Latest news with #ECBC
Time of India
26-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Punjab offers eco incentives, then sends in the fine print — Green buildings must stay certified or face penalty after 3 years
Chandigarh: In Punjab, those who build green-certified homes or offices to display their status, especially with a designer label, could face a penalty after three years if they fail to maintain the certification. While the draft bylaws unveiled by the state govt offer incentives for environment-friendly buildings, beneath the attractive veneer lies a crucial caveat: maintaining the "green" status isn't just about initial construction. The draft Unified Building Rules, 2025, unveiled by the Punjab govt, aim to promote environmentally friendly construction by offering incentives, including additional floor area ratio (FAR) and a complete exemption from building scrutiny fees for certified green buildings. However, there is a provision for a stringent three-year check, and for those who fail to uphold their certification for eco-friendly residences, the repercussions could be far more substantial than the initial benefits. As per the draft bylaws, a five percent additional FAR will be granted free of cost for three-star, bronze, or silver-rated buildings, increasing to seven and a half percent for four-star or gold-rated buildings, and ten percent for five-star or platinum-rated buildings. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villa Prices in Dubai Might Be Lower Than You Think! Villa for sale in Dubai | Search Ads Learn More Undo Additionally, these certified green buildings will also receive a hundred percent exemption from building scrutiny fee. "However, in case the owner fails to submit a maintenance certificate after a period of every three years from the rating agencies, the defaulter can be penalised equivalent to five times the collector rate of land proportional to the 5% additional floor area ratio availed, and the building scrutiny fee shall be recovered along with a 12% rate of interest from the date of the approval of building plans," reads the draft. Architect-author Surinder Bagha said there is a need for the state govt to offer more incentives and handholding to those interested in environment-friendly buildings. "The harsh penalties in the draft bylaws would be counterproductive and dissuade people from going for green buildings. As of now, there were only a few certified green buildings in Punjab even though the energy conservation building code (ECBC) is applicable in the state," he said. Bagha, meanwhile, welcomed the provisions to ensure barrier-free movement for the differently abled in the draft bylaws. For better accessibility, the rules specify that ramps for pedestrians, differently-abled, the elderly, and children shall be compulsory in educational buildings (up to high/secondary school level) and in-patient medical facilities, extending to the highest floor. However, ramps will not be mandatory for higher-level educational institute buildings. Similarly, in a push for renewable energy, the draft mandates rooftop solar photovoltaic installations for all newly constructed or reconstructed residential buildings exceeding 400 square yards. This requirement also extends to all private educational institutions, as well as govt buildings, offices, colleges, and universities with a connected load of 30 kWp and above. The draft rules also introduce stringent accountability measures for professionals. Architects or engineers who submit incorrect reports, conceal facts, misrepresent information, or are found to have additional unauthorised construction or violations at a site will be held jointly and severally responsible. Such omissions could lead to complaints against the professional for suspension of their registration, with the owner liable for penalties determined by the competent authority. Also, if concealment of information by an architect or engineer is proven, penal proceedings, including debarment from practising in Punjab, will be initiated. Provisions for basement usage have been clarified, allowing them for parking, household storage, habitable purposes, and consultancy services. If a basement is used for habitable purposes, it will be counted towards the floor area ratio. For rental housing or hostels utilising basements for habitable purposes, an additional density of 4.5 persons per habitable basement will be permitted on top of the plot's standard density. The draft also specifies floor restrictions for residential plots/villas in approved layout plans: a maximum of three floors (ground + two floors) without stilt, and four floors with stilt. For group housing projects, however, there will be no restriction on maximum height, provided they secure clearance from the Airport Authority and adhere to norms concerning setbacks, ground coverage, FAR, structural safety, and fire safety.
Mint
22-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
What is a green lease? A guide for Mumbai tenants and landlords
I am a 29-year-old IT professional looking to rent a home in Mumbai from a 55-year-old. What is a green lease and what are its key clauses, legal obligations and how can the tenant and landlord align with those regulations? -Name withheld on request A green lease is a rental agreement that includes clauses aimed at reducing a property's environmental footprint through sustainable practices. These leases promote energy efficiency, water conservation, and responsible waste management. In Mumbai, where environmental concerns and regulatory oversight are increasing, green leases are gaining relevance, especially in newer housing developments. Green leases typically feature provisions encouraging both landlord and tenant to adopt eco-friendly practices. Some common clauses include: Energy Efficiency: Use of LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and switching off unused devices to reduce electricity consumption. Water Conservation: Installation and maintenance of water-saving fixtures such as low-flow taps and dual-flush toilets. Waste Management: Obligations for tenants to segregate and recycle waste, with landlords responsible for providing adequate facilities. Sustainable Materials: Use of eco-friendly or recycled materials for repairs, upgrades, or renovations. Collaborative Governance: Establishing an environmental management plan or committee to ensure both parties work together on sustainability goals. Service Charge Adjustments: Allowing for eco-friendly upgrades (e.g., solar panels) to be covered through service charges, if mutually agreed upon. While India doesn't mandate green leases specifically, such agreements must comply with the Maharashtra Rent Control Act, 1999, which governs rental arrangements, including the need for written and registered agreements. In addition, landlords and tenants must adhere to: Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) standards for energy efficiency, especially in newer buildings. Municipal rules, such as those enforced by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), which mandate waste segregation at source and proper disposal practices. Failure to comply with these obligations—especially if spelled out in the lease—could constitute a breach of contract. To ensure alignment with green goals and legal requirements, both parties—Mr. A (the tenant) and Mr. B (the landlord)—should: Clearly define responsibilities in the lease, such as recycling practices or limits on energy usage. Register the lease in accordance with the Maharashtra Rent Control Act for legal validity. Consult a legal advisor to ensure the lease complies with ECBC norms and BMC guidelines. Discuss cost-sharing arrangements for eco-friendly upgrades to avoid disputes during the tenancy. By setting clear expectations and cooperating on sustainability goals, both tenant and landlord can contribute to a greener, more efficient living environment. Aditya Chopra, managing partner, and Moxy Shah, associate, The VictoriamLegalis(TVL)
The Hindu
11-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Karnataka's greenhouse gas emissions could exceed 400 MT by 2050: Report
Karnataka's greenhouse gas emissions could exceed 400 million tonnes (MT) by 2050, states a new report by not-for-profit research organisation CSTEP. Though the emissions could exceed 400 MT by 2050, emissions can be cut to 50 MT, mainly through electrification, renewable energy, and demand-side interventions, the report, titled 'Namma SAFARI: Low-Carbon Development Pathways for Karnataka,' said. Six key factors Namma SAFARI is Karnataka's first integrated system dynamics model, mapping long-term interactions across six key sectors — energy, transport, industry, buildings, agriculture, and land use — till 2050. Developed by CSTEP, the model supports evidence-based planning for a low-carbon, sustainable future. 'The model projects Karnataka's population will cross 75 million by 2050, with its Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) rising to ₹128 lakh crore (2011 constant prices). Under a business-as-usual path, greenhouse gas emissions could exceed 400 MT by 2050. However, a low-carbon scenario, informed by expert consultations, shows emissions can be cut to ~50 MT, mainly through electrification, renewable energy, and demand-side interventions,' CSTEP said. The report also highlighted that in the buildings sector, electricity demand could reach 40% of total use by 2050. 'The low-carbon path reduces this by 25% through passive cooling, green construction, and rooftop solar. Enforcing energy codes such as Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) and Eco Niwas Samhita (ENS) is key,' it added. Role of industry It further stated that industry is the largest contributor to electricity demand and emissions. 'To guarantee demand and drive economies of scale, a mandate for a minimum share (~25%) of public infrastructure projects to use certified green cement or steel, along with preferential pricing for compliance, would boost investment in low-carbon production. Decarbonising these industries also has other co-benefits,' it said. The other highlights of the report are in agriculture, which currently uses ~30% of the State's electricity; demand drops to zero in the low-carbon case through off-grid solar irrigation. 'Scaling up minimum support price coverage for crops such as millets, pulses, and oilseeds (currently just 8%) will support this shift,' CSTEP said. 'For transport, shifting 33% of freight to rail by 2030 could save 50 crore litres of diesel annually. Electrification doubles power demand to ~54.5 TWh by 2050. Incentives for rail, improved logistics, and electric vehicle (EV) expansion are needed,' it further added.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Andhra Pradesh Energy Minister announces no power tariff hike and green energy initiatives
Andhra Pradesh energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar on Friday stated that as per chief minister Chandrababu Naidu 's directive, there will be no hike in power tariffs, and efforts are underway to reduce electricity charges before the next general elections. He described the newly inaugurated Super Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) facility as a symbol of Andhra Pradesh's drive to integrate green design into public infrastructure — an essential step toward meeting rising energy demands and tackling environmental challenges. The minister, accompanied by chief secretary K Vijayanand, inaugurated the state's first Super ECBC-compliant building, constructed by EPDCL at Sagar Nagar in Vizag. He emphasised the goal of achieving 20 lakh rooftop solar connections — at least 10,000 in every Assembly constituency — to further the state's renewable energy mission. Highlighting the govt's agricultural focus, the minister reaffirmed the promise of 9-hour uninterrupted daytime power supply for farmers, especially under the PM-KUSUM scheme for solar irrigation. He announced that the Super ECBC building would serve as a national-level training hub for power sector employees, aiming to reduce field accidents and improve operations through advanced technical skills. Underscoring the govt's welfare push, he said 180 compassionate appointments had been made in the last 18 months, and reiterated efforts to extend electricity access to tribal and remote areas. Chief secretary K Vijayanand noted that the Super ECBC building would act as a live demonstration model to promote awareness around energy-efficient infrastructure. He proposed setting up a dedicated governing body to oversee its effective utilisation. The govt remains committed to providing 24x7 quality power. "Despite peak summer demand reaching 13,000 MW, the state met daily consumption of 254 MU. Under PM-KUSUM, 3 lakh solar pump connections are planned, alongside free rooftop solar installations for 20 lakh SC/ST households, and additional subsidies for 20,000 BC families," Vijayanand said. Visakhapatnam MP M. Sribharat stressed expediting rooftop solar implementation. Local MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao noted that EPDCL reports the lowest power pilferage levels in the state, vital for Vizag's growth as an economic hub. EPDCL CMD Immadi Prudhvi Tej shared that AT&C losses were reduced from 10.1 per cent to 7.5 per cent, while distribution losses dropped from 6.5 per cent to 5.8 per cent. He added that 97 per cent of 5.54 lakh consumer complaints were resolved. Updates included 2,000 rooftop solar installations under PM Suryaghar and progress on infrastructure upgrades such as underground cabling and substation commissioning under RDSS. Free electricity connections are also underway in tribal areas under the PM JANMAN initiative. MLC V Chiranjivi Rao, Visakhapatnam collector MN Harendira Prasad, APEPDCL directors, and other public representatives were in attendance.
Hans India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
AP's first super ECBC hub launched in Visakhapatnam
Visakhapatnam: Energy minister Gottipati Ravi Kumar inaugurated Andhra Pradesh's first Super ECBC (Energy Conservation Building Code) facility at Sagar Nagar here on Friday, calling it a milestone in integrating green design with public infrastructure. He described the centre as a reflection of the government's focus on sustainable development and energy efficiency. The minister urged power utilities to speed up the target of 20 lakh rooftop solar connections, with a minimum of 10,000 in each Assembly constituency. He also highlighted the government's commitment to uninterrupted 9-hour daytime power supply for farmers, especially under the PM-KUSUM solar irrigation scheme. The Super ECBC facility will function as a state-level training centre for the power sector workforce—from linemen to Chief Engineers. It houses SCADA, RMU, transformer, and meter testing labs, and will also offer induction training to new recruits. 'We aim to make this the best training centre in the country,' said Ravi Kumar. He announced that 180 compassionate appointments had been made in the last 18 months and assured that Rs 5 lakh was given without delay to each family affected by fatal work-related accidents. The minister also reaffirmed the government's goal to provide power to remote tribal and forest areas. Chief secretary K Vijayanand said the new facility doubles as a demonstration model for ECBC standards. APEPDCL CMD Prudhvi Tej Immadi said AT&C losses were reduced from 10.1 per cent to 7.5 per cent and distribution losses from 6.5 per cent to 5.8 per cent. MP M Sribharat and MLC Vepada Chiranjeevi Rao praised APEPDCL's role in reforms and project execution. District collector M N Harendhira Prasad, MLA Ganta Srinivasa Rao, and senior officials also attended.
