The regulations are only applicable to a narrow range of construction projects in Thailand, that is, those with floor plan space of 2,000 square meters or more. However, for these projects, there will be a substantial affect on their design and execution. If your plans were filed before June 20, 2009, the new Thai law is not applicable. However, Thai legal advice is encouraged for businesses filing construction plans after the specified date.
The regulations also apply to any projects modifying the construction of certain types of establishments. The types of businesses which will need to implement energy-conserving designs under the new Thai law include:
Medical buildings
Educational buildings
Condominiums
Offices
Entertainment buildings
Halls
Service establishments
Hotels
Department stores, shopping or trade centers
Aspects of design which must be considered, measured, and fall within certain parameters, include the thermal transfer value of the building, or how well insulated it is. Heating and cooling is well-known to be one of the major consumers of energy, especially in a tropical climate. Air conditioners and water heaters must adhere to minimum efficiency requirements, and a maximum electrical power for lighting systems will be designated.
This should encourage the use of compact fluorescent rather than the much higher energy-consuming incandescent lighting. Thailand lawyers, in conjunction with architects and energy consultants, will be able to ensure compliance with the new Thai laws.
Buildings that are partially powered by renewable energy will have certain exemptions applied, according to corporate legal services in Thailand. Increases to their overall energy consumption limits may be made, in recognition of the fact that part of the power comes from renewable sources.
It is possible that the new Thai laws will be integrated with the Building Control Act of 1979 in the future, meaning that even at the beginning stages of a construction project, managers must have plans for complying with energy efficiency guidelines. In order to obtain a construction permit, project managers may have to prove compliance with the laws before being able to obtain a construction permit.
Thai legal services are advising companies to take advantage of the new regulations, to learn how to increase energy efficiency and make cost-savings across their entire operations. With the rising cost of fuel, it is expected that energy will become an even more significant business expense than it is currently. Efficiency measures not only allow compliance with Thai laws, but can increase profits and raise the 'social capital' of a business by increasing environmental responsibility.
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