Conference Theme and Objectives

Cities – the engines of our economic growth - lay large carbon footprints on our ecology. Energy Efficiency is the latest mantra for ecologically sustainable development in our cities. Municipal utilities, and buildings (both commercial and high-end residential) are large consumers of energy. Demand-Side-Management (DSM) measures in Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) are estimated to have energy savings potential of about 50%, and buildings about 25-30%! This huge opportunity is there for the asking.

The challenge is to convert this opportunity into reality. This not only requires investments in energy saving devices, but also systemic improvements in the network, closer monitoring and improved maintenance. Viable PPP models have been built and implemented in few cities centred around returns based on the savings generated. The bigger challenge is leveraging these efficiency gains not just for cost savings, but also improving service levels.

Governments – from national to local are responding to this challenge. India’s National Action Plan for Climate Change identifies energy conservation as a National Mission. Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power - the nodal agency of Government of India identifies Demand-Side Management (DSM) of energy consumption in municipalities (Urban Local Bodies or ULBs) & implementation of Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) as key steps for institutionalising energy efficiency in urban areas. The Agenda for Sustainable Habitat being developed under the Ministry of Urban Development will lay emphasis on energy efficiency and green energy for buildings and townships. Many cities have undertaken waste to energy, and EE initiatives.

This Exposition cum-Conference strives to achieve the following objectives:

• Build awareness and orientation amongst elected and administrative municipal leaders on opportunities for energy efficiency systems and green energy in urban areas
• Build government capacity to be ‘informed buyers’ of services, technologies and products in EE
• Evolve a state-specific concrete plan of action for implementing EE projects in ULBs
• Provide market players the opportunity to showcase their services, technologies and products, network with potential customers, share knowledge and experiences