government buildings
20 March 2009
All citizens should now more than ever make renewed and concerted efforts on
a daily basis to save energy. This appeal comes from the Western Cape Minister
for Local Government, Environmental Affairs and Development Planning, Pierre
Uys.
Minister Uys has given a number of practical tips on energy efficiency and
called on every person to flick the switch off when electricity is not needed.
He was speaking at a briefing on the results of an energy audit that was
conducted on major provincial government buildings.
The audit pointed out that computers (34%), air conditioning (26%) and
lighting (25%) guzzles the bulk of electricity in public buildings. The
provincial government is however putting in place various measures to reduce
its use, conserve and optimise the use of power in these buildings.
Some of these include lights in buildings being replaced with Light Emitting
Diodes (LEDs) and energy efficiency bulbs installed on a continuous basis. Nine
Dorp Street has been fully fitted with 338 audio sonic occupancy sensors to
monitor staff movement and regulate the consumption of energy by switching off
when nobody is in the office. Other changes include retrofitting 24 board rooms
and the systematic placement of film on windows to retain the natural heat
during winter and deflect the heat during the summer season.
Government institutions occupy many buildings in the Western Cape. It was
therefore necessary that the provincial government of the Western Cape consider
energy consumption in these buildings. In light of the above, the Department of
Environmental Affairs and Development Planning conducted the energy audit. The
findings assisted the department to identify practical solutions to addressing
the challenge of energy efficiency in these buildings.
As part of an energy efficiency drive progressive changes to the buildings
were effected prior to the energy audit and in response to the results. These
changes have been funded using the building maintenance budget.
The initiative to save energy has now created a ripple effect to addressing
the impact of climate change in various other areas such as water efficiency
and waste management. The department has taken the lead to drive green
initiatives which encompass aspects of energy efficiency and waste
management.
Programmes such as the 2Wise 2Waste Campaign focuses on creating awareness
to internal staff about issues of waste management and water and energy
efficiency. This initiative is managed and monitored by 21 floor champions to
focus on influencing the behaviour of staff.
The continuous monitoring and evaluation of the various initiatives are
important to making sure that energy and water saving as well as waste
management becomes a way of life. Other recommendations will include the
establishment of an inter-departmental committee to put into operation the
recommendations to reduce the overall energy consumption.
Efficient interventions could be self funding from the savings made over
time.
These initiatives also provide an indication to seriously consider the design
of buildings, and the future procurement of energy efficient equipment for our
offices. A recently refurbished Board Room at four Dorp Street is characterised
as being a green eco-friendly venue as materials such as bamboo have been used
for the construction of ceiling coverings, countertops and signage. Wool
carpeting has been fitted as the material is both durable and
eco-friendly.
Minister Uys has stated that government is committed to energy efficiency as
this is one of the mitigation/adaptation measures under the recently launched
Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan.
Addressing the challenges of climate change is, and will continue to be a
strategic priority for the department. Energy efficiency, the development of
renewable energy resources and cleaner fuel programmes has been identified as
catalytic initiatives to address the inevitable effects of climate change.
âIt is all about saving our planet, by reducing and offsetting the carbon
emissions and other greenhouse gasses due to the use of fossil fuels since the
industrial revolution. We all have a role to play to get ready for accelerated
global warming, no matter how insignificant it may seem. If we all save a
little, it would add up and ultimately slow down the process of climate
change,â Minister Uys says.
The energy audit is part of the awareness process to determine the actual
use of energy in these buildings, set a bench mark for savings, to accurately
monitor the future use and to raise the levels of conscious savings.
âGovernment will lead by example. We do need every citizen to take up the
challenge to save energy and use it better. Using energy optimally does make
sense economically, but also environmentally. Working together we will reduce
wastage and contribute towards leaving a better environment to generations to
come,â Minister Uys says.
Read energy saving tips.
Enquiries:
Cobus Grobler
Media Officer
Cell: 073 133 7299
Issued by: Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Development Planning,
Western Cape Provincial Government
20 March 2009
Source: Western Cape Provincial Government (http://www.capegateway.gov.za)
