Energy efficiency in construction
Construction is going green and builders and contractors are increasingly conscious of employing "green" technologies even during the construction stage, writes Mr Ajit Habbu, Regional Manager - Energy & Environment Technology, TUV SUD South Asia. Energy efficiency in buildings was a concept unheard of a decade ago; however, some of the recent developments in energy efficiency initiatives have made buildings one of the key focus areas after industries. Green Buildings by IGBC, initiatives like GRIHA, Star ratings for buildings by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, ECBC (Energy Conservation Building codes), state-level ECB directives etc. are all the schemes, ratings and certifications brought into effect in India by government bodies. Buildings are accountable for up to 35-40 per cent of energy use in most countries and the demand for energy is towering as construction booms, especially in countries such as India and China. This means that buildings can make a major contribution to tackle climate change and energy use.