The Energy and Power Department of Sikkim, has by a notification released a draft of the Sikkim Energy Conservation Building Code Rules, 2018 (“Draft Code”) which seeks to set a minimum requirement for the energy efficient design and construction of buildings. The Draft Code has been formulated as per the cold climate of the State.
Applicability:
This Draft Code, enacted under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 applies to a building which is used or intended to be used for commercial purposes, having a connected load of 40 kilo-Watt (kW) or above or a contract demand of 50 kilo-Volt Ampere (kVA) or above. Such buildings must cover the following components, namely: –
- building envelope;
- comfort systems and controls (heating, ventilation and air conditioning, service hot water system);
- lighting and controls;
- electrical and renewable energy system.
Key Highlights:
- Buildings intended for private residential purposes are not covered by the Code.
- The owner of a building will be required to submit a certificate issued by “ECBC Certified Building Energy Auditor/ Energy and Power Department Sikkim, empanelled agency or individual” confirming that the building plans conforms to the proposed Code along with supporting documents.
- The commercial building will not be occupied unless the occupancy certificate is issued to the Owner of the building.
- Every owner who intends to erect or re-erect a building or make alterations or additions in any building under this Draft Code must submit to the concerned authority for the same.
Source: Energy and Power Department
