Are ECBC Energy Efficiency Building Code Norms Mandatory or Voluntary?
ECBC in India: As of now, the ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) is in a voluntary mode. However, many states have started adopting it, and in the coming 2-3 years, it is likely to become mandatory.
India's Building Sector: India is anticipating exponential growth in the building sector, which will significantly increase the associated power requirements. Mandating the ECBC would be a strategic move for the government. It would promote energy-efficient infrastructure and prevent the wasteful over-designing and over-consumption of energy due to negligence. Currently, a capacity-building activity is underway across the country to educate practitioners, architects, and consultants about the code and its implementation.
Building Codes and Political Influences
Building Codes in the USA: Building codes in the USA are primarily driven by local ordinances, and the members of code committees are appointed by elected politicians and the bureaucrats they employ. As a result, codes often reflect local political influences and are subject to regular changes.
Impact of New Construction: The surge in new construction leads to an increase in political contributions from builders, appraisers, and mortgage companies. Consequently, any codes that mandate increased construction costs are often relaxed, further fueling the volatility of building codes.
Energy Efficiency in the United States
Voluntary vs. Mandatory: In the United States, energy-efficient building codes are generally voluntary. However, there are significant financial incentives for building energy-efficient structures. Tax incentives and subsidy rebates can substantially reward those who comply with these codes.
Examples of Energy-Efficiency Requirements: The minimum SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) rating for any central air unit sold in the USA must be 13 or higher. However, there are certain rebates and taxable deductions available for units with a higher SEER rating, such as those reaching 21 or above.
Conclusion
Mandating energy-efficient building codes can have substantial long-term benefits for both governments and the environment. As the building sector continues to grow, it is crucial for policymakers and industry leaders to consider the broader impact of such mandates. While voluntary initiatives can drive significant change, the potential for mandated energy efficiency is undeniable and should be seriously considered as a means to promote sustainable construction practices.