy performance. It introduced
new categories like ECBC+, and Super ECBC, which are more stringent.
Compliance
levels under ECBC 2017:
●
There are three levels of compliance, reflecting increasing levels of energy
efficiency such as
○
ECBC
○
ECBC+
○
Super ECBC.
Status
of ECBC implementation across states:
●
As of the information provided, 23 out of 28 states have notified rules,
but only 17 states have implemented them.
Enforcement
of ECBC norms:
●
Compliance is enforced through state notifications and adherence to
ECBC is mandatory for new constructions and large-scale renovations.
Implications
for non-compliance:
●
Non-compliance may lead to legal
repercussions and buildings may not receive necessary clearances, affecting
their operation and occupancy.
Challenges
faced by ECBC 2017:
●
Varying levels of adoption and enforcement
across different states in India.
Significance
of ECBC 2017:
●
The goal is to significantly reduce energy consumption and promote
sustainable development, with Gujarat being noted for its potential to
reach high compliance levels by 2030.
●
Implementation of energy efficiency
building codes like ECBC is important as buildings in India account for 30
percent of total electricity consumption, a figure that is expected to touch 50
percent by 2042.