A project on energy efficiency improvements in commercial buildings has been initiated under the UNDP-GEF-BEE programme. This project would assist in the implementation and operationalization of the ECBC through a comprehensive and integrated approach with the focus on Capacity Building Scheme through ECBC Cells in SDA/UDD.
The ECBC is currently voluntary and India is still in the early stages of implementing the new building energy code. In practice, few (public and commercial) buildings in India currently meet the code and none of the states have adopted it yet. The expected addition of commercial building floor area in India is growing at about 8% per year and hence achieving energy efficiency in this sector is important. The project aims to address the barriers identified informational, capacity, institutional and financial that will help bring ECBC under mandatory regime.
Stake Holders
Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)
The mission of Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is to develop policies and strategies with a thrust on self-regulation and market principles, within the overall framework of the Energy Conservation Act (EC Act), 2001 with the primary objective of reducing energy intensity of the Indian economy. This will be achieved with active participation of all stakeholders, resulting in accelerated and sustained adoption of energy efficiency in all sectors.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the statutory body to facilitate and coordinate energy efficiency initiative at the central level. To promote energy efficiency technologies and measures in new building under the Energy Conservation Act (EC Act) 2001, BEE has developed the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC).
UNDP-GEF
UNDP-GEFs intervention aims to address the barriers and assist the Government to implement and operationalize the ECBC through a comprehensive and integrated approach that will focus on;
(a) Strengthening of institutional capacities at various levels to implement ECBC and other energy efficiency programs for commercial buildings;
(b) Developing technical expertise and awareness raising of key partners;
(c) Compliance with ECBC demonstrated in 8 model buildings (with a total floor area of 1.47 million m2) in five climatic zones;
(d) Formulating fiscal and regulatory incentives for investors and
(e) Monitoring evaluation; knowledge sharing and learning.
Eight pilot commercial buildings planned are in the cities (in 5 different climatic zones) namely; Hyderabad, Jaipur – Hot & Dry, Kolkata, Mumbai – Hot Humid, Bengaluru – Moderate, Shimla – Cold and Ludhiana & New Delhi – Composite climate.
This project would assist in the implementation and operationalization of the ECBC through a comprehensive and integrated approach with the focus on Capacity Building Scheme through ECBC Cells in SDA/UDD.
1.3 UPNEDA
The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 defines the powers of the State Government to facilitate and enforce efficient use of energy and its conservation. The State Governments have to designate State Designated Agencies in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency to coordinate, regulate and reinforce the provisions of the Act in the State.
Thus the State Designated Agencies are partners for promotion of energy efficiency and its conservation in the country. The role of the SDA in assisting states to complete the process of notification is critical.
Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)
Under its statutory authority, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) with the support of the Ministry of Power (MoP) has launched the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in 2007. The purpose of this code is to provide minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design and construction of buildings. The process of development of the ECBC involved extensive data collection and analysis regarding building types, building materials and equipment. Further, the code takes in to consideration the climatic conditions.
Complexity of the Commercial Building Sector
The building market is diverse and characterized by fragmentation into various players. The complexity of interaction among these participants is one of the greatest barriers to energy-efficient buildings
Roles and Responsibilities
- After studying the notified ECBC code of all the 7 states and considering the local conditions of the state of Uttar Pradesh and with many rounds of discussion with incharge ECBC cell and other officers of UPNEDA (SDA) ECBC code modified and submitted to the I/C ECBC Cell, UPSDA/UPNEDA.
- In continuation to the activities already done in this regard and continuous persuasion and efforts of the ECBC Cell, UPSDA/UPNEDA the ECBC Code has now taken a step further to get notified & become a law as it has been passed by the PWD, Deptt. of Additional energy(UPNEDA), Energy Deptt. (UPPCL),UDD and Law Department . So ECBC is in the final stage of approval by cabinet of Govt. of UP.
- The ECBC is in process of being notified as it is in the cabinet for final approval. Regular interactions with the concerned officials are being done to expedite the process of notification. It is likely to get notified in the coming few weeks.
- UPERC BUILDING PROGRESS (FIRST ECBC COMPLIANCE BUILDING IN UTTAR PRADESH)
The construction of the building is going on at an appreciable pace, and proper care is being taken by the UPSDA officials, UPERC’s construction wing and ECBC Cell so as the implementation of the ECBC measures are followed keeping in all the safeguards required in this process.
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