| Syllabus: GS-III, Subject: Environment, Ecology and Disaster Management, Topic: Indian Initiatives, efforts, and Commitments, Issue: Energy Efficient Building |
Need for energy efficient building:
- The building sector consumes over 33% of India’s electricity.
- India Cooling Action Plan foresees an eight-fold increase in cooling demand by 2037.
- To address escalating energy and cooling demand, heat islands, climate change.
Existing initiatives:
- Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) and Residential Energy Conservation Building Code.
Concerns
- Priority to fast-paced, energy-intensive techniques over climate-appropriate design.
- Knowledge about climate-appropriate design and architecture is lacking.
- High initial costs hinder the adoption of climate-responsive building practices.
The way ahead:
- Innovation from manufacturers to develop cost-effective, durable, and climate-resilient solutions.
- Reimagining construction practices and fostering sustainability culture are essential.
| Prelims Connect (Schemes/Policies):The Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) is a two-part code developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in India to promote energy-efficient residential buildings.
Components: ENS 2018 (Part I: Building Envelope): Focuses on the building’s shell, including walls, roof, and windows. ENS 2021 (Part II: Electro-Mechanical and Renewable Energy Systems): This part addresses the building’s mechanical and electrical systems, including lighting, air conditioning, and renewable energy sources. |
