Energy efficiency needs behavioral change: Study

Synopsis:

A study in Bangalore found that to improve Energy efficiency we need to improve behavioural change and start shifting towards energy-efficient appliances.

Introduction:

Recently, a study in Bengaluru examined the usage of thermal comfort services like space cooling and water heating and their impact on energy efficiency. The study highlighted the need for efficient appliances and behavioural change to improve energy efficiency.

About the Study:

A survey was conducted among 403 households in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The survey collected data related to various aspects of users such as their income, the appliances owned by them, household demographics and time and duration of use of appliances.

The report of the survey was published as “A Policy-driven approach to demand management from space cooling and water heating appliances: insights from a primary survey of urban Bengaluru” recently.

Key findings of the study:

1. The study found that efficient electrical appliances in households form a major role in lowering the electricity demand.
2. The study also found voluntary behaviour changes also play a key role in electricity demand.
3. The study examined the use of fans and found out these are used approximately 12 hours a day. On average, a low-efficiency fan consumes approximately 75 watts (W), while five-star fans consume 50 W. So, an energy-efficient fan can save approximately 110 units per year per fan

Various initiatives towards energy efficiency:

• Domestic Efficiency Lighting Programme (DELP): It is a Programme under the UJALA programme. The plan offers LED bulbs at 20-40 per cent of the market price and provides a monthly payment plan for low-income households
• The India Cooling Action Plan (ICAP): India is the first country in the world to develop such a document (ICAP). It is launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
  • The plan aims to provide sustainable cooling and thermal comfort for all while securing environmental and socio-economic benefits for society.
  • The plan provides a 20-year roadmap (2017-18 to 2037-38) and recommendations, to address the cooling requirements across sectors
  • Objectives of the ICAP:
    • Reduction of cooling demand across sectors by 20% to 25 % by the year 2037-38.
    • Reducing the refrigerant demand by 25% to 30% by the year 2037-38.
    • Reduction of cooling energy requirements by 25% to 40% by the year 2037-38.
• Private power distribution companies like Tata Power Co Ltd and Reliance Energy in Mumbai provide schemes to exchange old fans for efficient ones.

Source: Down To Earth