Does this code apply to residential buildings?

No, this code is for commercial buildings with a connected load ≥ 100 kW or contract demand ≥ 120 kVA. Residential buildings are covered by the Eco-Niwas Samhita (ECBC-R).

What are the main compliance paths?

There are two paths: the Prescriptive Method, which specifies minimum standards for each component, and the Whole Building Performance (WBP) Method, which requires an energy simulation to show the building's overall performance is better than a baseline (Clause 4).

What are the climate zones defined in the code?

The code defines five climate zones based on weather data: Hot-Dry, Warm-Humid, Composite, Temperate, and Cold (Table 2).

What is the maximum Lighting Power Density (LPD) for an open-plan office?

The maximum LPD for an office area is 10.8 W/m² according to Table 10.

IS 16429

: 2016

Energy efficiency requirements for buildings - code of practice

CurrentFrequently UsedCode of PracticeBIMArchitectural · Green Building and Sustainability

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This code establishes the minimum energy efficiency requirements for the design and construction of new commercial buildings. It covers the building envelope, HVAC systems, lighting, and electrical power to promote energy-efficient design. The code provides both a prescriptive path and a whole-building performance path for compliance.

Specifies minimum energy efficiency requirements for the design and construction of new buildings and major renovations of existing buildings.

Quick Reference Values

Applicability thresholdConnected load of 100 kW or greater, or contract demand of 120 kVA or greater

Max U-factor for Walls (Composite Climate)0.440 W/m²K

Max U-factor for Roofs (Composite Climate)0.261 W/m²K

Max SHGC for vertical fenestration (Composite Climate, WWR <= 40%)0.25

Max Lighting Power Density (LPD) for Office Area10.8 W/m²

Key Formulas

Compliance (Whole Building Performance): Annual Energy Use of Proposed Building <= Annual Energy Use of Standard Building

Practical Notes

This standard is very closely aligned with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency's (BEE) Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC). Compliance with one often ensures compliance with the other, but version differences should be verified.

The 'Whole Building Performance' method (Clause 4.3) offers more design flexibility but requires specialized energy simulation software and expertise to demonstrate compliance.

Early-stage design decisions like building orientation, massing, and window-to-wall ratio (WWR) have a significant impact on energy performance and are crucial for cost-effective compliance.