Latest news with #EnergyConservationBuildingCode
Hans India
7 hours ago
- Business
- Hans India
AP's first super ECBC hub launched in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam: Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) facility at Sagar Nagar here on Friday, calling it a milestone in integrating green design with public infrastructure. He described the centre as a reflection of the government's focus on sustainable development and energy efficiency. The minister urged power utilities to speed up the target of 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, with a minimum of 10,000 in each Assembly constituency. He also highlighted the government's commitment to uninterrupted 9-hour daytime power supply for farmers, especially under the PM-KUSUM solar irrigation scheme. The Super ECBC facility will function as a state-level training centre for the power sector workforce—from linemen to Chief Engineers. It houses SCADA, RMU, transformer, and meter testing labs, and will also offer induction training to new recruits. 'We aim to make this the best training centre in the country,' said Ravi Kumar. He announced that 180 compassionate appointments had been made in the last 18 months and assured that Rs 5 lakh was given without delay to each family affected by fatal work-related accidents. The minister also reaffirmed the government's goal to provide power to remote tribal and forest areas. Chief secretary K Vijayanand said the new facility doubles as a demonstration model for ECBC standards. APEPDCL CMD Prudhvi Tej Immadi said AT&C losses were reduced from 10.1 per cent to 7.5 per cent and distribution losses from 6.5 per cent to 5.8 per cent. MP M Sribharat and MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao praised APEPDCL's role in reforms and project execution. District collector M N Harendhira Prasad, MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, and senior officials also attended.
New Indian Express
8 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
ECBC building inaugurated in Vizag
VISAKHAPATNAM: Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) compliant building at Sagar Nagar in Visakhapatnam on Friday. Terming it a landmark in sustainable infrastructure, he emphasised the government's commitment to energy efficiency and green design in public facilities. The facility will serve as a national-level training hub for power sector staff. He urged power utilities to expedite 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, targeting 10,000 in each Assembly segment. He reaffirmed nine-hour uninterrupted power for agriculture under PM-KUSUM and noted that 180 compassionate appointments were made in 18 months. Chief Secretary K Vijayanand said the building, equipped with SCADA, RMU, transformer, and meter labs, would serve as a model for energy efficiency. He suggested a governing body for its optimal use. Despite peak demand of 13,000 MW, the State supplied 254 MU daily. MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, MP Sribharat, and MLC V Chiranjeevi Rao praised the solar initiatives. APEPDCL CMD I Prudhvi Tej reported reduced AT&C losses and high complaint resolution.
The Hindu
a day ago
- Business
- The Hindu
First energy-efficient building of Andhra Pradesh to be inaugurated in Vizag today
The first super Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) building of Andhra Pradesh, constructed at a cost of ₹14 crore in Sagar Nagar will be inaugurated by Energy Minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on June 27. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has sponsored the building with a capital expenditure of ₹5 crore. Andhra Pradesh Eastern Power Distribution Company Limited (APEPDCL) built it to conduct training camps for the discom staff from 11 districts. This G+2 building has two floors of 14,400 sft each. 'Constructed on the energy efficiency model and equipped with energy-efficient appliances, the building will help save electricity bills,' APEPDCL CMD I. Prudhvitej said. The four important energy-efficiency components of the building are sunlight management with proper window dimensions, use of star-rated electrical appliances, variable refrigerant volume AC and renewable energy systems. All the walls are constructed with cavity walls (walls constructed with two layers of masonry). The outer wall is 8 inches, while the inner wall is 4 inches, with an air gap of 4 inches. With a total wall of 16 inches, triple AAC blocks have been used. Similarly, the windows have also been constructed with three layers of glass panels with a six-inch gap between panels. An under-deck ceiling has been used. A 50 mm rock wood has been used in ceiling, with an air gap between the layers. 'A 50 kW solar roof-top panel has been installed on this building. It is a unique and first such model in the State,' Mr. Prudhvitej said. A senior BEE official from New Delhi told The Hindu that the ECBC was designed to improve energy efficiency in new commercial buildings across the country, and was launched by the Ministry of Power in May 2007. The ECBC sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings with a contract demand of 100 kW or 120 kVA or more. At present, the commercial building sector in India is expanding rapidly at over 9% per annum due to strong growth in the services sector. 'Considering the high growth rate in the commercial building sector, the BEE has introduced the ECBC as a voluntary policy measure to reduce the negative impact of buildings on the environment,' the BEE official said. The targeted beneficiaries of the ECBC are mostly urban local bodies, corporations, power utilities, architects, engineers, builders, firms, developers and even civil engineering students, he added.
News18
01-06-2025
- Business
- News18
Cost vs Benefit: The Long-Term Advantages In Green Buildings
Last Updated: Real estate sector is shifting to sustainable construction, with green buildings becoming the new standard. Authored by Amrita Gupta, Director of Manglam Group: The real estate sector is under increasing pressure to take charge of the climate crisis as it becomes more pressing. The emphasis has changed from building fast and cheaply to building more sustainably and intelligently. Green buildings may assist in that endeavour. These buildings, which are made to use less energy, produce less waste, and rely on renewable resources, are not just a fad; they are the new standard. Although the initial cost of building a green building may be higher due to the use of advanced materials and technologies, this is only one aspect of the situation. These buildings eventually pay for themselves through lower maintenance, low operating costs, and energy savings. India's Growing Need for Sustainable Construction Think about how fast our cities are growing. Everywhere you look, there's construction—buildings, roads, infrastructure. In India, this sector isn't just busy; it's also a huge part of the economy, making up nearly 9% of the national income. The pace of growth comes at a cost—it puts serious pressure on our resources and power supply. That's why sustainable development can't just be a buzzword anymore—it has to be part of how we build and grow. India has also set an ambitious target—to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2070. It's a big goal, and the steps we take now, especially in high-impact industries like construction, will play a crucial role in getting us there. The industry is moving in the right direction thanks to national initiatives like the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). Adopting green buildings is important for India not only for its environmental impact but also for its economic stability and position as a global leader. There was a time when the biggest obstacle to green construction was cost. However, this is changing fast. As more people get behind sustainable construction, we're seeing real changes on the ground. It's becoming easier to source eco-friendly materials, and global building regulations are getting stricter. At the same time, architects, engineers, and developers are learning from experience—so designing and putting up green buildings is getting more straightforward and less expensive than it used to be. it's becoming obvious that green buildings aren't just good for the planet—they're good for business too. Today's investors and tenants are a lot more mindful about where they put their money, and sustainability plays a big part in those decisions. Properties that meet green standards often attract better tenants, see higher occupancy, and even fetch better resale and rental value. For developers and owners, that can mean stronger returns and a real edge in the market. Developers are now increasingly leaning towards green buildings as they have realised the long term savings they offer. They're designed to use less electricity and water, which means monthly bills are lower. Sure, the initial cost can be a bit more, but in most cases, that gets recovered within a few years—and from there, the lower running costs make a noticeable difference. With the added advantage of durable, low-maintenance materials, the overall cost of ownership becomes much more manageable. Healthier Spaces, Happier People Green buildings do more than just cut costs—they create better environments for the people who live and work in them. When you've got enough sunlight, good air circulation, and the right temperature, it just feels better to be inside—and it's better for your health too. There's growing evidence that these kinds of environments can actually help people work better and feel healthier, which is a big plus for companies focused on employee wellbeing. Future-Proofing Through Sustainability As environmental regulations become stricter across the globe, buildings that fail to meet modern sustainability standards may face serious financial and legal challenges. Investing in green infrastructure now is a way to future-proof real estate assets. It's also a safeguard against fluctuating energy prices, carbon taxes, and shifting market expectations. Sustainable buildings are more likely to retain their value and remain competitive in the long run. A Greener Future for All When entire communities and cities begin to embrace green construction, the impact can be profound. It goes beyond individual buildings—supporting climate action, improving energy security, conserving precious resources, and even creating new jobs. Green buildings help build resilient cities and enhance the quality of life. They represent a smart, forward-looking approach to urban development. Disclaimer: The views and investment tips by experts in this report are their own and not those of the website or its management. Users are advised to check with certified experts before taking any investment decisions. top videos View all About the Author Business Desk A team of writers and reporters decodes vast terms of personal finance and making money matters simpler for you. From latest initial public offerings (IPOs) in the market to best investment options, we cover More
Business Recorder
30-05-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
Energy wastage: Leghari seeks support from CMs, Ahsan
ISLAMABAD: Minister for Power Sardar Awais Leghari has sought support from the provincial chief ministers and the Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Ahsan Iqbal, for the implementation of building codes aimed at curbing energy wastage. In letters addressed to the minister for planning and provincial chief ministers, Leghari referred to his earlier communication dated January 1, 2025, regarding the 'Implementation of Energy Building Code–2023.' He emphasised that the building sector is a major contributor to the national energy crisis, accounting for over 60 per cent of total energy consumption. 'This demand peaks in the summer months due to high cooling loads resulting from conventional building designs that largely ignore energy efficiency during planning, construction, and operational phases.' Minister launches 'Energy Conservation Building Code 2023' Highlighting the urgency of the matter, Leghari recalled that the prime minister, during a strategic roadmap meeting on energy conservation held on February 1, 2023, had directed the National Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (NEECA) to revise the Building Code of Pakistan (Energy Provisions 2011). Accordingly, development authorities were instructed to amend their building by-laws to include energy efficiency measures. The revised Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC-2023) was approved by the Federal Cabinet on August 9, 2023, and the National Economic Council (NEC) also directed all provinces to ensure its implementation. 'It is essential to recognize that both the public and private sectors play a pivotal role in shaping the energy landscape of the building sector,' the minister stated. 'Public sector investments under the Public Sector Development Programme (PSDP), and private developments regulated by municipalities and local governments, present a vital opportunity to promote energy efficiency.' Leghari has reiterated his proposal to integrate ECBC-2023 into PSDP projects by incorporating an energy efficiency analysis section into the Planning Commission's manuals (PC-1 to PC-5). He suggested that the approval of PSDP projects—particularly infrastructure schemes—should be contingent upon achieving at least 50 per cent energy savings compared to conventional designs. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
