Date: June 20, 2023
The Haryana government has taken a significant step towards promoting energy-efficient buildings by releasing a draft notification on the Haryana Energy Conservation Building Code (HECBC) Rules. The draft rules aim to make renewable energy installations mandatory in large commercial buildings, encouraging sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions. The government has invited stakeholders and the public to provide feedback on the draft rules to finalize the state’s ECBC rules.
The Haryana ECBC rules apply to all commercial buildings with a connected load of 100 Kilowatts (Kw) or more. These rules require such buildings to incorporate energy-efficient measures in their design and ensure the compulsory installation of renewable energy systems to offset a portion of their power demands.
In accordance with the ECBC rule book established by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), buildings falling under this category must reserve approximately 25 percent of their roof area for renewable energy installations. Additionally, they are required to ensure that at least one percent of their peak power demand is met through renewable energy sources. By complying with these rules, it is expected that a greater number of commercial buildings in Haryana will witness increased deployment of renewable energy systems on their premises.
The newly proposed draft rules, titled Haryana Energy Conservation Building Code Rules 2022, mandate that all commercial buildings with a connected load of 100 Kw or more incorporate energy efficiency provisions. Building owners must apply to the state government for permission, submit energy conservation plans, have their designs approved by auditors appointed by the BEE, and undergo inspections to ensure compliance.
The rules specify that building owners must focus on aspects such as the building envelope, comfort systems and controls, lighting and controls, as well as electrical and renewable energy systems to meet the compliance requirements. These rules also apply to buildings undergoing additions or alterations that lead to an increase in their connected power load up to 100 Kw.
According to the draft rules, owners intending to construct or make additions/alterations to buildings falling under this category must submit an application to the relevant authority. They are also required to submit supporting documents to demonstrate compliance with the regulations. Construction can commence only after obtaining approval from the authorities.
To oversee the implementation of HECBC, the draft rules propose the establishment of a HECBC Implementation Committee. This committee will be chaired by the Haryana Chief Secretary or their nominee and will comprise representatives from all stakeholders, including a nominee from the BEE. Additionally, a technical committee will be formed to address the technical aspects of the implementation.
The proposed mandatory renewable energy installations in large commercial buildings in Haryana demonstrate the state government’s commitment to promoting sustainable development and combating climate change. By integrating renewable energy sources into the built environment, Haryana aims to reduce its carbon footprint and contribute to a cleaner and greener future.