In a significant advancement toward sustainable and climate-resilient infrastructure, Andhra Pradesh has emerged as the top-performing state in the country for implementing the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). The ECBC is a national mandate aimed at reducing energy consumption in new commercial buildings by improving structural design, materials, lighting systems, and energy-efficient technologies.
According to official data, Andhra Pradesh has approved 786 commercial buildings under ECBC norms the highest total in India. Telangana ranks second with 738 compliant structures, followed by Punjab (552), Uttar Pradesh (201), Haryana (100), Kerala (57), and Uttarakhand (12). In total, these states account for 2,446 ECBC-approved commercial buildings across the country.
What ECBC Means for India’s Urban Growth
The Energy Conservation Building Code was introduced to set minimum energy performance standards for new commercial buildings. As cities expand and energy consumption rises, commercial buildings account for a major share of electricity usage. ECBC ensures that new structures are built with:
- Optimized natural lighting and ventilation
- Efficient heating, cooling, and air-conditioning systems
- Advanced insulation materials
- Energy-saving electrical and mechanical designs
- Reduced dependence on non-renewable power sources
This shift not only lowers operational energy demand but also reduces long-term costs and emissions.
Why Andhra Pradesh Stands Out
A considerable number of new commercial buildings in coastal and urban centers of Andhra Pradesh have integrated ECBC-recommended planning standards. These buildings undergo technical review and compliance verification before approvals are granted. The process includes energy simulation, architectural assessment, and mechanical system evaluation to ensure the structure meets national benchmarks.
Experts in the building and energy sector note that Andhra Pradesh’s progress is linked to streamlined approval pathways, technical guidance for architects and builders, and higher awareness among urban development bodies.
Role of Energy and Urban Departments
The approvals were processed under the state’s municipal administration and urban development systems, with technical assistance from the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE). The Ministry of Power has worked with state authorities to promote ECBC adoption through:
- Training of engineers, planners, and architects
- Digital compliance tracking
- Integration of ECBC norms in municipal sanction processes
- City-level capacity building and awareness programs
The collaboration has helped developers understand the long-term benefits of constructing energy-efficient buildings.
India’s Larger Transition Toward Green Infrastructure
The rapid adoption of ECBC across multiple states reflects the country’s effort to move toward energy-efficient infrastructure and climate-conscious planning. National energy experts see this as a key part of India’s long-term sustainability goals. With more states updating building bye-laws to include ECBC standards, energy-efficient commercial zones are expected to expand across metros and tier-2 cities.
Andhra Pradesh topping the ECBC compliance chart marks a notable achievement in the country’s shift toward sustainable construction. With 786 approved buildings already in place, the state has demonstrated how policy, technical guidance, and administrative implementation can work together to transform modern infrastructure.
As more developers, institutions, and architects adopt energy-efficient standards, ECBC is likely to become a defining feature of India’s future commercial landscape reducing energy consumption, improving livability, and supporting climate-resilient growth.