Green factory building code, measures to improve energy efficiency under consideration
As part of its six-point programme on energy efficiency and energy conservation, the Andhra Pradesh government will soon notify an Energy Conservation Building Code (ECB code). This was announced by P K Mohanty, state chief secretary and chairperson of the State Energy Conservation Mission (SECM) in a meeting of the mission held in Hyderabad on June 16.
The ECB 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 more. All large buildings such as multiplexes, malls and hospitals will come under this programme. Certification of energy conservation for these buildings will be issued by empanelled architects of the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), said Mohanty.
Energy efficiency in all sectors
The state government is also planning new green building regulations for all industrial units. It will finalise a Green Factory Building Code for promoting energy efficiency in existing and upcoming industries.
The state industries department is working out the modalities to bring in the Green Factory Building Code for all factories, ensuring they take 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.
For better energy conservation, the state government will replace old and inefficient motors and pump sets in urban and rural water supply schemes. The rural water supply department has been directed to prepare a scheme under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP). The state agriculture department has decided to launch a special awareness drive among 3 million farmers on the use of pump sets and frictionless foot valves, approved and marked by the Indian Standards Institution (ISI).
According to Mohanty, the state has also decided to promote and scale up energy generation through renewable sources like solar and wind. The state will take up public awareness campaigns about subsidies and incentives available for erecting roof top solar panels and solar gadgets like solar water heaters.
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