AP’s housing scheme earns global acclaim for energy efficiency efforts

Andhra Pradesh’s Pedalandariki Illu programme, part of the Navaratnalu scheme, has received international acclaim for its dedication to the noble cause of energy efficiency, collaborating with the Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL) - a joint venture of PSUs under the Ministry of Power to facilitate beneficiaries with energy- efficient star rated appliances, promising improved living standards and substantial energy resource conservation.

Dr Jonathan Demenge, Energy Head of Co. Operation and Counsellor at the Embassy of Switzerland Government in Delhi, in a communication to the advisor of EESL for business development and government affairs in South India and Union Territories A Chandrasekhara Reddy, has expressed profound admiration for EESL and AP Government’s impressive implementation of energy efficiency project in housing schemes. He emphasised the urgent need to raise public awareness about energy conservation and Green House Gas Emissions reduction, underlining the substantial impact such initiatives could make in addressing climate change effectively, Dr Demenge underscored the global significance of AP’s initiative, positioning it as a potential model for energy efficiency programs.

He also commended Special Chief Secretary for Housing, Ajay Jain and CEO of EESL Vishal Kapoor for their efforts with the support of Union and State Governments in entering in to agreement during G20 Global Summit in Goa to introduce energy efficiency measures in housing schemes, expressing hope that others will follow suit, creating energy-efficient housing schemes beneficial for both the general public and the environment.

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) is actively addressing global warming and climate change, focusing on key sectors like housing and industry, emphasising energy efficiency as a core solution, accounting for 40 per cent of the efforts, SDC is promoting innovative solutions such as limestone calcined clay cement (LC3) in the cement industry, a breakthrough promising substantial reductions in global greenhouse gas emissions.

Dr Jonathan praised SDC’s proactive approach in combating climate change. When briefed by the EESL advisor about the Jonathan Demenge’s comments, Special Chief Secretary for Housing Ajay Jain, reaffirmed the government’s steadfast dedication to uplifting the underprivileged through the Pedalandariki Illu (Jagananna Colonies) housing initiative under the Government of India’s PMAY scheme. He stressed the administration’s resolute commitment to ensuring that the advantages of energy efficiency reach every beneficiary, emphasising the program’s dual impact in both enhancing lives and conserving the environment. He expressed gratitude towards Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy and Minister for Housing Jogi Ramesh for their unwavering support and determination, which he credited as instrumental in ensuring the success of the housing scheme. He said the energy efficiency initiatives are resulting in a substantial saving of Rs 352 crore annually across the 15.6 lakh houses in phase-1 of the housing scheme.