Energy-efficient measures can reduce power bills by as much as 25%
SOME of the earliest shophouses in Melaka were built in the late 18th century. The traditional shoplots used to house businesses on the ground floor while the family lived on the upper floor.
The architects of old constructed the buildings in such a way that they not only offered protection from rain, but could cope with the humid weather and scorching tropical heat.
Long before recycling and renewable energy became trendy, olden-day builders already knew how to make the most out of natural resources, conserve energy and be more fuel-efficient.
The ceilings were extra high, not only to give the perception of spaciousness, but to let in more natural light and ventilation.
Air wells were introduced to brighten and cool the interior, and was an avenue for the heat to dissipate.
Combed doors and louvred windows provided natural ventilation, while terracotta tiles on lime concrete bare floors allowed the ground moisture to rise and cool the room.
Fast forward to the 21st century when urbanisation is progressing at a rapid pace and smart cities are looked upon as a solution for better use of resources and a more sustainable environment; architects today might well take a page from the past.
Building sustainable smart cities
The United Nations predict that two thirds of the world population will be living in cities by 2050 – which means there will be a huge strain on resources and higher consumption of energy.
It makes sense then to develop a smart city vision and focus on more energy-efficient and sustainable buildings, especially considering how the building sector accounts for about 40% of primary energy usage.
In the long run, green buildings are projected to give better economic savings in terms of energy, maintenance and operational cost savings.
Energy-efficient buildings follow a bioclimatic architectural approach in which the shape, direction and in-built functions all work synergistically to improve energy consumption and maximise the building’s energy performance.
By employing smart energy-efficient measures and renewable energy as a source of power, energy bills can be reduced as much as 25%.
Smart city solutions are also about intelligent town planning and management, and improving connectivity and quality of life for the residents.
This means incorporating sustainable infrastructure, environmental conservation and waste management to combat climate change and air pollution.
What is energy efficiency?
Efficient use of energy means using less energy to power the same equipment or services, and eliminating energy waste.
While it may seem like the same thing, there is a difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency.
Conserving energy is more about adopting behaviour that results in using less energy such as choosing to use the stairs instead of the elevator or switching off lights that are not in use.
We use energy for cooking, heating and cooling rooms, manufacturing, lighting, transportation and a host of other applications. By making a conscious choice to use more energy-efficient products and processes, energy costs are lowered, reliance on energy imports lessened and greenhouse gas emissions reduced.
For example, a 12-watt LED bulb can produce the same amount of light as a 60-watt regular bulb but uses 75-80% less energy. At home, small steps such as using LED light bulbs, energy-efficient cooling and heating systems, energy-efficient appliances and installing solar panels go a long way in lowering utility expenses.
On a larger scale, manufacturing facilities consume the most energy so it is imperative to evaluate energy usage to determine how consumption can be reduced.
Lighting, machinery and equipment, and air-conditioning are often the main energy guzzlers. To enhance energy efficiency and sustainability measures, smart grid technologies can help to improve operations, maintenance and power supply.
Apart from constructing new green buildings, retrofitting existing buildings is another way to bring energy costs down.
Repurposing buildings is the sustainable way to give older developments a new lease of life – thanks to energy-saving solutions such as maximising natural lighting and adding green spaces, installing rooftop photovoltaic solar panels for renewable energy, smart thermostats, energy-efficient window glazing and ventilation louvres.
Leading green countries
Generally, buildings and construction projects have been identified as key contributors to global carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, accounting for 39% of total emissions.
As such, government agencies and the private sector are paying more attention to green initiatives and making concerted efforts to draw up sustainability policies.
Under the Paris Agreement 2015, Asian countries have pledged to reduce emission intensity up to 65% by 2030. As one of the signatories, Malaysia has pledged to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 45% (based on 2005 emission intensity levels) by 2030.
Malaysia was a participant in the recent 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP 26), and as part of our commitment, we are focusing on sustainability as one of the key drivers under the 12th Malaysia Plan.
As announced in the recent Budget 2022, a growing expenditure has been allocated for sustainability initiatives towards efforts to becoming a carbon-neutral nation by 2050.
Malaysia has also activated the National Energy Efficiency Action Plan 2016-2025 to encourage the adoption of energy efficiency through reducing electricity demand growth by 8% over a 10-year period – resulting in a total reduction in CO2 emissions by 38 million tonnes.
The Green Investment Tax Allowance for the purchase of green technology assets and Green Income Tax Exemption on the use of green technology services have also been extended until 2023.
In Asia, Singapore leads the charge as it has managed to green 43% of its buildings as of December 2020 – an impressive effort towards the Building and Construction Authority (BCA)’s target of 80% by 2030.
On top of BCA’s push for higher energy performance, there has been a 14% improvement in energy efficiency recorded for commercial buildings compared more than a decade ago. This translates to 1,000 gigawatt hours in energy amounting to S$200mil (RM617mil) in savings per year.
Among the top cities deemed energy efficient and recognised globally for their efforts in reducing carbon footprint and conserving resources are Copenhagen (Denmark) and Vancouver (Canada).
A third of Copenhagen’s population commute on bicycles daily while widespread green roofs not only provide insulation for its residents, but slow down absorption of water into drains and sewers.
The city also sources part of its renewable energy from a large offshore wind farm.
Vancouver is on track to becoming the world’s greenest city, having the lowest carbon emissions per capita in North America.
It uses hydroelectric power as 90% of its energy source, not to mention the host of incentives for its residents who take up energy efficiency programmes.
Unlike other loftier sustainability goals, energy efficiency is something which everyone can do as it is the easiest to achieve and the most effective.
If homeowners, offices and big industries all work together to bring about change, there is a realistic hope in a reduction in energy costs and greenhouse effect.
UOB Malaysia has launched Asia’s first integrated financing platform, U-Energy, to help businesses and homeowners save on electricity bills, cut carbon emissions and achieve their sustainability goals. For more information on U-Energy, visit www.UOBgroup.com/u-energy
