Month: August 2019

 

In addition to economic savings and reducing environmental impacts, the implementation of energy efficiency measures also has social benefits which are reflected in improved working and living conditions. This is proven by research published in the professional American journal “Nature Climate Change”, which has shown that the use of renewable energy sources contributes significantly not only to climate change but also to public health. In particular, studies have shown that by implementing energy efficiency measures, such as the installation and use of various renewable energy sources in healthcare and other related institutions, savings can amount to $5.7 million to $210 million annually.

 

The positive impact of energy efficiency on the health conditions of users is noticeable in other fields as well. In schools throughout the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, where energy efficiency measures were implemented through the Energy Efficiency Project in BiH, a study was conducted which focused on measuring the number of health-related absences. This project has been implemented by the FBiH Ministry of Physical Planning since 2016, and within its framework, 48 buildings have been renovated so far.

 

The results of the study, which involved 9 elementary schools, showed that absences decreased after the implementation of energy efficiency measures. The average dropout rate of the 2017/2018 academic year, compared to the previous academic year, was 4.71%.

 

Better working conditions made day-to-day teaching easier for both students and teachers. At the same time, the reduction of student absences will also have an impact on the rest of the community by breaking the chain of health problems amongst the youngest members of society. As a result, the number of parents who are absent from work due to their children’s health will automatically be reduced, as will the number of patients examined at health care facilities. This will ultimately result in the reduction of viral diseases being spread. From an environmental perspective, this also means less additional car rides, and, therefore, a reduction in pollutants and carbon dioxide emissions.

 

All these are just some of the reasons that prove the importance of implementing energy efficiency measures and their multiple benefits to society. Of course, in order to fully measure their positive impact, it is necessary to carry out comprehensive research covering a longer period of time. However, the data currently available also provides more reason to implement these measures. If we also take into consideration the specific requirements of users of public institutions, it is clear why this topic is of utmost importance.

 

Cost balancing is a daily challenge for every household and company. Cost reduction is especially significant in the business environment as it enables further investment in the development and growth of companies. Therefore, we bring you some simple energy efficiency tips that will help you reduce energy consumption and reduce your bills, all the while contributing to environmental conservation.

 

1. Use recycled materials

 

An office without paper is, in most cases, unimaginable, but in every company it is possible to reduce its unnecessary consumption. Therefore, before choosing the “print” option, consider whether you really need a physical copy of that document. Using digital versions will significantly reduce the amount of paper used and therefore the number of trees cut. Using recycled paper and also recycling it after use will further reduce the adverse impact of the production of this material.

 

2. Adjust the room temperature

 

Cooling and heating make up a large part of electricity costs, so adjusting the room temperature will help you achieve significant savings. If you increase the temperature by several degrees during the summer days, the office temperature will still be comfortable and the electricity bill noticeably lower. The same is true for winter days when you can lower the heating temperature by a degree or two without noticeable changes in the comfort of the room, while still seeing positive changes in your monthly bills.

 

3. Pay attention to electronic devices

 

Electric appliances, such as computers, fax machines, and printers, have a large share of the total energy consumption of each company. Considering the fact that stand-by devices also consume energy, it is important to switch off all devices that are not used on a daily basis. If you are planning to buy new ones, make sure they are energy efficient, as this will save significant amounts of energy. Also, don’t forget one of the oldest and most famous tips: turn off the lights when they are not in use!

 

 

4. Use renewable energy

 

If the nature of your business allows you to do so, consider replacing your office’s energy source. Companies such as Apple, Microsoft, and Intel are fully supplied by renewable energy which has at the same time affected their reputation as responsible and prosperous corporations. If this type of energy supply is not a functional option for your company and you still want to prove your commitment to the environment, consider using these energy sources as a complement to your existing system. For example, you can achieve this by using so-called green technologies such as solar panels.

 

5. Set sustainability goals

 

One of the most effective ways to achieve an energy-efficient business environment is to set specific sustainability goals. At the same time, creating a strategy in cooperation with employees will additionally motivate the whole team to reach the set goals as soon as possible. Of course, for motivational reasons, it is important to start with those smaller and more achievable goals, and then gradually move on to the more complex ones.

 

Although many people are aware that the implementation of energy efficiency (EE) measures contributes to reducing energy consumption and thus results in decreased bills, most are unaware that this is just one way of measuring the economic impact of implementing these measures. A strategic approach to energy management can have a significant impact on the value of a property. Through a specific example of the implementation of EE measures under the Energy Efficiency Project for BiH (BEEP), implemented by the FBiH Ministry of Physical Planning, we present to you several hidden benefits, which in turn shows the accompanying benefits of implementing these measures.

 

 

Extending the life span of a building

 

The implementation of EE measures, such as thermal insulation or the installation of new openings or heating systems, extends the life span of a building by about 20 years. The length of its extended life varies with the type of material used and the quality of its construction. However, given that the construction life of a new building is around 50 years, it can be concluded that the implementation of these measures brings significant benefits.

 

In practice, this is also evident through the example of 9 healthcare facilities included in the BEEP Project, which were mostly built during the 1960s and 1970s. Six of the renovated buildings are over 50 years old, which means that without extending their life by implementing EE measures, their lifespan would expire.

 

The total improvement of the value of these facilities is around 37.5 million BAM, and given that the total amount invested in the renovations of these buildings equaled 5.5 million BAM, it is evident that the benefits are several times higher than the amount invested.

 

 

Improving Security and Reducing Risk

 

The indirect impacts of implementing EE measures are reflected in improved safety (fire protection, lightning protection, etc.), better internal conditions (air quality, temperature, and airflow), better appearance, and reduced risk of adverse events. For example, the renovation of the lighting system also improves fire protection, the use of LED lighting reduces the risk of fire and energy consumption for cooling. In addition to reducing the risk, the comfort and visual appearance of the buildings are also improved.

 

In this context, it is important to implement EE measures in public buildings, especially in healthcare facilities, which are used, in whole or in part, 24 hours, 365 days a year and where users are particularly sensitive to comfort and safety conditions.

 

 

Reduction of Operational and Maintenance Costs of the Building

 

Insights into energy data, which represent the functioning of all the equipment in a building, provides a more efficient approach to maintaining the building itself. For example, the implementation of EE measures in the aforementioned 9 healthcare facilities renovated under the BEEP Project resulted in savings of approximately 6.1 million BAM on maintenance costs alone.

 

 

Increase in the Value of Real Estate when Buying or Renting

 

Investing in energy efficiency increases the value of residential buildings by 3-8%, while rental prices, by comparison with similar real estate, increases by 3-5%. Research shows that, in the case of commercial buildings, this increase in value can be even greater, reaching as much as 10% -20%. At the same time, the implementation of EE measures has a positive effect on the rental prices of office buildings, which have increased by 2-5%.

 

Ultimately, we conclude that implementing EE measures leads to financial benefits, which result in greater savings than the cost of the work itself. Such spending cuts are significant for both household and public budgets.