A paper describing strategic options for implementing the Energy Conservation Building Codes at a state and municipal level.

Commercial building sector in India is expanding rapidly at over 9% per year spurred largely by the strong growth in the services sector. It has been estimated that 70% of building stock that will be there in the year 2030 is yet to come up in the country – a situation that is fundamentally different from developed countries. Under the Energy Conservation Act 2001, Government of India launched Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) on a voluntary basis. ECBC sets the minimum energy performance standards for “large commercial buildings” after taking into account the five major climatic regions of India. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency, a statutory body, has taken initiatives in implementing capacity building programs and in developing several technical documents and training material to raise awareness about ECBC and to enhance the professional skills of building design professionals.

Once made mandatory, the state governments will be responsible for enforcing ECBC through local municipal authorities, which also enforces building bye laws. Incorporation of ECBC specifications in the existing bye laws, National Building Code and in Central Public Works Department Schedule of Rates will be critical in ensuring effective nation-wide adoption.

Capacity building of human resources in municipalities and development of compliance procedures and software right from the design to commissioning of the buildings will also be needed. Availability of appropriate and cost effective building materials and equipment and facilities to test the performance of these materials and equipment is being addressed through the establishment of testing centers in the country. Nation-wide capacity building efforts for practicing architects and engineers, as well as for students are also ongoing.