Andhra Pradesh has taken a significant leap towards a sustainable and climate-resilient future by emerging as the top-performing state in implementing the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). The state has approved 786 ECBC-compliant buildings, surpassing other major states such as Telangana, Punjab, and Uttar Pradesh. This achievement is a result of the state’s efforts to reduce energy consumption in new commercial buildings and promote energy efficiency.
The ECBC, introduced by the Union government, aims to establish minimum energy performance standards for new commercial buildings. ECBC-compliant buildings are designed to optimize energy use through improved architecture, materials, and systems, ensuring greater efficiency and sustainability. The Andhra Pradesh State Energy Conservation Mission (APSECM) has played a pivotal role in mainstreaming energy efficiency across the urban ecosystem, in collaboration with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Ministry of Power.
The state’s achievement is attributed to the leadership of the Andhra Pradesh municipal administration and urban development department, and the strong support from the BEE. The state minister, Dr. P. Narayana, emphasized the importance of adopting cutting-edge solutions in energy efficiency, renewable energy, water supply, and sanitation to deliver world-class services to citizens. The state has set a national benchmark in energy efficiency, having deployed energy-efficient LED street lighting in Visakhapatnam in 2014, which was later scaled up nationwide.
The state is now designing a future-ready roadmap aligned with global standards, studying best-in-class technologies and sustainable infrastructure practices across sectors. The principal secretary, S Suresh Kumar, stated that the state aims to remain a frontrunner in energy-efficient urban development. The commissioner and director, municipal administration, P. Sampath Kumar, highlighted the economic benefits of energy efficiency initiatives, which generate cost-effective and high-quality services for citizens while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has urged all states to aggressively pursue ECBC adoption as a powerful regulatory tool to transform buildings into energy-efficient assets with substantial energy savings. Under the Smart Cities Mission, ECBC compliance plays a crucial role in advancing sustainable urban infrastructure across India. With Andhra Pradesh leading the way, other states are expected to follow suit, promoting a sustainable and climate-resilient future for the country. The state’s achievement is a testament to its commitment to reducing energy consumption and promoting energy efficiency, and it is expected to have a significant impact on the country’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.