The government launched the Energy Conservation Building Code 2017 (ECBC) on Monday. An official statement said, "The updated version of code provides current as well as futuristic advancements in building technology to further reduce building energy consumption and promote low-carbon growth."

Speaking at the event, Minister of state (Independent Charge) Coal, Power, Renewable Energy and Mines said, "I have recommended that all new buildings and offices in the future be SuperECBC and Net Zero Energy Buildings."

In response to a query on the need to extend incentives for adopting these conservation measues, Goyal said, "I do not believe that success of these programs should be on the back of subsidies and government incentives...Wherever we removed subsidies and government involvement, we found that the roll out to be much faster and much more efficient... I personally there should be no support and be viable through it's size and scale."

The earlier Energy Conservation Building Code has been adopted by 10 states in the country. And states such as Haryana offer up to 25 per cent additional Floor Area Raito while Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation offers up to 50 per cent discount on premium amount of building permission charges.

In response to a question if these incentives will be continued under the new code, Goyal said, "The state governments are free to give these incentives...I believe as we scale up, cost comes down and get better technologies in the system and more practical implementation, we would not need subsidies or incentives."

Related Topics
comment COMMENT NOW