Power saving through Energy Conservation Building Code

Visakhapatnam: The updated version of Energy Conservation Building Code -2017 (ECBC) provides current as well as futuristic advancements in building technology to reduce building energy consumption particularly to optimise energy savings in the country, said Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) Associate Professor Rajkiran V Bilolikar here on Monday at GITAM Deemed to be University.

He participated in a comprehensive training programme on "Energy Conservation Building Code-2017" jointly organised by ASCI and Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission in association with GITAM School of Architecture.

He mentioned that ECBC applies to any commercial building or complex that has plot area of 1,000 square metres or more or built-up area of 2,000 square metres or more buildings such as multiplexes, hospitals and hotels must comply with ECBC irrespective of built-up area. He observed that implementation of ECBC would result in 35 per cent energy conservation and reduce electricity bills. He mentioned that the state energy departments and the state urban development departments are required to jointly coordinate their actions to enable a successful adoption of energy efficiency standards for buildings. Administrative Staff College of India (ASCI) has been working with State government to develop and implement the code, he added.

Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) Visakhapatnam Chapter Co-Chairman Kalepalli Leela Prasad said that reducing energy consumption is crucial because it means fewer emissions of greenhouse gases, a known cause of global warming. He observed that the ECBC 2017 sets parameters for builders, designers and architects to integrate renewable energy sources in building design with the inclusion of passive design strategies.