What is Sustainable Energy?
It means
- Saving energy through better utilization and consumption. In other words trying to achieve maximum energy efficiency for any task
- Using renewable energy instead of that from fossil fuels so that finite resources are not depleted and Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) generation is reduced
- Optimising the match between primary energy sources and final end-use with minimal wastages & adverse environmental impacts.
By providing sustainable energy, we will improve the environment by reducing the emissions of greenhouse gases, maintain natural resources by using renewable sources energy such as solar, biomass, wind and wave. Technologies using renewable energy are available and cost-effective in delivering power.
Energy Efficiency
What is energy efficiency?
Simply put, energy efficiency means using less energy to accomplish the same task. Take the example of boiling water, which option would save more energy? a) use an electrical kettle to boil water or b) use a traditional kettle using gas to boil water. Using a traditional kettle on a gas stove is much more energy efficient from especially system approach.
To be energy efficient is easy. You just need to monitor your use of energy. There are simple changes you can make around the house to save energy, which will save you money as well.
Why is it important?
More efficient use of energy throughout our country results in less money spent on energy by homeowners, schools, government agencies, businesses, and industries. The money that would have been spent on energy can instead be spent on consumer goods, education, services, and products.
As individuals, your home has a direct impact on the environment. Power stations that provide our electricity, generally burn fossil fuels to supply our energy needs. Cars and motorcycles also burn fossil fuels. By burning fossil fuels, large amounts of gases are released into the atmosphere, causing an increase in temperature. This leads to what is known as the greenhouse effect, which is causing global warming. In addition other air pollutants are also generated. All of which impact negatively on our environment.
By being wasteful in energy usage means more energy is being consumed. For example, a normal bulb requires additional units of energy compared to an energy efficient one. These additional units of energy mean more burning of fossil fuels. And this increases the polluting gases in the atmosphere. That is why it is necessary to identify the energy being wasted in the home, and make the necessary adjustments, that will not only help you save money, but will help preserve our environment.
International
Renewable Energy (RE)
It is Malaysias Goal by 2005 to generate 5% of its electricity from renewable resources. Malaysia introduced renewable energy as the countrys fifth (5th) fuel source.
What is renewable energy?
Renewable energy includes resources that are constantly present, which never run out, like the energy we get from the sun or energy from wind. Types of renewable energy are;
(i) Solar: The Earths surface receives so much solar energy from the sun everyday, that if this energy is harnessed for even just 60 seconds, it would be enough to power the worlds total energy requirements for a year. Even though solar energy is a free and unlimited resource, it is hardly utilised because of oil which is cheap and easy to produce. Solar energy is currently most used for water heating. It can be directly converted to electricity through solar cells. These non-polluting solar cells, known as photovoltaic cells use no fuel, mechanical turbine or a generator. Solar energy has enormous potential as a resource of clean and unlimited electricity around the world and with the increasing demand for energy coupled with increasing environmental pollution from the burning of fossil fuel, its time to tap into this. In Malaysia, installation of solar PV cells is done mainly in rural areas, where there is difficulty setting up electricity cables or it is used by individuals (private homes).
(ii) Hydroelectric: Hydroelectric power is the leading source of renewable energy. It provides about 97% of all electricity generated by renewable energy sources worldwide. Water is a precious resource and can be found in abundance. When it is harnessed for hydroelectric energy, it can power the lighting for entire cities. The only time a hydropower facility is polluting is during its construction. Once it has been built, it does not need fuel to produce electricity. But the idea or use of hydropower is a highly debatable topic and remains a controversial issue. Despite being a source of clean electricity, the damage caused by dams during its construction and through its operation often gives rise to it construction being protested (refers mainly to large dams). When done right however, small run-of-the-river hydropower can be a sustainable and nonpolluting power source. Here in Malaysia, hydropower is used for water supply, flood control, irrigation and recreation purposes. Malaysia has abundant hydropower potential with a total potential capacity of 29,000 MW (with 70% in Sarawak).
(iii) Wind: Wind energy is captured by wind turbines. Studies done in Malaysia indicated that only a few places in the East Coast have sufficient wind energy for utilization. Malaysia has wind turbines installed in remote areas in Sabah and Sarawak.
(iv) Biomass: Biomass consists of organic matter that makes up plants. Biomass energy can be used for generating electricity, transportation fuels and chemicals. The type of biomass material considered to have potential as renewable energy sources here in Malaysia include residues from palm oil, rice mills and wood mills.
(v) Hydrogen: Hydrogen is the most abundant element on earth. It does not occur naturally as gas and needs to be first separated from other elements before it can be burned as fuel or converted to electricity.
(vi) Geothermal: Geothermal energy taps Earths internal heat for electric power production and for the heating and cooling of buildings. Geothermal energy is produced when groundwater (from Earths surface) meets molten magma. Most of this groundwater remains deep underground, trapped in cracks and porous rock while some water does escape back to the surface forming hot springs and geysers. The portion that remains underground exists as geothermal reservoirs close to the surface and can be easily tapped for power generation.
Why is it important?
The energy we use today comes mainly from non-renewable sources such as coal, oil, natural gas and uranium, all of which are finite resources and will be depleted. Additionally, the use of these types of fuel are damaging to our health and to the environment. Renewable energy on the other hand has the potential to produce clean energy for our use, for all time for everyone. Renewable energy systems help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and are being recognised as a major source of energy for the 21st century and beyond.
Local
Easy ways to save energy
There are simple things in your everyday life that you can do to save energy.
1. In the Home
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Remember to switch off the lights and fans when you leave a room.
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TVs, Radios and air-conditioners should be switched off at the plug point.
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Try and have natural ventilation coming through your home, to reduce the need for fans and air-conditioners.
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Have some indoor plants, as plants help cool the surrounding.
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Use all household appliances efficiently; e.g. when using the washing machine, run full loads only
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Make use of natural light.
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Use the most appropriate energy source; e.g. gas for cooking rather than an electric cooker which uses much more energy.
2. While Shopping
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Try not to buy products/material that have excessive packaging, or uses plastics made from non-renewable material.
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Choose items/products that have a long life, can be re-used, repaired or recycled.
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Look for energy labels/energy ratings at the back of appliances.
Bring along your own shopping bag to reduce the use of plastic bags.
3. Transportation
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For short distances, it is better to travel on foot or cycle.
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Try using more public transport. It helps you avoid traffic congestion and saves costs on parking, tolls and fuel.
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Carpool. Carry four people instead of one and help reduce your emissions of greenhouse gases and energy consumption.
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Dont leave your car engine running idle for too long.
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Limit use of car by combining all errands into one journey. This will save you fuel, running costs and parking fees.
4. In the Garden
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Plant leafy trees, shrubs and grasses in the garden.
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Leafy trees will provide shade and shield your house from direct sunlight.
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Plants also help cool surrounding areas.
ABC
Increasing Awareness & Building Capacity of Urban Malaysians on Sustainable Energy Options
CETDEM managed a project funded by the UNDP/GEF on raising the awareness of urban Malaysians towards the potential for sustainable energy usage through energy efficiency and renewable energy. This project, which began in April 2003, involved five towns across Malaysia; Petaling Jaya, Ipoh, Kuantan, Kuching and Kota Kinabalu. Through this project, we hope to expose Malaysians to the potential for sustainable energy usage and guide them to act to reduce their energy consumption.
Options:
As the third largest per capita greenhouse gas (GHG) emitter among the ten ASEAN nations, Malaysia has a responsibility to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions from all sectors, including urban households.
As a move towards this, CETDEM ran the ABC Project funded by the UNDP Global Environmental Facility (GEF) starting 1st April 2003. It built upon the previously completed project on Public Awareness on Energy Efficiency (EE) & Renewable Energy (RE) in 1999 as well as its recently completed project on Mobilising Malaysians on Climate Change (MMCC).
CETDEM plans to do this by:- exposing and building the capacity of Malaysians from various sectors, especially urban households, towards the potential of sustainable energy usage, through energy efficiency, as well as of renewable energy usage in the country
- facilitating discussions on how best to increase public awareness and action in this critical area
- developing a citizens system for assessing progress in sustainable energy usage and conservation at the local community and other levels
The purpose of this project is to make urban Malaysians more aware of the potential for sustainable energy usage and to act to reduce their ecological footprints in terms of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, through renewable energy and energy efficiency. Through this project, Malaysians will be exposed to the potential for sustainable energy usage and will be guided to act to reduce their energy consumption.
Five towns across Malaysia will be involved, namely Petaling Jaya, Kuching, Kuantan, Ipoh and Kota Kinabalu. Urban Malaysians will also be better informed and better equipped with the information and the tools to play their part in reducing their adverse impacts on climate change and unsustainable energy usage.
- We had two facilitators from each town working with CETDEM on this project
- A citizens manual has been developed to help urban households reduce their energy consumption. This manual provides information and options on how to reduce energy consumption and adopt better practices.
- Briefings have been held in Petaling Jaya, Kuching, Kuantan & Kota Kinabalu.
- Those involved in the project have completed energy audits on their homes.
- This has given them an idea of how much energy is being consumed in the home.
- A report of the audits from about 238 homes has been completed.
- An Interactive CD has beeng produced, which will help in the conducting of home energy audits.
- The output of this project will feed into the DDC project, which runs until Feb. 2007 as well as the WCPJ project
The project ended in June 2006.
WCPJ
Working with the Community on Energy Efficiency at Household Level in Petaling Jaya
WCPJ is designed as a follow through of ABC. Petaling Jaya had been selected for this pilot project.
CETDEM is to work with the Resident Associations (RAs) through the Local Municipality (namely MPPJ) to identify participating households. This select group of 50-60 participants are exposed to issues relating to energy usage in the home. Energy Efficiency (EE) is highlighted to participants to sensitise them on the importance of being efficient users of energy. The project team provides guidance and follow-up services, free of charge, throughout the project study period (April-November 2006).
An Energy Audit (EA) will be carried out by each household to establish an energy consumption baseline. The EA will form the basis for future performance comparisons.
Important dates involving the project.
The Experience
The WCPJ project officially closed on 15th December 2006.
Workshop Responses
Participants share their thoughts during workshop held on 24th June 2006..
Forms and Materials
Forms and Materials used in the project
Comments from Participants
Participants share their experience.
Did You Know
Here are some facts that we may not be aware of.
WCPJ Methodology
The WCPJ Project is divided into a 4 stages.
WCPJ
Working with the
Community on Energy Efficiency at Household Level in Petaling Jaya (WCPJ)
Energy saving options:
Easy ways to save energy
There are simple things in your everyday life that you can do to save energy.
1. In the Home
2. While Shopping
Bring along your own shopping bag to reduce the use of plastic bags.3. Transportation
4. In the Garden
WCPJ started on 16th Jan 2006 and ended in December 2006. This project was funded by ExxonMobil.
SSEEAP
Secondary School Energy Efficiency Action Project.
CETDEM has been promoting sustainable development for many years. It is time to get down to basics, and we now have the opportunity to bring our message to the schools. The Secondary School Energy Efficiency Action Project (SSEEAP) is a 12 months project managed by CETDEM with the funding from Exxon Mobil Malaysia. This project is focused on energy efficiency and conservation practices in schools. SSEEAP is promoting energy efficiency to the students, teachers and staff to reduce their energy consumption in schools which is contributing to the green house gases (GHGs) that causing global warming and climate change.
For a school to become energy efficient is not a difficult task and the most basic measures do not incur any financial cost. An energy efficiency school can also be one that actively involves students in energy saving by way of education them about the benefits of reducing energy use. This project proposed as a co-curriculum activity that would require participants from school mainly in Kuala Lumpur. There are five schools that participating in the SSEEAP, which are,
SMK Perempuan Pudu
SMK Perempuan Methodist
SMK Victoria
SMK Seri Ampang
SMK Lelaki Methodist.The activities with schools ran for about 8 months starting on April 2009 until September 2009.
A user manual book on energy efficiency, brochures, interactive CDs and posters will be distributed to the schools participating. The user manual will guide the students and teachers on how to do energy audit in schools, monitoring the energy efficiency action as well as reduce the energy consumption in schools.
SSEEAP Energy Efficiency Competition
A competition between these five schools also been held as to evaluate the practices taken by the schools in order to reduce their energy consumptions in schools. Top 3 Schools (based on judgement criteria) will receive an award, which includes cash prize, which is to be used to further improve energy efficiency (e.g. retrofit light fittings to energy saving bulbs).
SSEEAP Activities
The Official Launch of SSEEAP on 15 April 2009, at SMK Seri Ampang, Kuala Lumpur. The ceremony was launched by CETDEM Chairman, Mr. Gurmit Singh.
Energy Efficiency Talk and Energy Audit Briefing.<
Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation in schools
Simply switching of lights and equipment when not required will show excellent savings. Classroom lights are often left on all day regardless of whether daylight is sufficient or anyone is even using the room! Ensure that someone is responsible for turning lights off. This could even be an energy monitor in each class.
Newspaper Recycling in School
Composting Activities in School (Photo taken from SMK Perempuan Methodist)
Energy Efficiency Awareness Campaign from SMK Seri Ampang
Energy Efficiency Warden from SMK (P) Pudu took turns to reporrt on classes with lights or fans left on during recess time on school assembly every week. (Source: SMK (P) Pudu Energy Efficiency Final report)
INSTALLING AUTOMATIC DOOR CLOSER AT TEACHER`S ROOM by SSEEAP Energy Efficiency Committee (Source: Victoria Institution`s Energy Efficiency Final Report)
We at CETDEM believe that this project could be a start for actions among students, teachers and staff to practice energy efficiency in schools. Schools are ideally placed to take a lead within communities to reduce the GHGs emissions that cause and global warming and climate change.
DDC
Demonstration & Documentation Center for Sustainable Energy Solutions for Urban Households
CETDEM, which always promotes the sustainable use of energy and energy efficiency, launched this project on 1st March, 2004. The aim of this project is to enhance public awareness on this issue by sharing information and demonstrating sustainable energy solutions. The main target group are urban households who have comfortable houses with air-conditioning and hot water supply. This project can educate Malaysians to contribute to sustainable development by promoting renewable energy as a “fifth fuel” and to increase awareness among urban households about sustainable – energy solutions.
DDC was launched on 1st March 2004 with funding from the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA). The project officially ended on 28th February 2007.
A documentation & demonstration centre on sustainable energy usage has been established in an urban house in Petaling Jaya. The results from the operation of this demonstration centre will be shared/disseminated throughout the country and reinforced with training of urban communities to conduct their own household energy audits.
Efforts will also be made to motivate housing developers and government agencies to make future housing stocks more sustainable in their energy usage. In order to ensure that the lessons are translated into policy, a National Seminar will be held towards the end of the project period to propose a comprehensive National Energy Policy.
Since no such demonstration house exists in the country, it would be a pioneering and modelling effort to have such a demonstration house in Malaysia. Its success would encourage more middle class Malaysians to undertake changes when they next renovate their homes.
In addition, it would provide housing developers of a new approach in building for a growing market of discerning buyers. The Ministry of Housing & Local Government could be motivated to draft an action plan to promote such housing in the 9th Malaysia Plan.
The multiplier effect is certainly possible but by also raising the concerns about modifying lifestyles, the project would contribute towards sustainable development and in the process help the evolution of a comprehensive energy policy.
As local funding for such a project is still not forthcoming. DANIDA support is needed in order to advance existing Danced support in the energy, climate change & NGO sectors in Malaysia.
The Danish partner for this project is The Danish Organisation for Renewable Energy (OVE) that was founded in 1975. OVE is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation (NGO) working for an energy policy based 100% on the use of renewable and sustainable energy.
Call us to find out more!
House visits are available by appointment. Kindly give us advance notice of 1 week minimum.
We also conduct briefings to interested houseowners, building professionals, government agencies and school children.
Tel: 03 – 7875 7767; Fax: 03 – 7875 4039
Email: mailto:%20ed@@cetdem.org.my
Demo House – Open for Visits:
As part of the demonstration effort of the project, we have renovated a house in SS2, Petaling Jaya, Selangor to achieve a comfortable temperature the sustainable way. The demo house also utilises the sun to generate electricity and produce hot water.
Although this house does not have air-conditioning, it is quite cool indoor even on a hot sunny day. After renovation works, we have been consistently getting indoor temperatures around 28-30 °C during the day.
Whats more, we are making available publicly the renovation work, its cost and other measures taken to achieve this comfort.
Renovation efforts
The home gains heat mainly from the roof and secondly through the windows.
Therefore, the first step we have taken is to insulate the roof with rockwool and provide a “breathing space” between the insulation layer and the roof tiles. The attic space is also kept cool by ventilation.
Then we shaded the windows from direct sunlight with aluminum sunshades and lots of plants.
Plants are really good at providing shade. They look pretty, create oxygen, cool down the air and may attract a wandering squirrel. What more can you ask for?
Besides shading the windows, we also actively manage ventilation of the demo house. Let us first of all visually split the house into 2 sections – the first floor and the ground floor.
The first floor windows are opened in the evening and left open during the night to bring in the cool night air. Throughout the day, the windows are kept closed to avoid the hot afternoon air from entering the house. Heat from cooking is taken out by an exhaust fan.
Because no one resides in the ground floor during the night, for security reasons, the windows are opened only early in the morning and closed by late morning. But an exhaust fan at the back of the house is turned on from 9pm until 8am to draw cool air into the house through air vents in the front of the house.
A photovoltaic (PV) panel and solar hot water system is installed on the roof to utilise the power of the sun.
The PV panel generates electricity that is sold to the grid. At the end of the month, the electricity bill will show a net of electricity used and sold.
You are welcome to see our demonstration house.
For enquiries or appointment, call 03 – 7875 7767.
We welcome groups of 5 – 10 visitors for each visit, but require 2 weeks notice in advance.
Other Events:
Seminars, Briefings, Talks & Courses…
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Upcoming visits
By your request
Visits are conducted on pre-arranged Saturdays morning for groups of 5-10 persons. Kindly give us 1 week notice before your scheduled visit.
Please call Anthony Tan at 03-7875 7767 to book a date.
Click here for a map to the house
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Organic Farming Initiatives
Courses on Organic Farming & Kitchen Gardening for year 2006 will be announced soon.
Tips:
Boil water using a gas stove instead of electric, then store hot water in a thermos flask for the household needs.
This project ended in February 2007. Danida funded this project.
