The innovative ‘Indo-Swiss energy efficient building technology’ would be used in Andhra Pradesh’s housing scheme - Pedalandariki Illu (housing for all the poor).

Under the initiative, 30 lakh affordable houses would constructed in the state. According to state officials, the Indo-Swiss EE technology would reduce the temperature by about two degrees inside houses and save about 20 per cent electricity.

Under the ‘Building Energy Efficiency Project’, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) through Indo-Swiss BEEP will provide training to engineers and employees of ward and village secretariats and the housing department. This would help in effective implementation of Energy Conservation Building Code-Residential (ECBC-R) in this affordable housing programme.

Initially, 50 engineers will be trained as master trainers who can impart the training by themselves to other engineers.

Housing department special chief secretary, Ajay Jain, participated in a recent webinar conducted by Indo Swiss Building Energy Efficiency project (BEEP), India. Jain explained the government’s overall strategy in implementing this ambitious project.

“The rate of heat transfer to the roof could be reduced by using roof insulation or reflective paint on the rooftop. The autoclave aerated concrete blocks, cavity wall, hollow bricks, etc. will reduce the net heat gain over building envelope. Using proper window shading like blinds or rolls kept outside the windows will also lower net heat gain,” said Jain.

“The first phase construction would cover about 15 lakh housing units. The government has decided to incorporate energy efficient and thermally comfortable designs in the houses. Energy efficient design strategies would be applied in this housing project, thus complying with the Eco-Niwas Samhita 2018 (ECBC-Residential) code under BEEP. The ECBE-R will ensure adequate natural ventilation, reduced electricity consumption by a minimum 20 per cent, improve thermal comfort (cooling), day lighting and provide safe and healthier environment in buildings,” said Jain.