Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) was developed by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) which sets minimum energy performance standards of the various components of the building, while taking into account the climatic zone in which it is located. The code is applicable to large commercial buildings and covers the following building systems:

1. Building Envelope
2. Lighting
3. Heating Ventilation and Air-Conditioners
4. Service Water Heating
5. Electric Power and Distributions

The code provides for energy efficient design for commercial buildings such that it reduces the use of energy without affecting the building function, comfort, health or productivity of the occupants and with appropriate regard for economic considerations. The policies of the Government of India for urban development integrate energy efficiency as a core component for urban planning. The National Mission on Sustainable Habitat initiated by the Ministry of Urban Development has stressed the need for awareness, and announced incentives for wide scale adoption of energy efficiency programmes, promoting a mix of voluntary guidelines and mandatory rules for energy efficiency in buildings and capacity-building of state and city level bodies for implementation and enforcement.