AP set to notify GO on energy conservation building code

As part of its six-point programme on EE and EC (energy efficiency and energy conservation), the Andhra Pradesh government is planning to notify the energy conservation building code (ECB code) for enhancing energy efficiency in all large buildings such as multiplexes, malls and hospitals, according to chief secretary and chairman of the State Energy Conservation Mission SECM) PK Mohanty.

"An ECB Code is in the offing for incorporating energy efficiency components. The code will be applicable to all non-residential buildings with more than 1,000 square metre of plot area or 2,000 square metre of built-up area, whichever is higher. Initially, a single-star energy conservation shall be made mandatory in respect of all these structures. Certification of energy conservation for these buildings will be issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)-empanelled architects," he said here on Sunday.

The state government will be finalising a 'Green Factory Building Code' for promoting energy efficiency in existing and upcoming industries, besides evolving measures for replacement of old and inefficient motors and pumpsets in urban and rural water supply schemes.

"The state industries department is working out the modalities to bring in the Green Factory Building Code for all factories for taking mandatory steps to provide vegetation in at least 15 per cent of the total site area, allowing natural daylight and fresh air ventilation into the factory building," Mohanty said.

The state government is also considering promoting and scaling up generation through non-renewable sources like solar and wind, and studying the best practices on energy efficiency to benchmark with international standards in power-intensive sectors, he added.