Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The ENS Online Platform is a digital tool developed to help stakeholders comply with the Eco-Niwas Samhita (ENS) energy conservation code. It simplifies compliance by allowing users to input building data, perform compliance checks, and generate detailed reports.​​​

The platform is designed for architects, builders, sustainability/green building consultants, government officials, and other professionals involved in residential building projects specifically in the state of Gujarat.​​​

ENS compliance is an important regulatory measure for ushering in sustainability and energy efficiency in the residential building sector. The code intends to ​​ensure​​ that the residential buildings have a low carbon footprint and provide a healthy ​​environment​​ to the occupants.​​​

ENS 2024 consolidates ENS Part I and Part II into a single, comprehensive code. It includes new provisions—such as site, water, indoor air quality and waste management—to address the overall sustainability of residential buildings.​​​

:​​This platform provides guidance for self-evaluation of ENS for users and building owners. You can refer to various resources and empower yourself with compliance knowledge. However, having an Architect and green building consultant with ENS knowledge on board is recommended so that appropriate building design methods that are applicable to your climatic condition are implemented in your structure.​​​

No. Lodging and rooming houses, dormitories, hotels, and resorts are excluded from the definition of residential buildings. Therefore, ENS does not apply to them.​​​

Yes. The code applies to additions made to existing residential buildings if they exceed a connected load of 100 kW, or a contract demand of 120 kVA, or a plot area of ≥ 3000 m² (whichever is more stringent).​​​

Yes, it is available for free download ​​on the BEE​​ website. It can also be found in the Resources tab of this platform​​​

​​The code is also applicable for all additions made to existing residential buildings (ie. renovations) where the existing building exceeds the threshold defined in section 2.2 of the ENS code. (It states that the code applies to - Minimum connected load of 100KW or Contract demand 120 KVA or a plot area >= 3000m2, whichever is more stringent.
​​​​For this purpose, the addition together with the existing residential building is required to show compliance with ENS with the authority having jurisdiction.​​​

Click on the “Register” button on the homepage, fill in the required details, verify your email address, and then log in to access all platform features.​​​

After verifying their registration link, users must login with their credentials to access the G-ENS tool.

The platform is web-based and works best on modern browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) with a stable internet connection. For on-premise deployments, ensure basic hardware capabilities and compatible software as specified in the user guide.​​​

Yes. The “Help” section includes comprehensive user manuals and video walkthrough.​​​

​​This platform facilitates the certification process that is developed by BEE.​​​

This platform provides guidance for self-evaluation of ENS for users and building owners. You can refer to various resources and empower yourself with compliance knowledge. However, having an Architect and green building consultant with ENS knowledge on board is recommended so that appropriate building design methods that are applicable to your climatic condition are implemented in your structure.​​​

The platform is intended to act as a support structure for users to understand the ENS requirements and ease the process of compliance. The platform features ENS compliance tool along with study materials, training modules, FAQ, vendor and consultant registration.​​​

To sign up, go to the Gujarat ECONIWAS SAMHITA platform and click on the G-ENS login button. On the pop up window, click on the “sign up” button, which will open a registration page. Under the “user type of registration”, select “Building owner” and fill in the complete details and click the “submit” button. You will receive an email with the login credentials which can be used to access the Gujarat Eco Niwas Samhita compliance tool by clicking on G-ENS login button.​​​

​​As per section 3.2 of the ECSBC-Residential code, If a building project has more than one building block, each building block is required to comply with the code unless specified otherwise. A representative block as the name suggests is a block from a group of identical blocks/towers/buildings, which can be taken as a typical block for showing compliance for the entire group, which means if the representative block is compliant then every block/towers/building which is identical in terms of physical and thermal characteristics including but not limited to features such as orientation, floors, built up area, foot print area etc. shall also become compliant and the user need not showcase compliance for individual blocks. There can be one or many representative blocks in a project based on design parameters. ​​

The plot area refers to the total land area, including the space occupied by buildings and any auxiliary features such as carports, landscaping, driveways, and other built or unbuilt spaces within the boundary of the project site containing one or more groups of ​​representative ​​blocks. ​​​

The plot area refers to the total land area, including the space occupied and any auxiliary features such as carports, landscaping, driveways, and other built or unbuilt spaces covered by a group of blocks which can be categorised under one representative block. This is a virtual boundary to segregate plot areas of each group of blocks forming a single representation for compliance evaluation. The sum of plot areas of all ​​representative ​​blocks is equal to the plot area of the project.​​​​​

The “Covered area of all residential blocks” input field at the project level is the total area covered by all blocks (including identical blocks) under the project site boundary containing one or more groups of ​​representative ​​blocks. ​​​

The location of the project can be changed after filling the information at project level but it is important to note that in case the block level information has been filled in the compliance tool, changing the project location will delete all the information provided at the block level and the user shall be required to re-fill the information from scratch after location change.

The activity tab is a useful utility for the user to refer to the change saved on each form. The user can expand the options listed in the activity tab to review, edit or delete the options saved.

The ENS compliance tool has an easy to use feature ​​called the​​ “drag-and-drop” option which is available across all sections. Simply select the feature you wish to add in the project design from the left hand tree view, and drag and drop it on the project plan in the center. Once you release the mouse click after dragging and dropping the selected option, a dedicated input form shall appear asking for inputs. Fill the form and save it. This shall save the selected option in the design and can be seen in the activity section on the right side.​​​

Yes. Your data is saved to your account, allowing you to resume work at any time. Please make sure to ​​click the​​ “save” button ​​on the bottom​​ of each form page to ensure no information is lost.​​​

The compliance report can be generated only after ​​filling​​ the ​​mandatory​​ sections of all five chapters of the tool. The PDF format report can be downloaded by clicking “Generate Detailed Report” or “Generate Summary” from the “Final Compliance Results” section in the “Report” tab. ​​

The Gujarat Eco Niwas Samhita compliance tool is based on the latest ENS 2024 published by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency, and covers all five chapters of the code i.e., Energy Management and Conservation, Sustainable Site Management, Water Conservation and Management, Waste Management and indoor Environment Quality.​​​​​

Absolutely. The platform offers intuitive dashboards, simple data entry forms using drag and drop ​​features​​, and accessible training materials to help all users navigate and utilize its features efficiently.​​​

This platform allows you to register your products and/or your company. Building professionals (Architects/Green building consultants/sustainability consultants and developers) will be able to view your company details listed on the platform. This enables networking from both sides in addition to building your credibility by being listed on the platform.

Yes. Projects must meet all mandatory requirements under all modules to be considered ENS-compliant.​​​

No. Amenity or auxiliary buildings should be excluded. ENS is exclusively designed for residential buildings.

No, these areas are not included in the total built-up area calculation under ENS.​​​

If a project has multiple building blocks, each block must comply individually. For identical blocks with the same orientation, compliance for one such block can represent all similar blocks.

Yes. ENS compliance criteria may vary across different climatic zones.​​​

No, the code does not directly provide a list of building materials for compliance. However, it mentions certain performance parameters (like U-value, SHGC etc) that one should consider while selecting the building materials.​​​

A compensatory plantation of three trees for every felled/transplanted tree must be ensured within the premises.​​​

A low-lying area is a region at or near sea level or below the normal surrounding elevation.​​​

Native and adaptive species are plants naturally suited to the local climate and soil. They require less maintenance and water and offer better habitat resources, contributing to sustainability and ecological balance.​​​

Yes. Turf can be counted in the vegetated area, but it should not exceed 30% of the total landscaped area.​​​

ENS 2024 integrates guidelines for efficient water use, including sanitary fittings, greywater reuse, and rainwater harvesting systems, to conserve water resources.​​​

Greywater is domestic wastewater without fecal contamination (e.g., from showers, sinks), while blackwater includes wastewater from toilets that may contain pathogens.​​​

A runoff coefficient is a dimensionless number representing the ratio of runoff to rainfall. For example, a metal or concrete roof may have a runoff coefficient of 0.95, while a green (vegetated) roof may have 0.3.​​​

If the groundwater table is less than 8 meters, recharge pits are not required. Instead, rainwater storage tanks can be provided.​​​

For residential complexes with less than 1.0 lakh sq. ft. of plot area and access to centralized sewerage, it is not mandatory. However, it is recommended to reduce potable water consumption and ease the load on centralized sewer systems.​​​

With per capita water availability declining, efficient water management is critical to prevent water stress and crises. Demand- and supply-side measures ensure sustainability and resilience in water usage.​​​

It helps track, manage, and report construction and post-occupancy waste, aligning with sustainability goals and regulatory compliance.​​​

The tool uses simple yes/no and numeric fields to assess waste generation, segregation, treatment, and disposal practices.​​​

The report displays project performance for construction and post-construction waste, highlighting points achieved and compliance under ENS/ENS+/Super ENS.​​​

Key metrics include total waste generated by category, segregation rates, waste diversion rates, and volumes of hazardous waste.​​​

100% of recyclable packaging waste should be sent to authorized recyclers or municipal entities.​​​

Yes. Projects can gain incremental points for higher reuse/recycling rates of construction and post-occupancy waste, as well as for on-site organic waste treatment.​​​

The building envelope includes walls, windows, roofs, and doors—the physical barrier between interior and exterior. It helps regulate energy efficiency, moisture, and comfort.​​​

A well-designed envelope controls temperature, reduces air leaks, and improves insulation, resulting in lower energy consumption and enhanced indoor comfort.​​​

By minimizing heat transfer and air infiltration, it reduces the need for heating and cooling, cutting energy costs and the building’s carbon footprint.​​​

RETV (Residential Energy Transmittance Value) measures the thermal performance of a building’s envelope. ENS 2024 mandates RETV limits to ensure energy efficiency, reduce cooling/heating loads, and meet sustainability goals.​

Using materials with high thermal insulation (low U-value) for walls and roof, optimizing window shading and glass properties, and ensuring proper building orientation to minimize heat gain and loss can help improve RETV.

WFR is the ratio of window area to floor area. ENS 2024 mandates WFR limits to maximize daylight and ventilation, reducing dependence on artificial lighting and mechanical ventilation.

Ensuring a maximum U-value for roofs is crucial for maintaining proper insulation, preventing excessive heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter, thus enhancing energy efficiency.​​​

These parameters collectively enhance a building’s overall energy performance, comfort, and sustainability, aligning with modern environmental standards.​​​

Properly placed and shaded windows bring in natural light, reduce artificial lighting needs, and minimize energy loss through improved insulation and glazing.​​​

Passive strategies do not rely on mechanical systems (e.g., building orientation, insulation), while active strategies use technologies like efficient HVAC systems and smart controls.​​​

Monitoring tracks energy usage patterns, identifies inefficiencies, and supports continuous improvement of building performance.​​​

Efficient HVAC, fans, and heating units help maintain thermal comfort with minimal energy wastage. Regular maintenance and smart controls further improve efficiency.​​​

Solar PV systems produce clean electricity, reduce utility bills, and lower carbon footprints.​​​

The user can find construction material properties from suppliers and test certificates. If they are not available with manufacture/vendor/supplier you can refer appendix of the ECBC for commercial buildings and that provides default values. Further, the tool itself contains default U value calculations done for constructions that are generally used in the market.​​​

Indoor air can be more polluted than outdoor air, containing dust, pollen, chemical fumes, and other contaminants that affect health and comfort.

Good IAQ involves comfortable temperature and humidity, ample fresh outdoor air, and minimal indoor and outdoor pollutants.​​​

Poor ventilation, occupant activities, moisture issues, and ambient air pollution are key contributors.​​​

Control pollution sources, ensure adequate ventilation, maintain humidity between 30-50%, and consider using air filtration devices.​​​

Yes. Plants like Spider Plant or English Ivy can absorb certain toxins, produce oxygen, and moderate humidity, improving IAQ.​​​

Proper ventilation in underground or enclosed parking removes vehicle exhaust fumes and pollutants, improving air quality and occupant safety.​​​

These areas generate odors, moisture, and pollutants that need to be replaced with fresh air for comfort and hygiene.​​​

Natural daylight supports circadian rhythms, reduces reliance on artificial lighting, and improves occupant well-being. High-quality artificial lighting complements daylight, enhancing comfort and productivity.​​​

Building services include HVAC, electrical, plumbing, lighting, and security systems. They enhance building functionality, comfort, efficiency, and safety.​​​

Efficient building services reduce energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and promote renewable resources, making buildings more environmentally friendly.​​​

Power factor measures how effectively electrical power is used. Power factor correction improves efficiency, reducing energy losses and costs.​​​

Key monitored parameters include electricity consumption, lighting energy use, HVAC energy, water pumping energy, elevator usage, and renewable energy generation.​​​

Solar hot water systems use solar collectors to heat water, reducing reliance on conventional energy sources.​​​

Dry Type Medium Voltage Transformers:​​ Require clearances for proper cooling and maintenance.​​​ ​​​​Less Flammable Liquid-Filled Transformers:​​ Indoors, require a liquid confinement area and compliance with listing restrictions. Outdoors, can be installed on or adjacent to Type I and II non-combustible buildings with required safety measures.​​​ ​​​​Oil-Insulated Transformers:​​ Indoors, must be in a vault. Outdoor installations may need space separations, fire-resistant barriers, or automatic suppression systems if a fire hazard is present.​​​

Check your internet connection and update your browser. If the issue persists, contact our support team for assistance.​​​

Please reach out to our support team at [support email/contact] or use the “Report an Issue” function on the platform.​​​

Use the “Feedback” form available on the platform. Your input helps us refine and enhance the tool.​​​

Yes. We use role-based access control, encrypted data storage and transmission, and regular software updates to ensure data security.​​​

Yes. The platform is updated to reflect the latest ENS guidelines, incorporate user feedback, and address any identified vulnerabilities.​​​