India’s Efforts to Decarbonize Buildings
The building sector is a significant contributor to carbon emissions worldwide. In India, the government is actively working to reduce these emissions through various strategies. These strategies are diverse and tailored to different aspects of buildings, such as their components, services, types, sizes, and climate zones. The focus is on demand-side management of energy and material use, utilizing innovative design and technology. This article explores the initiatives taken by the Indian government to decarbonize buildings and promote sustainable practices in urban development.
National Mission for Sustainable Habitat
The National Mission for Sustainable Habitat (NMSH) is a key initiative under India’s National Action Plan on Climate Change. It aims to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation policies in the built environment. This mission encompasses various sectors, including buildings, waste management, and transportation. The NMSH is implemented through four flagship missions: the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT), the Swachh Bharat Mission, the Smart Cities Mission, and the Urban Transport Programme.
These missions collectively work towards creating sustainable urban habitats. They focus on improving infrastructure, enhancing waste management, and promoting energy efficiency. The government has also introduced several policies and programs to decarbonize existing buildings. These include the Energy Conservation Building Code, the Building Energy Efficiency Programme, and the Star Rating System for Commercial Buildings. Additionally, initiatives like the Shunya Labelling Programme and the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana aim to promote energy-efficient practices in residential buildings. The recent launch of the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in February 2024 further emphasizes the government’s commitment to increasing solar rooftop capacity in residential households, contributing to the decarbonization of buildings.
Guidelines for Sustainable Urban Development
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has issued the Urban and Regional Development Plan Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) guidelines. These guidelines include a chapter dedicated to sustainability, focusing on green buildings, climate change adaptation, and eco-sensitive planning. The guidelines promote energy-efficient building designs based on the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). This code sets minimum energy performance standards for buildings, encouraging the use of non-conventional and renewable energy sources.
Moreover, the URDPFI guidelines advocate for the development of green buffer zones in cities. These zones help mitigate the urban heat island effect and enhance biodiversity. By promoting energy efficiency and sustainable practices, the guidelines aim to reduce carbon emissions and greenhouse gas emissions from the building sector. The MoHUA has also introduced Model Building Bye-laws (MBBL) in 2016, which include provisions for green buildings and sustainability. These bye-laws encourage the use of environmentally friendly and locally sourced building materials, tailored to the geo-climatic conditions of different regions.
Long-Term Low Carbon Development Strategy
India has submitted its Long-Term Low Carbon Development Strategy (LT-LEDS) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. This strategy outlines pathways for transitioning to low-carbon development across seven key sectors, including the building sector. One of the primary goals is to promote adaptation in urban design and enhance energy and material efficiency in buildings.
The LT-LEDS emphasizes several key elements for promoting low-carbon development in the building sector. These include mainstreaming adaptation measures in urban planning, enhancing energy and resource efficiency, and promoting climate-responsive building design. The strategy also focuses on resilient construction and operation practices for both existing and future buildings. Additionally, it advocates for low-carbon municipal service delivery through efficient management of water, solid waste, and liquid waste. By implementing these strategies, India aims to create sustainable urban environments that contribute to global climate goals.
Support for Energy Efficiency Improvement
The Ministry of Power has finalized guidelines for Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) to support energy efficiency improvements in existing buildings. These guidelines aim to facilitate the large-scale deployment of ESCO business models, which can help reduce energy consumption and costs for building owners. Pilot projects based on these guidelines have already been initiated, showcasing the potential for energy efficiency improvements in the building sector.
The government’s commitment to decarbonizing buildings is evident in its multifaceted approach. By integrating energy efficiency measures, promoting sustainable practices, and encouraging the use of renewable energy, India is taking significant steps towards reducing carbon emissions in the building sector. These efforts not only contribute to climate change mitigation but also enhance the quality of life for urban residents. As the country continues to develop, these initiatives will play a crucial role in creating a sustainable and resilient built environment.
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