Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Sep 17: The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has launched plans to make its civic buildings more energy efficient and reduce electricity consumption, with the first phase of the initiative estimated to cost around Rs 280 crore by 2030.

BYL Nair Charitable Hospital in Mumbai Central has been selected as the pilot project for the BMC's net-zero carbon initiative, which has been developed in collaboration with global environmental network C40 Cities and the Alliance for an Energy Efficient Economy (AEEE).

The initiative aims to transform existing municipal buildings into energy-efficient, low-carbon spaces while ensuring that all new BMC constructions achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

C40 Cities identified nine municipal buildings for the pilot phase. A BMC official said work would begin at Nair Hospital based on recommendations made in a report submitted by C40 Cities.

According to the official, the measures are expected to reduce electricity expenditure as well as carbon emissions, with the broader objective of reducing the environmental impact of civic operations.

Hospitals are among the main focus areas as they operate round the clock and consume significant amounts of electricity. BMC properties account for around 19 per cent of the civic body's total electricity consumption. Hospitals account for 9.8 per cent, followed by administrative offices at 3.8 per cent, schools at 1.2 per cent and auditoriums at 1 per cent.

KEM Hospital in Parel is estimated to require Rs 13.61 crore for the proposed interventions, while Nair Hospital is expected to require Rs 7.52 crore. Kalidas Natyagriha in Mulund has an estimated requirement of Rs 5.47 crore, while Prabodhankar Thackeray Natyagriha in Borivali is expected to require Rs 1.44 crore.

The H-West Ward Office in Bandra is estimated to require Rs 1.25 crore and the R-Central Ward Office in Borivali Rs 30 lakh. The estimated costs for the identified municipal schools are Rs 28 lakh for Sodawala Municipal School, Rs 22 lakh for Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Nagar School No. 1 and Rs 14 lakh for LK Waghji Mumbai Public School.

The BMC owns more than 630 buildings across Mumbai, including over 500 schools. Buildings account for around 20 per cent of the city's total greenhouse gas emissions.

For existing buildings, the proposed measures include daylight sensors that can dim or switch off lights when natural light is sufficient, replacement of old air-conditioning systems with energy-efficient units, automated cooling controls and smart controls for pumps and electrical systems.

The civic body also plans to install rooftop solar panels and procure green energy for high-demand facilities such as hospitals.

For future construction, the BMC plans to introduce measures such as suitable building orientation and sun shading to reduce heat gain and dependence on artificial cooling. The report has also recommended the use of greener construction materials, including fly-ash bricks, AAC blocks, eco-friendly cement and recycled steel.

The report has suggested using the BMC's dedicated internal climate budget and exploring financial instruments such as municipal green bonds to fund the initiative.