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					</table>The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (<a href="https://beeindia.gov.in/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BEE</a>) has issued the draft Detailed Procedure for Compliance Mechanism under the Carbon Credit Trading Program.
Compliance mechanism
Under the new procedure, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change will announce the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity targets for tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) per unit of equivalent product for each defined trajectory cycle applicable to obligated entities.
These obligated entities will be informed of an annual target for three years, and upon the conclusion of this period, the targets will undergo revision.
Entities must adhere to the GHG emission intensity targets assigned annually within the compliance cycle.
The obligated entity that exceeds the targeted GHG emission intensity in any compliance cycle is entitled to the issuance of carbon credit certificates based on the difference in the achieved and targeted GHG emission intensity for the production quantity in the relevant compliance cycle.
Entities failing to achieve the targeted GHG emission intensity in any compliance cycle are entitled to purchase the carbon credit certificates based on the difference in the achieved and targeted GHG emission intensity for the production in the relevant compliance cycle.
Establishment of GHG Emission Targets
To establish GHG emission intensity targets, the technical committee established by the Bureau will compute the GHG emission intensity for the baseline year and set targets for each compliance cycle.
GHG emission intensity reduction trajectory will be developed for the considered sectors based on India’s nationally determined contribution commitments and potential for fuel switch, use of non-fossil fuel energy/feedstock, and decarbonization in the sector. It will also consider available technology and the associated cost of their implementation.
This calculation will encompass direct energy, process (non-energy), and indirect energy-related emissions from the obligated entity&#8217;s establishment boundary, considering the products manufactured during the year on a gate-to-gate basis or reception of the raw materials to the completion of the production process.
Here&#8217;s a breakdown of the components involved:
Direct GHG Emissions:
<ul>
<li>These are emissions from sources owned or controlled by the obligated entity.</li>
<li>It includes emissions from the combustion of any fossil fuel burned in stationary equipment like boilers, gas turbines, kilns, or furnaces to generate heat, mechanical work, and steam.</li>
</ul>
Direct Process Emissions:
<ul>
<li>Refers to emissions from industrial processes that are not related to combustion.</li>
<li>These emissions result from chemical reactions between substances or their transformations.</li>
</ul>
Indirect GHG Emissions:
<ul>
<li>These GHG emissions occur as a consequence of the obligated entity&#8217;s activities but occur at sources outside the obligated entity&#8217;s establishment.</li>
<li>This category includes indirect emissions from electricity purchased from the grid and emissions from electricity and heat imported from outside the plant boundary.</li>
</ul>
Calculation of GHG emissions 
All potential emission sources and corresponding source streams within the establishment are initially meticulously identified. These sources comprehensively cover energy and process (non-energy) related GHG emissions.
A comprehensive examination of various forms of GHG emission sources from energy use is conducted, encompassing solid fuel, liquid fuel, gaseous fuel, purchased electricity, purchased heat, or any other energy form imported for production.
Additionally, the consideration extends to process-related GHG emissions arising from chemical reactions between substances or transformations, wherever applicable. The total GHG emissions are then estimated by aggregating emissions from diverse sources and converting them into a standardized GHG emissions unit, specifically measured in tCO2e.
This method ensures a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of the obligated entity&#8217;s establishment.
GHG emissions from biomass, renewables, refrigerant leakages, or if GHG emissions are captured or utilized by the plant through carbon capture, storage, and utilization technology.
Verification process
In consultation with the Accredited Carbon Verification Agency, the obligated entity must implement transparent, independent, and credible monitoring and reporting arrangements for GHG emissions and production for compliance with GHG emissions intensity targets.
The obligated entity must monitor greenhouse gas emissions based on the monitoring plan. It must submit the plant to the Bureau within three months from the commencement of a compliance cycle, taking into account the nature and functioning of the entity.
Entities should monitor the activity data of a source stream in one of the following direct ways– (a) based on continual measurement at the emission source (b) based on quantities aggregated at regular intervals &#8211; daily/ weekly/ monthly, considering relevant stock changes.
Entities must ensure that coal samples are picked up from the auto-sampler at least once a month or at every 20,000 tons and for raw material at least once a month or every 50,000 tons and get such samples tested at their internal lab and external National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories accredited lab for material, energy analysis and ultimate analysis of coal.
Every obligated entity, within three months of the conclusion of the compliance cycle, must submit the performance assessment document covering the performance for the relevant cycle specifying the compliance with GHG emission intensity targets, duly verified together with a certificate of verification given by the accredited carbon verification agency.
The Bureau can initiate action for independent review of compliance report on receipt of a complaint.
The Bureau must submit the report to the National Steering Committee for Indian Carbon Market (NSCICM), based on the claim raised by the obligated entity, within two months from the last date of report submission for issuance of carbon credit certificates.
The NSCICM will recommend that the Bureau issue carbon credit certificates within two weeks of receiving the report.
Trading of Carbon Credit Certificates
Following the issuance of carbon credit certificates, obligated entities must complete registration on the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) Registry within four weeks from the certificate&#8217;s issuance. Additionally, non-obligated entities wishing to purchase carbon credit certificates voluntarily must also undergo registration on the ICM Registry. Upon successful registration with the ICM Registry, a certificate of registration will be issued to the respective obligated and non-obligated entities.
Subsequently, obligated and non-obligated entities can register and trade carbon credit certificates on Power Exchanges endorsed by the Commission specifically for carbon credit certificates trade under the ICM.
Banking of Carbon Credit Certificates
On completion of the compliance cycle, the balance carbon credit certificates of that compliance cycle can be banked to utilize in the next compliance cycles.
On completion of the compliance cycle, the balance carbon credit certificates of that compliance cycle can be banked to utilize in the next compliance cycles.
The banked carbon credit certificates purchased from the Indian Carbon Market can be used only to achieve compliance in the compliance cycles.
Compliance with GHG Emission Norms
The obligated entity should submit the long-term action plan within three months from the commencement of the first compliance cycle and the planned annual activities for the current compliance cycle.
The obligated entity must submit the annual planned activities for the subsequent compliance cycles within three months from the commencement of the relevant compliance cycle and a revised long-term action plan in case of any revision.
The obligated entity should comply and furnish the compliance status after the verification and trading process within nine months from the completion of the compliance cycle.
In July, the Ministry of Power, in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ministry-of-power-notifies-carbon-credit-trading-program/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched</a> the Carbon Trading Program 2023, outlining the processes, regulating agencies, and rules for carbon credit trading in India.
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Bureau of Energy Efficiency Proposes Procedure for Carbon Credits Trading

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					</table>The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (<a href="https://beeindia.gov.in/en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BEE</a>) has issued a draft Accreditation Procedure and Eligibility Criteria for Accredited Carbon Verification Agencies (ACV).
Stakeholders can submit their comments by November 22, 2023.
Under the new procedure, the reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emission intensity achieved by obligated entities will be assessed by ACVs accredited by BEE.
The ACV carrying out verification under the Indian Carbon Market (ICM) must be accredited for the sectoral scope where activity needs to be carried out.
The ACV seeking to conduct verification under the ICM must apply for accreditation in one or more sectoral scopes, including but not limited to:
<ul>
<li>PAT – Designated Consumer Sectors</li>
<li>Energy (renewable/non-renewable)</li>
<li>Energy distribution</li>
<li>Energy demand</li>
<li>Construction</li>
<li>Transport</li>
<li>Mining/mineral production</li>
<li>Fugitive emissions – from fuels (solid, oil, and gas)</li>
<li>Fugitive emissions – from industrial gases (halocarbons and sulfur hexafluoride)</li>
<li>Solvents use</li>
<li>Waste handling and disposal</li>
<li>Agriculture, forestry, and other land use</li>
<li>Livestock and manure management</li>
<li>Carbon capture and storage</li>
<li>Green hydrogen and its derivatives</li>
</ul>
The ACV must be a firm registered under the Indian Partnership Act 1932 or a company incorporated under the Companies Act 1956. It must have a minimum annual turnover of ₹5 million (~$60,011) in at least one of the previous three years. A net worth of ₹2 million (~$24,048) will apply to newly formed organizations.
The ACV must demonstrate its ability to analyze, identify, and evaluate the nature, scale, and impact of potential financial risks stemming from its verification activities. Arrangements should be in place to cover the identified financial risks.
The ACV&#8217;s management structure must include one full-time accredited energy auditor, two full-time energy auditors, and other sector experts.
Application for Accreditation
An eligible verification agency wanting to undertake the verification functions under the ICM must submit an application form to the Bureau. It must contain sectoral scopes, resources, expertise, continued competence procedures, and policy and processes to ensure impartiality.
The agency must pay the application fee of ₹10,000 (~$120) along with the application form for accreditation.
Application Review
Once the application is received, the Bureau will review the application and undertake a completeness check of the application documentation. If the documentation is incomplete, the Bureau will inform the applicant of the missing elements within two weeks of the application submission and request re-submission.
After receiving all required documents and preliminary review, the Bureau will publish the name of the verification agency on the ICM website for stakeholder consultation. The stakeholders will have 15 days to provide any comments and information regarding the verification agency to Bureau through an email.
The Bureau for Assessment and Interaction/interviews with the verification agency will constitute an Accreditation Advisory Committee (AAC). The Bureau will invite the verification agency representative of the team lead and sector experts for an interview with the AAC. The AAC will conduct the interview/interaction with the verification agency and assess the competence based on the assessment report and interaction/interview.
Issuance of Accreditation Certificate
On acceptance of the recommendation of AAC, the Bureau will issue the accreditation certificate to the verification agency as an ACV on payment of the annual accreditation fee of ₹5,000 (~$60).
The certificate of accreditation will be valid for five.
Performance Monitoring
The Bureau may call upon the accredited energy agency to furnish information relating to details of verification activity conducted along with necessary documentation. It will also monitor the performance of the ACV for the verification activity by asking for an annual report on verification activity.
Accreditation Advisory Committee
The Accreditation Advisory Committee must consist of:
<ul>
<li>Joint Secretary or equivalent to the Government of India in Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change</li>
<li>Joint Secretary or equivalent to the Government of India in Ministry of Power</li>
<li>Joint Secretary or equivalent to the Government of India in Ministry of New and Renewable Energy</li>
<li>Joint Secretary or equivalent to the Government of India in the Ministry of Steel</li>
<li>Director, Bureau of Energy Efficiency</li>
</ul>
The committee must at least meet once every quarter.
In July, The Ministry of Power, in consultation with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/ministry-of-power-notifies-carbon-credit-trading-program/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">launched</a> the Carbon Trading Program 2023, outlining the processes, regulating agencies, and rules for carbon credit trading in India.
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Bureau of Energy Efficiency Issues Terms for Accrediting Carbon Verification Agencies

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					</table>The <a href="https://www.india.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Union Government</a> has invited comments from the stakeholder on the draft Carbon Credit Trading Program, a part of the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, which received Parliamentary clearance in December last year.
The power ministry has sought comments from chief and principal secretaries of all states, industry associations, and the central ministries for suggestions and comments on the draft.
Stakeholders can submit their comments until April 14, 2023.
The draft proposes that the Indian Carbon Market Governing Board (ICMGB) would oversee the Indian Carbon Market (ICM), comprising members from various relevant central ministries and agencies.
The ICMGB will comprise members from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and Secretary, Ministry of Power; Ministry of Finance; NITI Aayog; Ministry of Power; Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change; Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; Ministry of Steel; Ministry of Coal; Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas; Central Electricity Authority; Grid Controller of India; and Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
Further, the ICMGB will recommend procedures, rules, and methodologies for the functioning of the ICM, including a voluntary mechanism.
It will also recommend guidelines for the sale of carbon credit certificates (CCC) outside India, approve projects and recommend the issuance of carbon credit certificates, and oversee administrative and regulatory functions.
Additionally, it may constitute committees or working groups and perform other functions assigned by the Central Government.
Administrator
The Bureau will serve as the administrator for the ICM and act as the secretariat for ICMGB. Its responsibilities include developing standards and processes for registering projects under the voluntary mechanism, issuing carbon credit certificates, and developing market stability mechanisms.
The Bureau will also recommend charges for ICMGB approval, develop the process for crediting period/renewal/retirement of CCC, undertake capacity-building activities, maintain the IT infrastructure, and coordinate committees and working groups.
Registry
The Grid Controller of India will serve as the registry for the ICM, responsible for registering obligated and non-obligated entities, maintaining transaction records, and sharing them with the ICM administrator and Power Exchanges.
The registry will also assist in developing the IT platform for maintaining the database of Carbon Credit Certificates, establishing linkages with other registries, and performing other functions assigned by the ICMGB or the administrator.
Regulator
The Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) would regulate the trading activities under the ICM.
It would also regulate the trading of CCCs, safeguarding the interests of buyers and sellers, regulating trading frequency, providing market oversight, and taking corrective actions to prevent fraud or mistrust.
The Commission would also approve the participation of power exchanges for ICM trading, and the power exchanges must seek approval for their bylaws and rules from the Commission. The power exchanges will perform functions related to the trading of CCCs as per the Commission&#8217;s regulations.
Technical Committee
The Bureau is responsible for constituting technical committees for different areas and sectors as required under either the compliance or voluntary mechanism of the Carbon Credit Trading Program.
Each committee would be chaired by a member with the requisite knowledge for the specified area and would consist of other members as required.
The Bureau will also specify the procedures and eligibility criteria for the accreditation of agencies to function as accredited carbon verifiers and develop methodologies and detailed procedures for registering projects and issuing CCCs for different sectors, with the support of technical committees, and submit the same to ICMGB.
Procedure for operationalizing ICM
The procedures will include criteria for issuing CCCs, their validity, floor, and forbearance prices, submission requirements and formats, monitoring, reporting, verification, and other related matters for the compliance mechanism.
The ICM Administrator may issue directions and orders to registered entities, with the approval of the Central Government, as deemed appropriate for implementing the program.
Last December, Rajya Sabha <a href="https://www.mercomindia.com/energy-conservation-act-paves-way-carbon-credit-market" target="_blank" rel="noopener">approved</a> the Energy Conservation (Amendment) Bill, 2022, clearing the way for setting up a Carbon Credit Trading market in India. The Bill amended the Energy Conservation Act of 2001, <a href="https://mercomindia.com/daily-news-wrap-up-lok-sabha-bill-carbon-credit-trading-markets/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">passed</a> in the Lok Sabha last August.

Government Seeks Comments on Draft Carbon Credit Trading Program

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					</table>Power Minister R.K. Singh introduced a Bill to amend the Energy Conservation Act in the Lok Sabha to enable a carbon credit trading market in India.
The Bill also makes it mandatory for buildings with a connected load of 100 kW to meet their energy requirements from renewable energy sources.
The proposed legislation has provisions for issuing carbon credit certificates and provides a framework for carbon credits trading.
In the statement of objects and reasons, the Bill says there was a need to provide a legal framework for a carbon market to incentivize actions for emission reduction leading to increased investments in clean energy and energy efficiency areas by the private sector.
It also says that it was necessary to have legal provisions to prescribe minimum consumption of non-fossil energy sources as energy or feedstock by the designated consumers. This would help reduce fossil fuel-based energy consumption and resultant carbon emissions to the atmosphere.
Accordingly, the Bill seeks to mandate not just the use of renewable energy sources but also green hydrogen, green ammonia, biomass, and ethanol for energy and feedstock.
The Bill says the government may issue the energy savings certificate to the designated consumer whose energy consumption is less than the prescribed norms and standards per the prescribed procedure.
The designated consumer whose energy consumption exceeds the prescribed norms and standards will be entitled to purchase the energy savings certificate to comply with the prescribed norms and standards.
Several government agencies have issued consultancy tenders for trading carbon credits from rooftop solar projects. In July, the Madhya Pradesh Power Management Company <a href="https://beeindia.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">invited</a> bids to appoint a consultant for validation, registration, issuance, and trading of carbon credits from rooftop solar projects
The law, enacted in 2001 and amended in 2010, established the <a href="https://beeindia.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bureau of Energy Efficiency</a> (BEE). The Act specifies energy efficiency norms and standards for appliances, industrial equipment, and buildings with a connected load of 100 kW or a contractual demand of more than 15 kVA.
In 2020, the Ministry of Power <a href="https://beeindia.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> a notification bringing all distribution companies under the purview of the Energy Conservation Act to help reduce electricity losses and bring transparency.

Bill to Enable a Market to Trade Carbon Credits Introduced in the Lok Sabha

<a href="https://beeindia.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Bureau of Energy Efficiency</a>, an agency under the Ministry of Power, has invited bids to hire agencies to develop energy benchmarking for electric vehicles (EVs) and EV chargers and estimate the impact of EV chargers on the grid.
The last date to submit the bids is March 31, 2022.
Why benchmarking?
BEE is designated as the Central Nodal Agency by the Ministry of Power to roll out public charging infrastructure in the country. With the growing number of EVs, planning of location for public charging stations, the impact of EV charging on the electricity grid, integration of solar PVs with public charging infrastructure remains a challenge. Moreover, there is a complete absence of benchmarks to provide the prospective EV consumers an informed choice about the energy performance of various elements of the EV ecosystem, including the EV supply equipment, EV chargers, and EVs. BEE has recently introduced a star labeling program for high-energy lithium-ion traction battery packs and systems for EVs.
BEE is looking to hire two agencies with relevant experience providing consultancy on developing energy consumption methodologies (like the star-labeling programs) and e-mobility technologies. The consultants also have to plan the grid and electricity distribution infrastructure and conduct load flow studies, tariff studies, load flow analysis, and integration of renewable technologies with the grid.
Scope of work
The scope of work is divided into two modules:
<ul>
<li>Module 1: Energy Performance Benchmarking </li>
</ul>
Under this module, the agency should collaborate with a reputed Indian or International Research and Development (R&amp;D) Institute with proven experience in the areas to be covered under the module. The agency will be required to submit the proof of agreement and cooperation clearly stating the terms of cooperation with the R&amp;D institute.
<ul>
<li>Module 2 – New Technologies and Assessment of Impact on Grid</li>
</ul>
In this module, the agency will collaborate with an Indian or international R&amp;D institute of repute with proven experience in the areas covered under the module. The agency will be required to submit the proof of agreement and cooperation clearly stating the terms of cooperation with the R&amp;D institute.
Eligibility criteria – Module 1
To participate in the bidding process under Module 1, the bidder should have completed five projects related to the design and development of energy performance benchmarking programs for the appliance, equipment, vehicles, storage batteries products for the grid, traction application, buildings, processes for either BEE or any other government of India regulator or an international regulator in the last five years.
The bidder should have additional experience of completing at least five projects in consultancy related to any of the fields, namely development of testing protocols and standards for EV, smart meters, lithium-ion batteries or any other ACC batteries, power electronic converters, motors, and EVSE communication protocols and networks in last five years.
The bidder should have a minimum annual turnover of ₹300 million (~$3.94 million) during the last three financial years. The bidder should have been profitable for at least two of the last three financial years.
Eligibility criteria – Module 2
Under Module 2, the bidder should have additional experience of completing at least ten projects in consultancy related to any of the areas, namely grid augmentation &amp; automation, conducting electricity grid network planning simulations, load flow simulation studies, grid infrastructure planning, EV charging infrastructure planning, design of smart metering networks, renewable Integration in grid metering or development of software tools for planning of electricity networks and infrastructure in the last five years.
The bidder’s minimum annual turnover for the last three financial years should be ₹300 million (~$3.94 million). The bidder should have been profitable for any two of the last three financial years. Also, the bidder should have worked on e-mobility projects.
If the vendor fails to complete all delivery and implementation according to the project schedule, BEE reserves the right to recover liquidated damages at 1% of the contract value for each whole week, for delay up to a maximum of 10% of the contract value. After that, BEE will have the right to terminate the contract in case of delay beyond ten weeks and would have the option to execute the project from the market at the vendor’s risk and cost.
Bank guarantee
Interested bidders will have to submit an amount equivalent to ₹200,000 (~$2,628) as an earnest money deposit to participate in the bidding process.
The successful bidders will have to submit an amount equivalent to 3% of the value of the contract as a performance bank guarantee.
In January this year, the Ministry of Power <a href="https://mercomindia.com/ministry-of-power-guidelines-ev-charging-infrastructure/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">issued</a> the revised ‘Charging Infrastructure for EVs Guidelines’ to accelerate the e-mobility transition in the country. The guidelines aim to enable faster adoption of EVs in India by ensuring safe, reliable, accessible, and affordable charging infrastructure and ecosystem. Another objective is to provide affordable tariffs for charging station operators/owners and EV owners and proactively support the creation of EV charging infrastructure.
Subscribe to Mercom’s <a href="https://mercomindia.com/product/india-solar-tender-tracker/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">India Solar Tender Tracker</a> to stay on top of tender-auction activities in real-time.

BEE Floats Consultancy Tender for Energy Benchmarking of EVs and EV Chargers

The implementation of several energy efficiency programs in India has led to electricity savings to the tune of 113.16 Billion Units (BUs) in 2018-19, which was 9.39% of the net electricity consumption (1,204 BUs), according to the Bureau of Energy Efficiency’s (<a href="https://www.beeindia.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">BEE</a>) recently released report.
BEE conducts an annual study comparing the actual energy consumption in a particular year with the estimated energy consumption in a case where the current energy efficiency measures had not been undertaken. The overall objective of this study is to assess the impact of all the energy programs in India in terms of total energy saved and reduction in the amount of carbon emissions in 2018-19. This assignment has taken energy efficiency estimation based on the impact of the programs implemented since FY 2015-16.
Union Power Minister R.K.Singh released the report through a video conference.
The report states that the total energy savings achieved in 2018-19 stood at 23.73 Mtoe (million tons of oil equivalent), which is 2.69% of the total primary energy supply, which was estimated to be 879.23 Mtoe during 2018-19. This includes both supply and demand-side sectors of the economy.
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19125" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings.png" alt="Summary of Energy Savings" width="1466" height="1481" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings.png 1466w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings-297x300.png 297w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings-1014x1024.png 1014w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings-768x776.png 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings-650x657.png 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings-624x630.png 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings-45x45.png 45w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings-600x606.png 600w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Summary-of-Energy-Savings-100x100.png 100w" sizes="(max-width: 1466px) 100vw, 1466px" /></a>
Singh said, “We have pledged in Conference of the Parties (COP-21) that we will bring down energy intensity of the economy by 33% to 35% compared to 2005 levels by 2030. Now, with our energy efficiency initiatives, we have already reduced the energy intensity of our economy by 20% compared to 2005 levels, which is a very good performance indeed.”
The COP refers to those countries that have signed the 1992 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. India was the 62nd country to ratify the Paris Agreement during the COP-21 conference held in Paris in 2016.
The minister also pointed out that energy efficiency has a dual benefit as it not only saves money but also saves the environment. He said that there is a huge capacity for bringing
efficiency, especially in Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) and housing sectors, that have now been taken up.
Overall, the study concluded that various energy efficiency measures have translated into monetary savings of ₹891.2 billion (~$~$11.9 billion) against the savings in 2017-18, which stood at ₹536.2 billion (~$7.1 billion).
The industrial sector contributed to 49.17% of the total energy savings, while the domestic sector accounted for 33.34% of the total savings achieved during FY 18-19.
<a href="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Energy-efficiency.png"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-19126" src="https://mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Energy-efficiency.png" alt="" width="1470" height="713" srcset="https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Energy-efficiency.png 1470w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Energy-efficiency-300x146.png 300w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Energy-efficiency-1024x497.png 1024w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Energy-efficiency-768x373.png 768w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Energy-efficiency-650x315.png 650w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Energy-efficiency-624x303.png 624w, https://cms.mercomindia.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Energy-efficiency-600x291.png 600w" sizes="(max-width: 1470px) 100vw, 1470px" /></a>
“These efforts have also contributed to reducing 151.74 million tons of CO2 emissions, whereas last year this number was 108 MTCO2,” states the report.
Governments across the world, including India, are gradually shifting towards renewable energy integration into the grid and systems approach on engendering energy efficiency practices in various sectors.
The report also mentioned that the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, in collaboration with BEE, is executing a global environment facility funded national project to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in selected MSME clusters in India.
The BEE report also mentioned that similar programs are spanning across major energy-consuming sectors in India, such as industry, commercial, residential, transport, agriculture, and municipal.
Energy consumption across all the sectors of the economy has increased in the past few years. With the growing economy &amp; rapid urbanization, it is expected to increase further in the coming years.
In January 2020, the Ministry of Power announced the release of its ‘State Energy Efficiency Index 2019’ report, which keeps tabs on the progress made by the Indian states and union territories regarding energy efficiency (EE) initiatives. The report covers energy efficiency initiates in 36 states and union territories (UT) based on 97 indicators. The index was developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and the Alliance for an Energy-Efficient Economy (AEEE). The index is created to help states and UTs contribute towards national goals on energy security and climate action by driving energy efficiency policies and program implementation at a state and local level, according to the MoP. The latest report showed that most initiatives taken by states and UTs were policy or regulation based. Read the details of the report <a href="https://mercomindia.com/haryana-karnataka-kerala-top-states-energy-efficiency/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.
In August last year, Mercom had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/bee-aeee-state-energy-efficiency-index/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">reported</a> that about the State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index that aimed to assess state policies and programs aimed at improving energy efficiency across various sectors. Based on 63 indicators, the ‘Front Runner’ states in the inaugural edition of the Index were Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, Punjab, and Rajasthan.

India’s Energy Efficiency Initiatives Help Save Over ₹891 Billion in 2018-19: BEE Report

The <a href="https://beeindia.gov.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Bureau of Energy Efficiency</a> has a new program for conducting feasibility tests free of cost on 100 existing buildings, which will help them develop a framework to transform into Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (nZEB).
As per the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, any building whose Energy Performance Index (EPI) is less than 15kWh/square meter/year is termed as the nZEB building.
Environmental Design Solutions (EDS) has been selected as the designated agency to carry out the feasibility tests on the 100 existing buildings and come up with their findings.
The main aim behind carrying out the feasibility test is to develop a framework for conventional buildings to achieve nZEB requirements.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency has invited expression of interest (EoI) from building owners and developers who want to be a part of this exercise.
According to the selection criteria, the buildings should have a maximum built-up area of 5,000 square meters, and the minimum connected load should be higher than 100 kW. The contract demand should be greater than 120 kVA or as specified by the state or union territory.
The buildings that will be covered for the feasibility test include educational institutions, healthcare institutions, shopping complexes, hospitality, airports, and railway or metro stations.
The building owners should have the building plans and inventory details of all installed equipment. They should also have the building envelope specifications and a minimum of 12 months of energy consumption data.
Once the study is done, the EDS will come out with the full report, and energy conservation measures will be discussed with the building owners for further action. The building owners are not bound to follow these measures before taking into consideration the full and final implication of such a move.
Previously, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) <a href="https://mercomindia.com/bee-inks-pact-cpwd-energy-efficiency-buildings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">signed a memorandum of understanding</a> kickstarting their cooperation to promote energy efficiency in buildings. The MoU will remain in force for five years unless rescinded by either party. According to the MoU, BEE, and CPWD will cooperate on promoting designs and construction of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) compliant new buildings, star rating of CPWD managed buildings across the country with no registration or renewal fee, awareness on energy efficiency in building sector and support for capacity building of CPWD officials in ECBC.
A recently <a href="https://mercomindia.com/an-estimated-24-7-trillion-investment-potential-green-buildings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">released</a> report by the International Finance Corporation notes that by 2030, in emerging markets alone, green buildings will offer a $24.7 trillion investment opportunity. This, in turn, will spur economic growth and accelerate sustainable development. The report highlights the financial benefits that the investors, banks, developers, and owners, including governments, can expect when entering the green building market.
Earlier this year, the Maharashtra State housing department <a href="https://mercomindia.com/maharashtra-with-ifc-for-green-buildings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">entered</a> into a memorandum of understanding with the IFC to promote green housing. The agreement aims to provide design support, green certification, identification of sustainable and scalable building materials and technologies, and development of pilot projects.

BEE to Help 100 Existing Buildings Achieve Nearly Zero Energy Status

The <a href="https://powermin.nic.in/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ministry of Power</a> (MoP) has announced the ECO Niwas Samhita 2018, which is the Energy Conservation Building Code for residential buildings (ECBC-R).
The implementation of this code is expected to boost energy efficiency in the residential sector, its occupants, and the larger environment by promoting energy efficiency in the design and construction of homes, apartments, and townships.
According to the Ministry of Power, the code has been prepared after due consultations with stakeholders, consisting of architects and experts including building material suppliers and developers. The parameters listed in the code have been developed based on a number of parameters such as climate and energy related data.
The statement from Ministry of Power states, “Initially, Part-I of the code has been launched which prescribes minimum standards for building envelope designs with the purpose of designing energy efficient residential buildings.  The code is expected to assist large number of architects and builders who are involved in design and construction of new residential complexes in different parts of the country. Implementation of this code will have potential for energy savings to the tune of 125 billion units of electricity per year by 2030, which is equivalent to about 100 million ton of Co2 emission.”
An ECBC for commercial buildings was already in place and a revised and updated version of ECBC for commercial buildings was launched in 2017.
In 2017, Mercom had <a href="https://mercomindia.com/energy-conservation-building-code-2017-launched/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> the launch of the ECBC-2017 guidelines. The ECBC 2017 prescribes the energy performance standards for new commercial buildings to be constructed in India. It prescribes standards for current as well as future advancements in building technology to further reduce building energy consumption and promote low-carbon growth by setting parameters for builders, designers, and architects to integrate renewable energy sources in building design with the inclusion of passive design strategies.
It is estimated that energy demand in the building sector will rise from around 350 billion units in 2018 to approximately 1,000 billion units by year 2030.
While launching this ECBC-R, Power Minister R.K. Singh said that the building sector will have highest growth in energy demand in the next 10-15 years. The government is encouraging all building professionals including architects, builders to generate awareness towards energy conservation while constructing new residential homes.
In August 2018, Mercom <a href="https://mercomindia.com/bee-aeee-state-energy-efficiency-index/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">reported</a> about the  Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) and Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE) releasing a State Energy Efficiency Preparedness Index. BEE also announced recently that it was preparing an energy conservation building code for the residential sector.

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