Punjab to get its first energy-efficient building

To set an example of energy conservation, the Punjab Mini Secretariat here will be developed as the first energy-efficient building in the state.

"National competitive bids have been floated for converting this building through Energy Conservation Company Route and tenders would be opened on August 10," secretary, science and technology, Punjab, Viswajeet Khanna, said here today.

He said that the Chandigarh Administration was also being approached to initiate same energy conservation measures in Punjab and Haryana Civil Secretariats, Punjab Vidhan Sabha buildings and Punjab and Haryana High Courts as these buildings were under their control.

"Similarly, all deputy commissioners, the local government departments had been requested to convert district complexes as energy efficient buildings at the earliest," he said.

Meanwhile, all future government buildings in the state will be designed in such a way that energy consumption level is minimal, he said, adding by adopting energy efficient methods the energy consumption can be brought down by up to 50%.

He said that Energy Audit of 24 industries and important government buildings have indicated a potential annual saving of 11,542 MW. Khanna said that keeping in view the increasing demand of power, the Punjab Government has asked 250 high energy consuming industrial units to become self-sufficient in energy by co-generation.