The Andhra Pradesh government has taken the decision to implement its new Eco-Niwas Samhita program in more than 25 lakh houses to be constructed as a part of the government’s housing scheme. The aim of the Eco-Niwas Samhita program is to build energy efficient homes with the help of energy-efficient materials & construction methods. The Eco-Niwas Samhita program is part of the Indo-Swiss partnership program and is promoted by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).

The Eco-Niwas Samhita program aims to utilize energy efficient designs to reduce energy wastage and bring down energy consumption. The energy efficient designs to be implemented as part of the Eco-Niwas Samhita program will only be done with the consent and approval of the beneficiaries. The scheme is a voluntary scheme and those who do not wish to be benefitted by this scheme can opt for a non-energy efficient design. Presently, residential structures are one of the largest end-user sectors in India, residential end-user consumption of electricity accounts for nearly 40% of total electric power consumption.

In the state of Andhra Pradesh, nearly 18,000 MU (Mega Unit) is consumed every year – this is nearly 30% of the total yearly demand. The new energy efficient designs will help keep the temperature indoors to a minimum so that there is less need for use of air-conditioners and provide more thermal comfort by efficient cooling. The government of Andhra Pradesh & housing department of the state want to increase the awareness amongst the public on energy conservation building code.

The first part of the housing development by the government will witness more than 15 lakh homes be constructed at a cost of ₹28,000 crores and the officials stated that the construction of approximately 11 lakh houses is already underway. The houses that will be completed under the first phase of development are under the PMAY-Navarathnalu Pedalaandiriki Illu scheme. The AP government has already given the go-ahead to training of employees on energy-efficient techniques from Swiss experts as part of the Indo-Swiss partnership.