GS 2 – Governance
The “One Light, One Touch” regulation is a sustainability-driven initiative that focuses on reducing energy consumption and promoting efficient use of resources in public and private sectors. This concept primarily targets sectors such as urban governance, industrial operations, and personal households to enhance energy conservation and curb carbon footprints.
Objective
- Promote energy efficiency by simplifying the operation of lighting systems and appliances.
- Reduce electricity wastage through automated and smart solutions.
- Contribute to environmental goals like carbon neutrality and sustainable urban development.
Key Features
- Smart Lighting Systems:
- Incorporates smart sensors, IoT, and motion-detection technology for automatic control of lights and devices.
- Lights switch on or off based on activity, time of day, or occupancy.
- Energy Efficiency Standards:
- Encourages compliance with standards like BEE star ratings and LEED certifications.
- Promotes LED and energy-efficient lighting solutions.
- One-Touch Control:
- Centralized control systems for easy management of multiple devices.
- Integration with mobile apps or voice assistants for user-friendly operation.
- Urban Applications:
- Used in smart city projects, street lighting, public buildings, and housing schemes.
Advantages
- Energy Conservation:
- Reduces wastage by automating energy use based on need.
- Cost Savings:
- Lower electricity bills for households, businesses, and municipalities.
- Environmental Benefits:
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by minimizing energy demand.
- User Convenience:
- Simplifies appliance management, especially in large buildings or campuses.
- Scalability:
- Applicable to both individual households and large-scale industrial settings.
Challenges
- High Initial Investment:
- Installation costs for smart systems can be prohibitive.
- Technological Barriers:
- Limited access to technology in rural and underdeveloped areas.
- Behavioral Resistance:
- Users may resist adapting to automated systems due to lack of familiarity.
- Infrastructure Limitations:
- Requires robust electricity grids and internet connectivity for effective functioning.
Government Initiatives Promoting Energy Efficiency
- Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT) Scheme:
- Focuses on improving energy efficiency in large industries.
- UJALA Scheme:
- Distribution of LED bulbs to households at subsidized rates.
- National Smart Grid Mission:
- Promotes automation and real-time monitoring of electricity usage.
- Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP):
- Replacing conventional streetlights with energy-efficient LED lights.
Relevance to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 7: Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.
- Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
- Goal 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.
Examples and Case Studies
- Smart Cities Mission:
- Several cities in India have adopted smart lighting solutions under the mission.
- Delhi’s LED Street Lighting Project:
- Achieved significant energy savings through automation and LED implementation.
- Corporate Sustainability Practices:
- Companies like Infosys have adopted “One Light, One Touch” policies in their campuses to reduce energy use.
[box] Examine the objectives, key features, and challenges of the “One Light, One Touch” regulation in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable development. How does it contribute to India’s environmental and urban governance goals? (250 words)
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