Experts to show how to pay less for energy
The Straits Times, Saturday, March 8, 2003
LESSONS by experts on how to slash that energy bill are in the offing, part of the Government's latest tack to persuade building owners to use electricity efficiently.
Under the scheme, building operators, facilities managers and others will be taught how they can cut their costs in this area.
What exactly the sessions will include is still to be determined, but they are likely to cover how to determine if energy is being frittered away through, say, separate air-conditioning systems and the type of lighting used.
At the end, building owners will be asked to map out their own plan to cut their energy losses, get help from the National Energy Efficiency Committee (NEEC) to do so, or turn to an expert in the private sector.
When, where, how long and who will conduct the sessions are details that are still being worked out.
To make consulting private companies easier, the NEEC and other mostly government agencies have started working on a list of those which provide such services.
They are also likely to offer accreditation to such firms.
Currently, energy management companies here do not need to meet any benchmarks.
Singapore Environment Council executive director Howard Shaw is all for getting the outfits accredited.
He suggests that one criterion that could be included in this process is a company's track record in providing such services.
Three in four buildings here have been found to be wasting energy in a 1999 survey, and the Government has been trying, with little success, to get their owners and managers to realise how much money they could save if they handled their use of electricity properly.
Dr. Teo Ho Pin, who chairs the Government Parliamentary Committee for National Development and the Environment, said many are dragging their feet on it because they do not want to put in the large investment needed for the change.
The Shangri-La Hotel did, however, and has already almost recovered all of the $3.2 million it spent in 1998 to install a more energy-efficient chiller and lighting system.
Property developer Capita Land took another route to cut its energy bill last year. It negotiated a cheaper electricity deal from energy retailers for its buildings. Now, its tenants pay about 5 per cent less than they would otherwise have.
A spokesman for the developer said: "When it's fully implemented, it will result in a total of more than $5 million in savings every year."
But when all is said and done, said Dr. Teo, who is also mayor for the Northwest Community Development Council, the best way to save energy is to plan before construction.
Simple things, like making sure there is no glass where the sun is at its fiercest and opting for energy efficient lighting system at the planning stage, can save money from the outset.
He added that stricter building guidelines on energy loss have prompted more developers and building owners to take note of such things in recent years.
Meanwhile, there have been no takers so far for the National Environment Agency's offer six months ago to pay half the cost of a viable solar energy project.
F But Mr. Christophe Inglin, the Singapore managing director of Shell Solar, one of the biggest global manufacturers of solar panels, said three companies have approached him with objects that could qualify or the funding.
One, he added is likely to submit a proposal in the middle of the year.
- BY SHARMILPAL KAUR
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