PANAJI
Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar has called for energy-efficient building norms to be incorporated into Goa’s building bye-laws to address rising electricity demand driven by tourism, urban development and the State’s hot and humid climate.
Inaugurating a two-day regional workshop on the adoption and implementation of the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code (ECSBC) and the Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code for Residential Buildings (ENS) in Goa on Thursday, Dhavalikar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to energy efficiency in buildings and public infrastructure.
He called energy conservation a collective responsibility and urged wider adoption of energy-efficient practices in homes, offices and public institutions. He also stressed expanding renewable energy use and exploring incentives for energy-efficient construction to position Goa as a leading State in building energy efficiency. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) Director General Krushna Chandra Panigrahy highlighted buildings’ growing share of national energy demand and called for stronger Centre-State coordination, effective implementation and proactive planning to strengthen India’s energy security. The workshop brought together officials from State Designated Agencies and concerned departments across western States and Union Territories to review progress, discuss challenges and exchange best practices.
UNDP National Project Manager Dilip Singh outlined the organisation’s support through demonstration projects and capacity-building initiatives. Chief Electrical Engineer Stephan Fernandes highlighted the building sector’s energy-saving potential amid rising peak demand and limited resources. BEE officials reviewed code implementation, compliance testing and market surveillance. Participants discussed challenges and support measures to accelerate energy-efficiency adoption across the region.
