Achieving Energy Efficiency in Buildings that Utilize Subsidized Electrical Energy

摘要

This article explores the potential of improving energy efficiency in buildings that utilize subsidized electrical energy. As an example, in Kuwait the government subsidizes 85 percent of the cost of electricity. In addition, the customer pays a fixed figure cost that is 2 fils/kWh (0.006 $/kWh). This led to an escalation in the demand for electrical energy, until it reached alarming levels in 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 article aims to control the wastage in building energy consumption, particularly in office buildings, and improve 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, historical building 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 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. Although the energy audit was actually conducted in a single office building, the savings were reflected in 800 office buildings 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 CO_2. This article concludes that the foreseen benefits of improving buildings' energy efficiency on the national level outweigh those on the individual level. For that reason, it is suggested that the government adopt a national energy efficient building operation campaign.