Delineating The Implementation Of Residential Building Energy Codes In India
Climate change is impacting people’s lives globally, and the rising energy demand and linked Green House Gas (GHG) emissions are critical concerns that pose significant risks to developing countries like India. The Government of India is taking various initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and its economy’s energy intensity. As per the 2017 statistics, buildings consumed approximately 33% of the total electricity consumed in the country. India is expected to grow its residential floor area from 15.3 billion sq. m in 2017-18 to 21.9 billion sq. m by 2027 to accommodate the urbanization rate. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) developed the building energy codes assessing the energy conservation potential in the building sector.
This paper will supplement the government’s efforts by providing operational guidance to states for ENS implementation and highlight the need for a framework that would act as a guiding document for the code implementation by the urban local bodies. Focusing on the Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS, Energy Conservation Code for residential buildings), the paper discusses the foreseen challenges in the ENS implementation. Based on literature studies and stakeholder consultations, the paper suggests feasible models for enforcement, applicability, compliance, and verification processes.
