Energy conservation program in government building

Abstract

Buildings are responsible for at least 40% of energy used in most Countries. The absolute figure is rising fast, as construction booms, especially in developing countries including Malaysia. Since energy consumption is identified as one of the major cause in climate change issues, effort to reduce energy consumption in building is considered an important strategy. Energy conservation in building can be achieved through three strategies; i.e.; the physical design of the building; through electrical equipment used in the building; and the behaviour of the building users. This report discusses the study done on building user behaviour and practices in Energy Conservation. It is essential to investigate the status of awareness, knowledge and practices among building users because building users determine the pattern of energy consumption. Government of Malaysia has been actively developing policies, initiatives and programs in energy conservation not only to improve Energy Efficiency practices in the country but also in combating global warming through the reduction of fossil fuel consumption in building sector. Government also set 10% reduction target of energy consumption in all government building in 2006. However the response by the public is still slow. This report presents the investigation carried out on the level of awareness and practices among government employees. The survey has been carried out on employee to examine the level of understanding and the initiatives organised in government offices. The results show that, up to 70% of government employee understand about energy and 85% understand EE, however practices on energy conservation individually and collectively are still low (about 50%). This can be the reason why the program initiated by the government cannot be implemented successfully. Other reason for the low EE practice is due to the lack of initiative and program within the organisation/department. The report also suggests that strategies to organise training and campaign should be done to increase Energy Conservation Practices among government employees to achieve EE target set by the government.