Eco-Niwas Samhita

March 30, 2024

The Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) introduced the Residential Envelope Transmittance Value (RETV), a metric measuring heat transfer through a building’s envelope.

About Eco-Niwas Samhita:

  • It is a Residential Energy Conservation Building code developed by Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE).
  • The code sets standards to limit heat gain and loss and ensure adequate natural ventilation and day lighting potential.
  • It was launched in two parts
    • ENS 2018 (Part 1)sets minimum standards for building envelope designs for energy-efficient residential buildings.
    • ENS Part 2 launched by the Bureau as ENS 2021 focuses on the building’s code compliance and electromechanical systems. It also addresses other aspects such as, Energy Efficiency in Electro-Mechanical Equipment for Building Operation, Renewable Energy Generation, Embodied Energy of Walling Materials and Structural Systems.

What is Residential Envelope Transmittance Value?

  • It is a metric measuring heat transfer through a building’s envelope. Lower RETV values lead to cooler indoor environments and decreased energy usage. For optimal efficiency, improved occupant comfort and lower utility expenses, it’s recommended to maintain an RETV of 15W/m2 or less.