India took another step in the quest towards energy efficiency with the launch of three landmark energy-saving initiatives.
Minister of State for Petroleum and Natural Gas (Independent Charge) Dharmendra Pradhan launched “Design Guidelines for Energy- Efficient Multi-Storey Residential Buildings” and “Star Ratings” for diesel gensets and hospital buildings here on Tuesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pradhan called for adopting energy-efficient techniques for ensuring energy security of the nation. Adopting energy-efficient equipment and techniques would save money that could then be diverted for providing basic amenities to rural masses, he said.
Mr. Pradhan said every year, India imported crude oil worth about Rs. 6 lakh crore and if energy-efficient techniques could bring down consumption by even 10 per cent, it would usher in a big change.
P.K. Sinha, Secretary, Ministry of Power, said the new design guidelines were among the first initiatives by the government intended to bring energy efficiency into the design of homes. The launch ceremony was attended by over 300 stakeholders from the energy sector.
