Page 62 - Energy Efficiency Policies in China and India - A Research Paper
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Energy efficiency policies in
China and India
7.4 Buildings
With a near consistent 8% rise in annual energy consumption in the residential and commercial
sectors, building energy consumption has seen an increase from a low 14% in the 1970s to
nearly 33% in 2004-2005. The energy saving potential for the residential sector is on average
20% and that for commercial buildings is 30% (MoUD, n.d.).
The National Building Code of India (NBC) serves as a Model Code for adoption by all agencies
involved in building construction works. The latest revision to the code focuses on energy
efficiency in the following aspects (MoUD, n.d.):
• Use of pozzolanas (such as fly-ash, rice husk ash, metakaoline, silica fume, ground
granulated blast furnace slag, etc.) in concrete production
• Daylight integration (indoor lighting levels to be met via day lighting)
• Artificial lighting requirements (levels) for indoor spaces
• Ventilation standards (natural and mechanical) for optimal human health and well-being
• Electrical standards (minimum power factor, allowances for diversity, etc.)
• Select HVAC design norms
The National Mission for Sustainable Habitat under the NAPCC also encompasses promoting
energy efficiency in residential and commercial sectors as one of the objectives. The
mission emphasises the extension of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), use
of energy efficient appliances and creation of mechanisms that would help finance demand
side management. The sub-committee for the development of National Sustainable Habitat
Parameters for Energy Efficiency in Residential and Commercial Buildings have developed
‘Generic’, ‘Climate specific’, ‘Latitude specific’ and ‘Best practices’ energy efficiency guidelines
for buildings.
The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 identifies commercial buildings and establishments as one
of the energy intensive industries/other establishments. It is also the basis for the formation
of BEE. BEE started the formulation of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in
India. It was officially launched in 2007. It is applicable for new buildings as well as additions
and alterations in existing buildings when the conditioned floor area exceeds 1000 sq. metre.
ECBC sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings having a connected load
of 100kW or contract demand of 120 KVA and above. The Twelfth Five Year Plan document
estimates ECBC compliant buildings to be 20-30% more efficient than conventional buildings.
ECBC sets minimum energy efficiency standards for design and construction of new
buildings and its components such as building envelope (walls, roofs, windows), lighting
(indoor and outdoor), heating ventilation and air conditioning system, solar water heating
and pumping, electrical systems (power factor, transformers). The Twelfth Five Year Plan
targets a faster adoption of Green Building Codes (BEE, 2013). The MOEF has made it a
mandatory requirement for all buildings with a built-up area above 20,000m2 to be appraised
by the Environmental Appraisal Committees (EACs) and the State Environmental Appraisal
Committees (SEACs).
Research Paper 47
China and India
7.4 Buildings
With a near consistent 8% rise in annual energy consumption in the residential and commercial
sectors, building energy consumption has seen an increase from a low 14% in the 1970s to
nearly 33% in 2004-2005. The energy saving potential for the residential sector is on average
20% and that for commercial buildings is 30% (MoUD, n.d.).
The National Building Code of India (NBC) serves as a Model Code for adoption by all agencies
involved in building construction works. The latest revision to the code focuses on energy
efficiency in the following aspects (MoUD, n.d.):
• Use of pozzolanas (such as fly-ash, rice husk ash, metakaoline, silica fume, ground
granulated blast furnace slag, etc.) in concrete production
• Daylight integration (indoor lighting levels to be met via day lighting)
• Artificial lighting requirements (levels) for indoor spaces
• Ventilation standards (natural and mechanical) for optimal human health and well-being
• Electrical standards (minimum power factor, allowances for diversity, etc.)
• Select HVAC design norms
The National Mission for Sustainable Habitat under the NAPCC also encompasses promoting
energy efficiency in residential and commercial sectors as one of the objectives. The
mission emphasises the extension of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), use
of energy efficient appliances and creation of mechanisms that would help finance demand
side management. The sub-committee for the development of National Sustainable Habitat
Parameters for Energy Efficiency in Residential and Commercial Buildings have developed
‘Generic’, ‘Climate specific’, ‘Latitude specific’ and ‘Best practices’ energy efficiency guidelines
for buildings.
The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 identifies commercial buildings and establishments as one
of the energy intensive industries/other establishments. It is also the basis for the formation
of BEE. BEE started the formulation of the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in
India. It was officially launched in 2007. It is applicable for new buildings as well as additions
and alterations in existing buildings when the conditioned floor area exceeds 1000 sq. metre.
ECBC sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings having a connected load
of 100kW or contract demand of 120 KVA and above. The Twelfth Five Year Plan document
estimates ECBC compliant buildings to be 20-30% more efficient than conventional buildings.
ECBC sets minimum energy efficiency standards for design and construction of new
buildings and its components such as building envelope (walls, roofs, windows), lighting
(indoor and outdoor), heating ventilation and air conditioning system, solar water heating
and pumping, electrical systems (power factor, transformers). The Twelfth Five Year Plan
targets a faster adoption of Green Building Codes (BEE, 2013). The MOEF has made it a
mandatory requirement for all buildings with a built-up area above 20,000m2 to be appraised
by the Environmental Appraisal Committees (EACs) and the State Environmental Appraisal
Committees (SEACs).
Research Paper 47
