+91-8595390705

Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)

11 Nov 2023 Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)

Posted at 07:17h in Daily current-affairs, Today Current affairs, Uncategorized by
0 Likes

This article covers “Daily Current Affairs” and the topic details “Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)”. This topic has relevance in the “Economy” section of the UPSC CSE exam.

For Prelims:

What is the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC)?

For Mains:

GS3:  Economy
Infrastructure

 

Why in the news?

The International Energy Agency (IEA) has highlighted India’s strong Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017 in its World Energy Outlook 2023, emphasising India’s unique position among developing nations with robust energy efficiency rules for commercial buildings, a feature less common in other developing countries.

 

Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017

  • The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017, initially introduced by the Ministry of Power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2007 and updated in 2017, plays a crucial role in promoting energy efficiency in commercial buildings across India. 
  • Currently, 23 states have adopted regulations for ECBC compliance, while larger states like Maharashtra and Gujarat are in the process of formulating their rules.
  • As a national standard, the ECBC provides flexibility for individual states to tailor the code to meet their specific regional needs, requiring them to draft and notify rules as state laws for enforcement.

 

Objectives: The ECBC establishes minimum energy standards for commercial buildings, aiming to achieve energy savings ranging from 25 to 50 percent in compliant structures.

 

Applicability: 

  • This code applies to commercial buildings, including hospitals, hotels, schools, shopping complexes, and multiplexes with a connected load of 100 kW or more, or a contract demand of 120 kVA or more. 
  • ECBC is applicable to both new constructions and the retrofitting of existing buildings.
  • Compliant buildings receive one of three tags in ascending order of efficiency: ECBC, ECBC Plus, and Super ECBC.

 

Significance:

  • Buildings in India currently contribute to 30 percent of total electricity consumption, a proportion expected to rise to 50 percent by 2042. 
  • A notable report indicates that 40 percent of the buildings anticipated in the next two decades have yet to be constructed, presenting a unique opportunity for policymakers and builders to ensure sustainability in their development.

 

International Energy Agency (IEA)
  • The International Energy Agency (IEA) is an independent intergovernmental organization headquartered in Paris. 
  • Established in 1974 by members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in response to the 1973 Arab oil embargo, the IEA has a mission to assist countries in ensuring secure and sustainable energy for all.

Mission:

  • The primary mission of the IEA involves providing policy recommendations, conducting analyses, and offering data pertaining to the global energy sector. 
  • The agency collaborates with governments and industry stakeholders to shape a secure and sustainable energy future.

Key Publications:

  • The IEA is renowned for its influential reports, including the World Energy Outlook, Oil Market Report, and World Energy Employment Report. 
  • Through these publications, the IEA contributes valuable insights and information crucial for navigating the complexities of the global energy landscape.

 

Sources: India’s Energy Conservation Building Code, 2017: Why the IEA called it a ‘notable exception’ among developing countries | Explained News – The Indian Express

 

Q1. With reference to Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), consider the following statements: 

  1. ECBC was initially introduced by the Ministry of Renewable Energy’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). 
  2. ECBC can be applied to both new buildings and the renovation of old ones. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2 

(d) None 

Answer: (b) 

 

Q2. Consider the following: 

  1. World Energy Outlook
  2. World Energy Transitions Outlook 
  3. World Energy Employment Report

How many of the above mentioned reports are published by the International Energy Agency (IEA)?

(a) Only one 

(b) Only two 

(c) All three 

(d) None

Answer: (b)

Q3. Discuss the role of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017, in fostering energy efficiency in commercial buildings in India. 

Tags:
,
No Comments

Post A Comment