Accelerating the enforcement of BEC regulations for Building Energy Conservation, reducing over 7 Million tons of carbon

     The Department of Alternative Energy Development and Efficiency (DEDE) is accelerating the enforcement of the Building Energy Code (BEC) for new constructions and renovations. These structures are required to be designed for energy conservation according to the set standards. The goal is to reduce energy and electricity usage and decrease carbon emissions by up to 7.4 million metric tons.

     The DEDE is expediting the drafting of the Energy Efficiency Plan (EEP) for 2022-2037, which will be incorporated into the national energy plan. The proposed Energy Efficiency Plan sets the goal to decrease energy intensity. One of the important measures for energy conservation is the enforcement of the Building Energy Code (BEC) issued by the DEDE. This code specifies the type or size of buildings and the principal standards and methods for designing buildings for energy conservation as per the 2020 Building Energy Code. The code aims to control buildings according to the Building Control Act, and will be enforced on new constructions or renovations of nine types of buildings that have an area of 2,000 square meters or more, including theaters, hotels, service places, hospitals, educational institutions, offices or workplaces, department stores or shopping centers, condominiums, and assembly buildings.

     Buildings must be designed to conform to the minimum energy usage standards, covering six systems, namely building envelope system, lighting electrical system, air conditioning system, hot water producing equipment, overall building energy usage, and energy circulation. The target number of buildings is approximately 3,650 across the country, which could reduce energy usage by 1,166 kilotons, equivalent to crude oil and costing over 47.9 billion baht. Electricity usage can be reduced by 13,700 million units, which would help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by up to 7.791 million tons by 2037.

     Furthermore, buildings designed according to the BEC standards can help reduce energy costs for operators by 10-20%. It also helps create a corporate or business image that gives importance and attention to energy conservation and the environment. It promotes the growth of businesses that produce energy-saving materials and equipment in buildings, increases job opportunities, upgrades the standard of energy-saving materials and equipment in the country, and establishes professional standards.

Data updated on May 3, 2023
Source: Department of Public Works and Town & Country Planning
Tel. +66 2201 8000