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EE Visibility Platform

Introduction

Among the various challenges Europe is facing today, access to clean, secure, affordable energy sources and the energy efficient reconstruction of its large and ageing building stock are between its key priorities. However, solving the energy challenge relies namely upon low carbon energy & energy efficiency, EE, technologies, whose economics and performance are strongly dependent on the development of innovative, well-performing and cost-competitive advanced materials. In a study published by the European Commission, in 2012, energy and environment materials are presented as key sectors worth 60 billion €, by 2020.

EU, a world player, has strategic partnership with India, sharing common interests in global issues related to Climate Change, Energy Security and Sustainable Growth. But, India has been witnessing tremendous growth in building and construction sector for the past five years. The market demand for better thermal comfort and international-style commercial buildings is leading to significant increases in building energy demand that is likely to continue in the near future, putting enormous pressure on the resource demand like energy, water, materials, etc. The Indian central government has made strong efforts to improve building energy efficiency in the new construction sector. The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) was developed by the Govt. of India, which sets minimum energy standards for new commercial buildings having a connected load of 100 kW or contract demand of 120 kVA and above, taking into account the climate where the building is located.

To support implementation of the Code and to improve efficiencies in existing buildings, an EU funded Programme currently running, the ACE: E2 Programme, is working to assist in the implementation of energy efficient legislation in 4 selected States, Bihar, Odisha, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. The programme, aims at supporting them in setting up procedures for energy efficiency and to implement the nationally developed Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) scheme, taking stock of the EU experience.

As ACE: E2 is funded by the European Union (EU), this “EE Visibility platform” incorporates valuable information and communication activities designed to raise the awareness of specific Indian technical audiences of the reasons for the Programme and the EU support, by providing valuable information on European EE Associations, Federations, Professional Associations, NGO and portals of EE techniques and materials and best cases, which are presented below.