Efficient energy use in government buildings cuts costs
The ministry highlighted this during a recent seminar aimed at promoting energy-saving practices among civil servants.
The seminar, part of the Malaysia Energy Literacy Programme (MELP), focused on no-cost energy efficiency measures outlined in a directive issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government last April.
Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir noted that government buildings, including offices, schools, and hospitals, are major energy consumers, with monthly electricity bills reaching RM260 million.
'Implementing no-cost energy efficiency measures could save the government three to five per cent in utility costs,' he said.
Simple steps like setting air conditioning to at least 24°C and switching off unused lights and appliances were emphasised as effective, low-effort solutions.
PETRA stated that such initiatives align with Malaysia MADANI's sustainability principles.
The seminar saw participation from 150 representatives across 49 ministries and agencies, fostering collaboration on energy conservation. - Bernama
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KUALA LUMPUR: Efficient energy use in government buildings can significantly lower utility costs and support Malaysia's sustainable energy transition, according to the Ministry of Energy Transition and Water Transformation (PETRA). The ministry highlighted this during a recent seminar aimed at promoting energy-saving practices among civil servants. The seminar, part of the Malaysia Energy Literacy Programme (MELP), focused on no-cost energy efficiency measures outlined in a directive issued by the Chief Secretary to the Government last April. Deputy Minister Akmal Nasrullah Mohd Nasir noted that government buildings, including offices, schools, and hospitals, are major energy consumers, with monthly electricity bills reaching RM260 million. 'Implementing no-cost energy efficiency measures could save the government three to five per cent in utility costs,' he said. Simple steps like setting air conditioning to at least 24°C and switching off unused lights and appliances were emphasised as effective, low-effort solutions. PETRA stated that such initiatives align with Malaysia MADANI's sustainability principles. The seminar saw participation from 150 representatives across 49 ministries and agencies, fostering collaboration on energy conservation. - Bernama
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SINGAPORE: It is no longer feasible nor practical for Singapore to avoid working towards a net-zero future, said Dr Tan See Leng (pic), Singapore's Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology. Fluctuations in the prices of fossil fuels due to geopolitical conflicts have driven up energy prices. Dealing with the impacts of climate change, such as rising sea levels, is also critical for Singapore, he said. 'Energy is existential for us, just like water was existential in the 90s,' said Dr Tan in his first formal interview as Minister-in-charge of Energy and Science & Technology on July 21. The portfolio sits under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and was created in the latest round of Cabinet changes in May. Dr Tan was previously Second Minister for Trade and Industry, and he continues to helm the Manpower Ministry in the new Cabinet. 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During the 90-minute interview, Dr Tan fielded a range of questions about Singapore's energy future, from developments in the Asean power grid, to the country's exploration of nuclear and geothermal energy, and the role of emerging technologies such as carbon capture and storage. He acknowledged that Singapore's energy transition will result in higher costs, and said the Government will provide support to help people cope. For example, utility rebates such as the U-Save rebates help households to offset utility expenses, while climate vouchers are meant to encourage them to switch to green appliances. Meanwhile, he said the Government will work with businesses such as through energy efficiency grants to help them manage this impact. 'It is not going to be possible for the cost to not go up,' Dr Tan said. 'But what we will endeavour to do is to manage that gradient... and supplement it with rebates, with grants to help our local population, our households and businesses.' 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It will not only help Asean achieve its net-zero ambitions earlier, he said, but also bring about economic growth to the countries. 'Given the vast amount of potential that is within Asean itself, you could unlock significant economic opportunities,' he added. A US-Singapore study on energy connectivity in South-East Asia had assessed that building the Asean power grid can generate US$2 billion (S$2.6 billion) annually in research and development, and create as many as 9,000 jobs a year. Asked if the breakdown of multilateralism around the world helped to focus attention on the importance of the regional grid, Dr Tan said: 'I think that in a way, we've all been encouraged as a result of all of the recent developments.' He added: 'I don't think there's any one major particular push. It's a whole series of nudges. I think the tariffs could also be one of those reminders to encourage all of us to come together and work even more closely as one united Asean.' 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'I think it will attract significant investments, both from public capital, private capital, and even longer-term philanthropic capital.' Going forward, Dr Tan said natural gas will likely remain a core pillar in Singapore's energy mix. But its share will change depending on the development of technologies. 'A good position for Singapore is that by the mid-2040s, natural gas will be around just slightly below 50 per cent of our mix,' he said. - The Straits Times/ANN
