ECSBC Aims to Drive Innovation, Competitiveness, and Collaboration in Construction A JV of PSU under the Ministr
BEE to Introduce ECSBC, Revolutionizing India's Construction for Sustainable Growth
Vijayawada, December 10, 2023: Leading the charge in sustainable construction in India, the Union Ministry of Power led Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is on the verge of introducing the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC), set to redefine India's construction practices by curbing carbon emissions, fostering economic growth, and promoting innovation in line with global environmental commitments.
The impending ECSBC will establish minimum energy performance standards for new commercial and residential buildings, taking a holistic approach to sustainability beyond emissions reduction. Recognizing the substantial impact of buildings on global energy consumption and carbon footprint, India is committed to environmental responsibility, positioning ECSBC as a cornerstone of its efforts.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), buildings and construction contribute to 39% of global energy-related CO2 emissions and 36% of final energy use. In response to these concerning statistics, ECSBC aims to enhance the quality, comfort, and affordability of the built environment, contributing to energy security, economic growth, and social development.
While delivering key note address during two-day second Stakeholder Consultation in Hyderabad, Abhay Bakre, Director General of BEE, emphasizes ECSBC's potential to save 50% of energy demand in the building sector by 2030, equivalent to reducing 300 million tons of CO2 emissions. This aligns with India's commitments under the Paris Agreement and Sustainable Development Goals, targeting a 33-35% reduction in emissions intensity by 2030 and a 40% share of non-fossil fuels in the electricity mix.
"The code serves as a catalyst for innovation, competitiveness, and collaboration within the building sector, creating opportunities for green jobs, skills, and technologies," says Abhay Bakre. The code stimulates the demand and supply of energy-efficient products and services, ranging from insulation, lighting, HVAC, solar, to smart meters.
ECSBC's implementation will involve a comprehensive stakeholder consultation process, engaging various parties to ensure a well-rounded perspective and enhance the code's relevance and acceptability. The second Stakeholder Consultation in Hyderabad was pivotal in soliciting valuable inputs for formulating ECSBC.
As part of the evolution, the Energy Conservation Act has been amended, leading to the revision of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) to ECSBC, emphasizing the importance of sustainability features.
Saurab Didi, Director at BEE, emphasizes that India's move towards ECSBC isn't just a change in building codes but a transformative shift in how we live and work. He urges stakeholders to join the movement for a greener and more affordable future.
Andhra Pradesh and Telangana play a pivotal role in ECBC implementation, with over 1000 buildings under compliance and more than 3000 stakeholders trained. The Super ECBC building in Visakhapatnam, set for completion by January 2024, aims for near-zero energy consumption, serving as a training institute and showcasing best practices.
The Super ECBC building signifies India's commitment to reducing energy consumption, promoting renewable energy, and contributing to global climate change goals. As the ECSBC journey progresses, it is poised to drive the building sector towards near-zero energy targets, setting a global standard for sustainable construction practices.
Abhay Bakre has appreciated the efforts of Spl. CS Energy, K. Vijayanand, and CMD Eastern Power Distribution Company (EPDCL), Prudwi Tej, for their concerted efforts to construct the Super ECBC Building in Vizag. This was done in coordination with AP SECM and with the financial support of BEE.
CMD EPDCL Prudwi Tej disclosed during the National Conference online that by completing the construction of this unique Super ECBC Building by January 2024, EPDCL will not only be able to save around 50 percent of energy but also showcase it to other parts of the country.
CEOs of AP and Telangana State designated agencies Kumar Reddy, N. Janaiah, BEE. Sr. Officer Meenaakshi Menon and stake holders from building sector participated in the Program
Leave Comments