4. Energy Technology & Certifications
There are a standardized certification and accreditation for clean energy implementation. In this part we will look at few of the exisitng energy technologies and certifications followed in the Indian Context.
Energy technology refers to the combination of hardware, techniques, skills, methods and processes used in the production of energy and the provision of energy services, i.e. the way we go about producing, transforming, storing, transporting and using energy. It follows that technological change in the energy sector refers to changes over time in the types of technology that are used at various stages of the energy supply chain. Technological progress results from investment in basic and applied research, and from the development, demonstration and commercialisation of new technologies. Energy Efficiency has been the main means of moderating growth in CO2 emissions in the end - use sector.
The various energy certifications for energy include eco-labels, energy labels, LEED certification, renewable energy certificates and others. Few of them are briefly explained in this section-
1. Energy labels (BEE - Energy Star Labels)
These star labels are issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), under the Ministry of Power. BEE star labels can be seen on any Indian appliance as they show the energy efficiency of the product (i.e. how much electricity the appliance consumes in a year). Each appliance gets between one and five stars, with five stars meaning that it's extremely efficient and is likely to keep your electricity bills in check. A higher Star rating means a more efficient appliance.
2. LEED Certification
It is a global green-building rating system or LEED certification given by US Green Building Council (USGBC). In order to strengthen the global consistency of the LEED rating system, effective June 5, 2014,[11] GBCI began managing the certification process for all LEED rating systems in India, including the LEED India rating system, which was previously managed by the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). This provides a framework to create healthy, efficient and cost- saving green buildings that are globally recognized.
3. GRIHA Certification[12]
Collaboration of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) resulted in the creation of the national green building certification of India called “GRIHA” (Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment). The certification is based on eleven different parameters like- sustainable site planning, energy efficiency, performance monitoring, innovation etc. This is a 5- star rating system that not only helps in fulfilling several SDGs, but also aids in incorporating nature regenerative practices such as water recycling in our daily lives.
Example: The Central vista Projects also known as the New Parliament Building of India is one such example of 5 - star rated GRIHA building.
4. Energy Conservation Building Code[13]
The Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) contains information on the minimum requirements for the energy-efficient design and construction of buildings. It emphasizes the need for sustainable designing patterns of the buildings, roofs and windows; installation of technologically advanced devices (HVACs, lighting devices etc.). This certification is for commercial and residential buildings, and is managed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
5. The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)[14]
The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) comes under the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), constituted in 2001. The council offers a wide array of services ranging from developing new green building rating programmes to certification services and green building training programmes. Also, it organizes Green Building Congress, an annual flagship event on green buildings.
Vision: “To enable a sustainable built environment for all and facilitate India to be one of the global leaders in the sustainable built environment by 2025”.
Example: Under the IGBC Green New Building rating system, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the operator of Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (BLR Airport), Terminal 2 has been given the IGBC Platinum certification from IGBC.
6. Renewable energy certification [15]
These are market-based instruments that can be voluntarily bought by Corporates and Individuals. When a renewable energy source creates one megawatt-hour (MWh) of power and sends it to the grid, a renewable energy certificate (REC) is created by REC registry India. This certificate acts as the green attribute which allows companies and individuals to offset their carbon footprints without investing capital into generation capacities.
7. Energy Auditing and Management Certifications[16]
The Energy Conservation Act, 2001 has also mentioned the need for energy management and auditing. Therefore, the framework of the Energy Conservation Act has provisions for introduction of energy managers and auditors. This certification is given to individuals who have successfully completed the ‘National Energy Certification for Energy Managers and Energy Auditors’, making them responsible for the energy auditing and management. This exam is conducted by NPC (National Productivity Council) on behalf of the BEE (Bureau of Energy Efficiency).