RETHINKING ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN MODERN BUILDINGS

A overview of how energy efficiency can meet the needs of India’s growing energy needs in the years to come

- Ravichandran Purushothaman

India is bestowed with a young and rapidly growing population. The United Nations has projected India’s probable population growth to reach 1.5 billion by 2030 with 900 million between the age of 15-59. This would mean an increase in industrial opportunities, urbanisation, massive energy consumption and a boom in infrastructure. The challenge that comes with this progress is that building spaces are going to double in number with 70 per cent of new construction projects taking over urban spaces. Furthermore, India’s energy demand in various forms such as electricity, heating and cooling etc. would rise exponentially. To address these challenges, industries need to provide innovative technologies focused on residential buildings that are energy-efficient and would encourage a sustainable outlook in urban areas.

INFLATING ENERGY REQUIREMENTS

Today, energy efficiency is recognised as the first fuel in our fight against climate change. It is said that energy is the new oil of the future and sustainable energy is the only way for a greener future. In line with the commitment to the Paris Agreement, the Government of India has pledged to reduce the country’s energy consumption by 33-35 per cent by 2030. To achieve this goal, we are addressing the guzzling of energy by buildings in the form of ACs, radiators, heaters, etc and the layout design.