The Hindu Business Line : Govt unveils power codes for commercial buildings

New norms: The Power Minister, Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde, flanked by the Secretary, Mr Anil Razdan (right), and Member (Energy), Planning Commission, Mr Kirit S. Parikh, at the launch of the Energy Conservation Building Code, in the Capital on Sunday. - Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi May 27 Energy conservation codes for commercial buildings detailing minimum efficiency standards for external walls, roof, glass structure, lighting, heating, ventilation and air conditioning were released here on Sunday by the Minister for Power, Mr Sushil Kumar Shinde.

The target is to bring down energy consumption levels to the tune of 25 per cent to 40 per cent annually. If fully implemented this could yield an annual saving of about 1.7 billion units, according to an official release.

Initially, the implementation of the codes would be voluntary but would eventually become mandatory. The new set of codes would be applicable to all the five climatic zones in the country. However, State Governments would be empowered to amend these codes to suit local or regional requirements.

Efficient use

Launching the codes here on Sunday, Mr Shinde said that efficient use of energy and checking the leakages in energy consumption is a must, as by conserving only 20 per cent of energy the country would save around Rs 20,000 crore annually. The Government plans to put in place an appropriate institutional structure to oversee implementation of the codes throughout the country with involvement of the State Governments and other stakeholders very soon, he said.