2008-09-03 - In the third part of our series on efforts to raise energy efficiency at our own facilities, we turn to Asia. A service facility in Singapore has reduced energy consumption by 15 percent in 2007 compared with 2005 by establishing some basic ground rules of energy use.
By ABB Communications
The Tuas factory specializes in servicing turbochargers and electrical machinery. In 2007, site managers implemented an energy reduction program that resulted in monthly savings of 12,600 kilowatt-hours, equivalent to the monthly power needs of 34 average-sized Singapore apartments.
The site implemented and communicated energy-saving guidelines. Energy consumption was reduced even though revenues increased by 16 percent over the same period.
“The first step in a successful environmental campaign is the support of senior managers,” said Wong Chee Fai, sustainability officer at Tuas. “Our management agreed that a change in the habits, behavior and attitude of all employees was needed, and we attribute our successful results to the full cooperation of our staff.”
The site implemented and communicated energy-saving guidelines, and informed staff to adapt these to their routines. Staff would have to switch off all lights and air conditioners after office hours and if they needed to work late, should only switch on air conditioning and lights for the required area.
If needing to work late, staff could switch on air conditioning and lights for the required area only. “The lighting in the facility was grouped, so the lights could be turned off in sections, instead of having the entire factory floor lit,” explained Wong.
Administrators were made aware of the switches that were used to operate the different light groups, so that when a section is not in use, they can switch off the lights.
In addition to the lighting, regular service and maintenance of air conditioning units began, and all thermostats were set to around 25 degrees Celsius.
Staff would have to switch off all lights and air conditioners after office hours.“With ABB’s experience in building management systems, we can help more buildings in Singapore become more energy efficient,” said James Foo, ABB country manager in Singapore. “There is still potential within our own facilities to save energy using motion control, timers etc. Currently, we are looking into the feasibility of upgrading our Tuas factory for ‘Green Mark’ certification, which is awarded after a review by the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).”
Tuas is not the only facility in Singapore that is looking to help the environment, explained Foo: “Another simple yet exciting initiative is that we are installing skylight fittings at our transformer factory at Gul, which will not only brighten the environment with natural daylight, but could also save energy since we are able to reduce the number of lighting points required."
| In 2005, the Tuas site consumed 75,158 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month; as a result of the energy saving efforts, this was reduced to 62,580 kilowatt-hours per month by 2007, for an annual total energy savings of 151,000 kilowatt-hours. |