By: R.M. Chitranshi

ECBCWith the background of high energy saving

potential and its benefits bridging the gap between demand and supply, reducing environmental emissions through energy saving and to effectively over come the barrier the Govt. of India has enacted the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.

The Act provides the much needed legal framework and institutional arrangement for embarking on an energy efficiency drive.

This includes Energy Conservation Building Code.

The Act empowers Govt. of India and State Governments to modify ECBC as per climatic conditions of states.

And to notify the code in Govt. gazette to make it mandatory for commercial buildings having a connected load of

500 kW or maximum demand of 600 kVA or above or

1000 sq. m of air conditioned area.

Purpose The purpose of this code is to provide minimum requirements for energy-efficient design and construction of buildings.

ScopeMinimum energy performance standards for

design and construction be prescribed.Applies to new construction and major

renovation. Building components includedBuilding Envelope (Walls, Roofs, Windows)LightingHVAC systemService water heating and pumpingElectrical Systems (Power factor, Tramsformer)

Impact of ECBC – Energy SavingsAverage energy use: For light and HVAC a typical class A

office building consumes 200kWh/sq m/Yr.

Mandatory enforcement of ECBC is likely to reduce the

energy use by 30-40% to 120 – 160 200kWh/sq m/Yr.

Energy saving as per BEE estimate – Saving of 1.7 billion

kWh, with national mandatory enforcement, in the first

year it self.

Impact of ECBC ComplianceMarket Development for EE products. Building Insulation Energy Efficient Windows High efficiency HVAC systemsImproved Design Practices. Lighting and Day Lighting Natural Ventilation/ Free cooling systemImproved Building performance. Lower HVAC load.Lesser addition of power generation capacity.

Implementation PlanAwareness and technical resources

Quick implementation guide. Compliance resources.

Building EnvelopA well designed building envelop not only help in complying with ECBC code but can also result in first cost saving by taking advantage of day light and correct HVAC system sizing.

Definition of Commercial BuildingAccording to energy information administration-

Any building that is used for neither residential, manufacturing, nor agricultural purposes.

Many types of commercial buildings- Office Buildings Hotels Restaurants Retail malls and shops Hospitals Educational Institutes.

Importance of Energy Efficient Envelope DesignHelps in reducing heating/ cooling load.

Helps in optimizing daylight.

First cost and recurring savings.

Helps in utilizing latest technological advances

Simulation models greatly helps in designing

high performance envelops.

Energy Efficiency in Existing Buildings/ facilities

There is vast scope for energy efficiency improvement in buildings/existing facilities.

Energy Audit Studies have revealed a savings potential to the extent of 40% in end use such as lighting, cooling, ventilation, refrigerationetc.

Audits identify the Energy baselines in existing facilities along with Energy Efficiency Measures.

Energy Efficiency MeasuresEnergy efficiency measures bring about energy

savings due to reduced energy consumptions.

Energy savings are determined by comparing energy baseline with energy consumed after implementation of EE measures.

Energy cost savings resulting from EE measures directly benefit building owners and occupants over the life cycle of the building.

Barriers to Energy EfficiencyLack of information about comparative energy

use.

Risk due to lack of confidence in performance of new technologies.

Higher cost of EE technologies.

Asymmetry in sharing of costs and benefits.-especially in building sector.

Case Study (I) - Energy Audit of Bapu Bhawan Secretariat

ECO’s Energy Savings (Rs Lacs)

Estimated Investments

(Rs Lacs)

Simple Payback Period (Months)

Short Term Measures (with Payback Period upto 1 year)

Reactive Power Compensation and Power Factor Improvement (9286 Kvah)

5.56 5.0 10-11

De-energization of Transformers 0.47 Nil Immediate

Periodic Maintenance of AHU’s 1.12 Nominal Immediate

Maintenance of the Chillers 3.52 2.0 6-7

Use of FRP Blades on the CT Fans 1.0 0.80 9-10

Replacement of High Efficiency Chilled and Condenser Water pumps

6.16 6.0 11-12

Sub Total (A) 17.83 13.80 9-10

Long Term Measures (with Payback Period above 1 year)

Controlling the Demand within Specified Limits

0.11 0.35 38-39

Installation of Energy Efficient Lights 22.31 28.6 15-16

Sub Total (B) 22.42 28.95 15-16

Total (A+B) 40.25 42.75 12-13

Case Study (II) - Energy Audit of Shastri Bhawan Secretariat

ECO’s Energy Savings Estimated

Investments

(Rs Lacs)

Simple

Payback

Period

(Months)

Kwh/annum Rs Lacs

Short Term Measures with Payback Period upto 1 year

De-energization of Transformers 37431 1.87 Nil Immediate

Optimization of Lighting Voltage 67950 3.39 Nil Immediate

Periodic Maintenance of AHU’s 4639 0.23 Nominal Immediate

Replacement of Condenser Water

Pumps (2 nos) with one New Pump

30268 1.51 0.40 3-4

Sub Total (A) 140288 7.00 0.40 < 1 month

Long Term Measures with Payback Period above 1 year

Installation of Energy Efficient Lights 157526 7.87 11.19 17-18

Use of FRP Blades on the CT Fans 3888 0.19 0.20 12-13

Replacement of Inefficient A/Cs with

Star Rated A/Cs

54432 2.72 6.6 29-30

Installation of Solar Water Heating

System for the Canteen

2100 0.11 0.40 43-44

Sub Total (B) 217946 10.89 18.39 20-21

Total (A+B) 358234 17.89 18.79 12-13

Helpful Tips to Architects and DevelopersSelect an organization/ consultant with expertise and

experience in performing building energy simulation. Always inquire for key input parameters and output

reports (e.g. thermal specifications of wall, glazing, and roof elements, load and system summary reports.

Ask simulation consultant to perform parametric studies to evaluate:

Relative cost and benefits of selecting key components and technologies (glazing, lighting)

Sizing of HVAC system.