It is nearly six years since The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) proposed energy-saving guidelines for integration in the building regulations for Bengaluru. Although several States, including Tamil Nadu, have already included TERI’s energy-saving guidelines for integration into building bylaws, Karnataka is yet to take account of these parameters that include solar passive design, roof treatment, and daylight ventilation.

The guidelines are touted to be an umbrella of instructions offering energy savings from 30 to 50 per cent compared to conventional building practices with respect to lighting power and waste management.

Karnataka has already notified the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) which takes care of energy-efficient equipment and appliances. But experts feel there is a lot more is left to be done.

As Minni Sastry, Fellow, Sustainable Buildings Division, TERI, Bengaluru, puts it: “Although Karnataka has notified ECBC that looks into the sustainability of equipment and appliances used in buildings, it would go several steps higher in its sensitivity towards the construction of green buildings if the nine guidelines are implemented, as this assimilation would mean achieving energy efficiency at the design stage itself.”

In 2009-10, TERI carried out a study with support from the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Programme (REEEP) to integrate energy efficiency and renewable energy in buildings for getting in better energy security in Bengaluru.

“In 2010, when Karnataka was looked at as a priority State for development, TERI, along with the BDA, BBMP, Bescom and KREDL, with Chief Minister’s Urban Advisor on board, had presented these guidelines. We even had training programmes for BBMP and BDA officials then and acclimatised them with the guidelines as they are the building sanctioning authorities,” said Ms. Sastry. Even if the ECBC is notified, these can act as additional norms for building by-laws, she added.