Energy saving initiative

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is one of the only convention centres in Africa that has had its energy consumption processes certified according to the internationally recognised systems standards ISO 9001 (Quality Assurance), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety).

As part of Eskom’s energy saving initiative known as ‘Measure to Manage,’ real-time energy consumption meter readings help businesses use energy sustainably and reduce their carbon footprint. CTICC has given Eskom permission to install 36 meters and modems over a period to monitor the centre’s energy consumption in real time.

This data will be translated into environmental information, made accessible for viewing via an online energy dashboard, and updated every 60 seconds.

External parties welcome

In addition to being able to monitor and translate energy consumption in real time and making this information easily accessible to external parties, the remote meter reading system can also isolate and monitor various rooms or sections of a building making it even more practical for businesses to find ways to curb energy consumption. The initiative allows CTICC and Eskom to review the centre’s energy consumption and recommend how to curb it for the future.

Useful energy saving tips for property owners

Heat pumps: Heat pumps lower electricity usage in commercial properties. They use the reverse cycle of a refrigeration utility to heat water and can save up to 66% of energy consumption. The cooling cycle of the heat pumps can be utilised to simultaneously cool a portion of or an entire building. Lighting: The following steps can be taken to improve the energy efficiency of an organisation’s lighting:

• Switch to energy efficient lighting such as T5 fluorescents.
• Replace magnetic ballasts with energy efficient electronic ballasts.
• Clearly label light switches so that employees know which switches control which lighting zones. If they know where to switch off, they’ll be more inclined to do so when they leave an area unoccupied.
• Go light on colour – choosing lighter colours for ceilings, walls and surfaces helps.
• Reduce the amount of artificial light needed for a building.
• Install occupancy sensors – occupancy sensors control lighting based on occupant detection. These can be used to control lighting in intermittently occupied areas such as meeting rooms, toilets and print rooms.
• Deploy daylight sensors – daylight sensors can brighten, dim or even switch off lights according to natural light levels as they change throughout the day, in turn reducing operating and energy costs.
• Use programmable control systems – these systems can switch off lights automatically or step-down lighting levels for night time security or reduced occupancies.

Read more:

• Eskom National Efficient Lighting Programme
• African Utility Week is connecting the smart community

References: Leonardo ENERGY