Increase Income and Mitigate Risk Through Energy Efficiency

Energy stingy vs.Energy Efficient

What comes to mind when you hear the word "energy-efficient?" Often, people immediately think of energy-efficient means turning off electrical appliances, turn off the lights and even air conditioning. People think that saving energy means we have to sacrifice comfort in the building, such as central air conditioning is turned off at 4 pm for saving electricity or Iift building that only stop at the floor even. Necessary to distinguish between "energy saving" and "energy-stingy." Energy saving should not sacrifice our productivity and even had a lot of research and success stories about how energy efficient it increases comfort, productivity and income.

Energy saving should be done by improving energy efficiency. Similarly, the definition of the word "efficiency", energy efficiency means how can we get the same benefits and outputs of a product or tool, but using less energy. Energy efficiency does not mean stopping the use of energy in total. Does your co-workers ever complain about not able to concentrate when the AC is turned off early or too dim lights? Things like that are not energy efficiency, because even though reduced energy use, productivity and comfort levels are also reduced drastically. Energy efficiency actually done to improve productivity because at its core, energy efficiency slogan is "use less, get more."

Behavior Change and Retrofitting

Energy efficiency in offices and business environment becomes an interesting thing, because in addition to a balance between savings and productivity, but it is also significant benefits. In the work environment or an office building, energy efficiency is usually done in two ways: change behavior (behavior that efficient and maintenance of electronic equipment) and retrofitting.

Changing behavior, or behavior change, to become more energy efficient is something very simple and no cost but can save up to 5-10% of the total cost of electricity (source: Green Building Council of Indonesia). For businesses, energy efficiency behavior changes into an attractive potential savings without much investment. Sainsbury, a big supermarket chain stores in the UK, managed to save 5% of total energy consumption only by appointing one person in each store to be responsible for efficient energy management. Singapore Oxygen Air Liquid Ltd also change their behavior by turning off the chillers when no longer in operation and managed to save 2160 MWh, or 2.2 Million dollar.

Did you know that replacing the AC temperature and maximize natural light not only saves energy but improves productivity? Every 1 degree lower the air conditioning, power costs increased 6%, while the ideal indoor temperature is 25 ° C. A Cornell University study found the air conditioning when the temperature is raised from 20 to 25 ° C, 44% reduced typing errors, the output of work increased 150% and savings of about $2.5 per employee per hour. Changes in behavior can be done with a simple let alone see the offices and buildings are generally very cold at around 19 ° C. Opening the curtains to maximize natural light not only saves the use of lights but also improves productivity. Lockheed Martin Officials reported that since the increase of natural light in the office, the level of absences decreased 15% and productivity increased 15%.

While retrofitting is the process of re remodel or part of a building to improve its performance, and potential energy savings could reach 40%. This process includes analyzing the current condition of the building and implementation of solutions that allow buildings to operate more optimally. Retrofitting process includes an integrated approach of science of architecture, interior design, electrical mechanical systems, building techniques and generally includes equipment upgrades.

Once the retrofit, successfully save energy by 40% and increased the convenience of users. retrofit offices in the interior by raising the ceiling to improve ventilation and light. Natural light is maximized by replacing the entire wall and partition walls with glass and use two layers of windows that can stand the heat of the sun and soundproof. Furniture and wall paint colors are bright helps reflect light and enhance the mood of office users, especially with bamboo flooring add to the atmosphere "warm."

The True Green Image and Risk Management

Energy efficiency is the next big trend in business. Not only useful as it saves on electricity costs and increase productivity, but also as an image. The Economist magazine surveyed 278 international executives in October 2010 and a majority say energy efficiency as well as enhance the reputation of the brand. Now more and more consumers and investors who are interested in green investment and green projects, but unfortunately the words "green" is often only a mere claim, and many companies do green washing. By improving energy efficiency, the company truly be "green" through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming and climate change. It has also become one of the ways companies comply with corporate social responsibility. Accompanied by marketing and brand management techniques is good, energy efficiency helps the company differentiate itself with the other competitors.

Energy efficiency is one way the business world prepare to face the risk of energy crisis. Dwindling oil reserves that resulted in oil prices rose 381% in the last 10 years (Source: U.S. EIA), therefore the big companies like Google and Toyota set energy efficiency as a priority of their long-term strategy. With this, they continue to innovate to face the future will no longer depend on fossil energy and oil will someday run out. Energy efficiency to give them a competitive edge for the future.

Energy efficiency has become a common practice in developed countries and even some Asia countries like Singapore and Thailand. Time for companies to take a position as a leader in sustainable business practices and responsible.