Andhra to launch Indo-Swiss tech for energy efficiency under ECBC-R

VIJAYWADA: Andhra Pradesh is set to introduce Indo-Swiss building energy efficiency technology in its affordable housing projects. The technology, which is a part of the Energy Conservation Building Code for residential buildings (ECBC-R), will be launched in Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat as decided by the Central Government. The ECBC-R can be a great initiative for states like Andhra Pradesh where temperatures are as high as 48C during summers. Due to this technology, even low-income group families can avail modern energy efficient houses with world class technology, said Nagulapalli Srikant, Energy Secretary. 

He added that the ECBC-R design helps to reduce temperature by not less than 4 to 8 degree Celsius inside the house compared with the outside temperature. It also ensures adequate natural ventilation and daylight potential and will make sure that housing is cost effective with minimum 20 per cent energy savings. This would result in reduction in electricity bills and healthier environment in residential buildings.

The initiative has a potential to save 125 billion units of electricity or 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year by 2030, said Srikant. The state government is being requested by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) to incorporate ECBC-R code in development control rules or building bylaws.

A two-day national conference on implementation of ECBC-R will be held at Vijaywada on August 29 and 30 to motivate stakeholders and the public.