India: Energy code soon for commercial buildings

Power minister Sushil Kumar Shinde will formally launch an energy conservation code for commercial buildings on Sunday. The code, if implemented fully, is expected to save about 30-35% energy consumed in each commercial building, whereas its mandatory enforcement is projected to yield an annual saving of 1.7 billion units in the first year itself.

The code sets minimum standards for design and construction of non-residential buildings to promote efficient use of energy. Parameters such as building envelope, lighting, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning services, water heating and electric power and distribution systems are covered in the code. It also promotes retrofitting to reduce energy use without affecting building function or comfort.
The code will make it mandatory for owners of commercial buildings to furnish relevant building plan data such as building envelope, insulation materials used, solar heat gain coefficients, visible light transmittance and air leakage, overhangs and side fins as well as building envelope sealing details. Details of lighting schedule with the type, number and wattage of lamps and ballasts, automatic lighting shutoff, occupancy sensors and other lighting controls, lamp efficacy for exterior units will also have to be furnished. On heavier power usage, details of transformer losses, motor efficiencies and power factor correction devices, electricity check metering and monitoring system will also have to be shared.

Times of India