Energy Management and Energy Audits in Small Island Developing States
Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and yet is still heavily dependent on expensive fossil fuel imports to meets its energy needs including the generation of electricity. In particular, the high cost of oil imports has resulted in the relatively high price of electricity, goods and services in the country. Consequently, decreasing the amount of electricity and fossil fuel used can provide significant financial benefits to consumers while playing a central role in tackling the climate crisis through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
Overall, improving energy efficiency and conservation through proper energy management practices can positively impact SIDS’ economy by not only reducing energy waste and saving money but it can also contribute to bolstering the country’s energy security and can deliver financial benefits to public budgets through increased income and lower expenses. Several SIDS has prioritised energy efficiency and conservation in various sectors including strengthening the capacity of its citizens to undertake energy assessments of their homes and businesses, to identify cost saving measures and to reduce their energy consumption. In particular, emphasis is also being placed on the active engagement of young people in the energy transition as they are key actors in raising awareness as well as driving social change, innovation and environmental protection.
Recognising the challenges that SIDS are facing with their natural environment being vulnerable to climate change impacts and with heavy dependence on fossil fuels with high price volatility, the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) through the SIDS Lighthouses Initiative (LHI) is providing support to SIDS energy transition through the uptake of renewables and energy efficiency. In this regard, this two day webinar which targeted homeowners, students, youth and other participants, aimed to provide an introduction to energy conservation and management with a focus on the conduct of home energy assessments.
Through the home energy assessment, the webinar provided insight on:
- The amount of energy the household uses
- How to manage and reduce electricity consumption at home through a range of energy saving measures and best practices
- How to calculate financial savings generated
Day 1