Achieving energy efficiency in buildings that utilize subsidized electrical energy

This paper explores the potential of improving energy efficiency in buildings that utilizes subsidized electrical energy. As an example, in Kuwait the government subsidizes 85% of the cost of electricity. In addition, the customer pays a fixed figure cost that is 2 fils/kWh (0.006 $/kWh). This has lead to escalation in the demand of electrical energy until it reached alarming levels at the early eighties. For this reason a code of practice for energy conservation was developed to set out limits for the electrical requirements of air-conditioning systems for buildings incorporating energy conservation measures. The code stipulates energy conservation measures and limits for different types of buildings. However, the code does not recommend measures to optimize energy consumption. In view of this, the work demonstrated in this paper aims at controlling the wastage in building energy consumption, particularly in office buildings and improving their energy efficiency. The procedures considered to achieve efficient energy utilization, focused on improving building operation strategies particularly the operation of the air-conditioning and lighting systems. The methodology involved a walk-through energy audit followed by a standard energy audit. In addition, building historical energy consumption data were collected and analyzed to determine the waste in energy consumption and thus establish opportunities for energy savings. Several energy efficient operation strategies were recommended, out of which few were actually implemented and their actual energy savings were verified. Since the improvement of the building energy efficiency involved modifications of operation strategies for the building systems, estimated savings are achieved at no cost. It was found that the savings are substantial from two different perspectives the financial and environmental one. Although, the energy audit was actually conducted to a single office building, the savings were reflected on 800 office buildings in order to determine the national benefits. The estimated national financial benefits were found to be 22 million KD (70 million $). Moreover, the predicted environmental benefit indicated a reduction in the power plants emissions by 749 million kg of CO2. This paper concluded that the foreseen benefits of improving buildings energy efficiency on the national level, outweighs those on the individual level. For that reason, it is suggested that the government should adapt a national energy efficient building operation campaign.