Energy Conservation Building Code

Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings having a connected load of 100 kW or contract demand of 120 kVA in terms of Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2010.

• The ECBC has been prepared to ensure the following: • The compliance processes are as simple, clear, and easy to use as possible. • The proven techniques/best practices globally are adopted appropriately to suit India’s conditions and objectives. • The compliance path is such that it incentives all major stakeholders.

The ECBC envisages the building plans to include all pertinent data and features of the building, equipment, and systems of the following: •Building Envelope: insulation materials, fenestration, solar heat gain coefficients, visible light transmittance, and air leakage; overhangs and side fins, building envelope sealing details. • Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning: system and equipment types, sizes, efficiencies, and controls; economizers; variable speed drives; piping insulation; duct sealing, insulation and location. • Service Hot Water and Pumping: solar water heating system. • Lighting: lighting schedule showing type, number, and wattage of lamps and ballasts; automatic lighting shutoff, occupancy sensors, and other lighting controls; lamp efficacy for exterior lamps. • Electrical Power: electric schedule showing transformer losses, motor efficiencies, and power factor correction devices; electric check metering and monitoring systems.

Design and Technical Barriers •Technology and Aesthetics Integration: Energy efficient buildings are designed by incorporating several technical/engineering measures and their integration with aesthetics. Conventional design practice lacks close collaboration between architects and engineers •Newer Professional Requirements: Motivation among architects, consultants, and developers to familiarize with ECBC requirements can impede widespread acceptance and implementation of ECBC in real practice. •Understanding of Building Physics and Energy Simulation: Incorporation and optimization of load reduction strategies and energy efficiency features in building design requires basic understanding of building physics and ability to model and interpret results from energy simulation tools in case of large buildings. Infrastructural Challenges •Split Incentives/Principal Agent: The classic problem faced by the construction industry is a huge barrier in India. Developers don’t want to invest in better infrastructure (e.g. energy-efficient buildings) if they are not confident of commanding a premium on such buildings. •Product Performance Specifications: Lack of availability of appropriate building materials, newer equipment and technologies to meet ECBC compliance.

Energy Conservation Building Code was launched by the Government of India in 2007