Energy conservation norms may be must for residential buildings

• The government is considering mandating new residential buildings to be energy efficiency code compliant, a move that is likely to save ₹1,20,000 crore worth of electricity by 2030 by avoiding generation of 300 billion units.

Current Estimates

• It is expected to increase the cost of construction by 2-3% but the recovery takes place within 4-5 years through reduced electricity bills.
• The code will be applicable on new residential complexes consuming 100 KW load, typically societies with 20 1BHKs or 10 2BHKs.
• India's commitment to reduce energy intensity by 45% by 2030, will require amendment in the Electricity Conservation Act.

Energy Conservation Act 2001

• The objective is to enhance demand for renewable energy at the end-use sectors such as industry, buildings, transport, etc.
• There is a provision to incentivise efforts on using clean energy sources by means of carbon saving certificates.
• The proposal also includes expanding the scope of the Act to include larger Residential buildings, with an aim to promote Sustainable Habitat.
• According to the act, only commercial buildings can be mandated to follow the energy efficiency code.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

• BEE had in 2017 launched the Energy Conservation Buildings Code (ECBC) for commercial buildings.
• BEE had in 2018 launched a separate Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) code for residential buildings.
• The code can be adopted on a voluntary basis by residential units with more than 500 sq meter plot area.
• According to BEE, residential buildings account for about 24% of India's total energy consumption and by 2030, another 3 billion square meters area is expected to be added.
• BEE has also launched a star labeling programme for buildings on the basis of annual energy consumption per square meter.

Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS)

• It is an Energy Conservation Building Code for Residential Buildings that was launched on December 14, 2018 to promote energy efficiency in the residential sector.
• Its goal is to encourage the design and building of energy-efficient dwellings, including apartments and townships, for the benefit of their tenants.
• The ECO Niwas Samhita 2018 was launched by the Ministry of Power.
• ENS provides guidance about appropriate material, design, ventilation and techniques to make homes comfortable for maximum time of the day so that the usage of ACs, coolers, fans and lights is minimal.

Conclusion

In COP 26 at Glasgow last November, India promised to cut its emissions to zero by 2070.

• The country announced 500 Gw of non-fossil electricity capacity, 50% renewable energy capacity, reduction of emissions by 1 billion tonnes and reduction of emissions intensity of the GDP by 45% by 2030.
• The building code for residential and commercial buildings and the labeling programme is expected to gain momentum with increased focus on reduction of carbon emissions.

Exam Track

Prelims Takeaway

• Energy Conservation Act 2001
• Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
• Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS)

Mains Takeaway

Q. Mandating energy conservation norms and promoting energy efficiency methods could be the defining step to achieve zero emission target by 2070, Examine.