June 11, 2007—Owners of all new large offices, hotels, malls and hospitals in India will soon be expected to get a certificate declaring the buildings to be energy efficient if they plan to have a connected power load of 500 kilowatt or more.
The country’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has finalized the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) for efficient use of energy and conservation in buildings.
The code sets minimum energy performance standards for commercial buildings by using good design, smaller glass surface, thermal insulators, windows to maximize natural light, shading devices and separate air conditioning systems for areas used for long hours and proper landscaping.
Compliance with the code would be voluntary to begin with, says the government.
BEE officials said they would create awareness about the ECBC by conducting training programs on construction of energy efficient buildings for architects, engineers and designers who will then be certified to give approvals for energy compliant buildings.
For more information, see the government Web site.
