JAIPUR: The Rajasthan government has released a draft Energy Conservation and Sustainable Building Code that mandates electric vehicle (EV) charging readiness and renewable energy integration in new commercial buildings, as part of a broader push to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions in the state’s urban infrastructure. The draft, issued for public consultation by the Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited (RRECL), introduces new compliance requirements for developers and is aimed at aligning construction practices with national sustainability goals.
According to the draft code, all eligible commercial buildings will be required to ensure EV charging infrastructure readiness for at least 20% of total parking capacity. The provision is intended to support the expansion of electric mobility by ensuring that new buildings are equipped to install charging stations as EV adoption increases. In addition, the code mandates that buildings integrate renewable energy systems equivalent to a minimum of 4% of their contracted electrical load, encouraging the use of solar and other clean energy sources.
Officials said the proposed framework is designed to promote energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable construction practices across Rajasthan. The draft expands the scope of building regulations beyond traditional energy-saving measures to include broader sustainability parameters such as renewable energy usage, water conservation, waste management systems, and indoor environmental quality standards.
The regulations will apply to commercial buildings that meet specific thresholds, including those with a connected load of 100 kilowatts or more, contract demand of 120 kilowatts or higher, or a built-up area exceeding 2,000 square metres. Authorities said the objective is to target high-energy-consuming structures where sustainability interventions can have a measurable impact on overall energy consumption.
The draft also introduces an incentive-based compliance structure to encourage adoption. Buildings that meet the “RECSBC Plus” category standards will be eligible for a 5% additional built-up area ratio (BAR), while those achieving the higher “Super RECSBC” certification can receive up to a 10% increase in permissible construction area. Officials said the incentives are intended to make green construction financially viable and attractive for developers.
The Rajasthan Renewable Energy Corporation Limited has invited feedback and suggestions from stakeholders including urban development authorities, architects, builders, industry associations, and members of the public. The consultation process will remain open until May 31, 2026, after which the draft is expected to be finalised and notified.
Officials said the new code will replace the existing Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) framework adopted in 2023 once it is formally implemented. The updated guidelines are aligned with standards issued by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) under the Ministry of Power, which sets national benchmarks for energy-efficient construction practices.
The proposed regulations come at a time when Rajasthan is expanding its focus on renewable energy development and electric mobility infrastructure. The state has been increasing its installed solar and wind energy capacity and is also working on expanding EV charging networks under both state and central government initiatives.
Experts said the inclusion of EV readiness requirements in building design reflects a broader national shift toward integrating mobility infrastructure with urban planning. Similar provisions are being introduced in several states as governments prepare for increasing adoption of electric vehicles and the need for widespread charging access.
Urban development officials said the draft code is expected to significantly influence future commercial construction practices by embedding sustainability features at the design stage. By requiring renewable energy integration and EV infrastructure upfront, the policy aims to reduce the need for costly retrofitting in the future and improve long-term energy efficiency in urban buildings.
Once implemented, the code is expected to contribute to reduced electricity consumption in the commercial sector, increased use of renewable energy, and improved readiness for electric mobility, while also shaping Rajasthan’s broader transition toward sustainable urban development.
