A senior government official said this is expected to increase the cost of construction by 2-3%, but recover within 4-5 years as electricity bills come down. The code will be applicable to new residential complexes that consume 100 kW load, typically 20 1BHK or 10 2BHK societies, he said.
The proposal, part of India’s commitment to reduce energy intensity by 45% by 2030, would require amendments to the Electricity Conservation Act and is being sent to the Union Cabinet for approval.
According to the Energy Conservation Act, only commercial buildings can be mandated to comply with the Energy Efficiency Code. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) launched the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for commercial buildings in 2017. BEE had launched a separate Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) code for residential buildings in 2018. The code can be adopted on a voluntary basis by residential units having plot area of more than 500 square meters.
According to BEE, residential buildings account for about 24% of India’s total energy consumption and by 2030, are expected to add another 3 billion square meters of area.
“In homes, the primary energy consumption is by air conditioners, lighting, fans and LPG/PNG. ENS provides guidance on suitable materials, designs, ventilation and techniques to make homes comfortable for maximum time of day So that ACs, coolers can be used, fans and lights are minimal,” the official said.
BEE has also initiated a star labeling program for buildings on the basis of annual energy consumption per square metre. Building codes and labeling programs for residential and commercial buildings are expected to gain momentum with a greater focus on carbon emissions reduction.
At COP 26 in Glasgow last November, India promised to reduce its emissions to zero by 2070. The country announced 500 Gw of non-fossil power capacity, 50% renewable energy capacity, 1 billion tonnes of emissions reduction and reduction in emissions intensity. GDP growth of 45% by 2030.
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