PETALING JAYA: Energy efficiency retrofit projects can achieve significant energy savings, with up to 40% or more depending on the condition of a building, according to a previous project carried out by local energy service companies. The project, called the Building Sector Energy Efficiency Project (BSEEP), was co-funded by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and involved input from energy service companies as well as government and private stakeholders. It aimed to propose legislation mandating energy efficiency practices in buildings and included demonstration projects to showcase the benefits of being energy efficient.
Zulkifli Zahari, president of the Malaysia Association of Energy Service Companies, highlighted the success of a previous project called the Malaysian Industrial Energy Efficiency Improvement Project (MIEEIP), which focused on energy efficiency in industries such as steel, food, cement, ceramics, pulp, and paper. The project demonstrated that, even when electricity tariffs were lower, factory owners were able to achieve returns on investments within two to three years by implementing energy efficiency measures. There was also a demonstration project that achieved a return on investment within six months through fuel switching.
On August 28, the Minister of Natural Resources, Environment, and Climate Change, Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad, announced that the government would soon introduce the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act (EECA) in the upcoming parliamentary meeting. According to the proposed Act, major electricity users and buildings of a certain size would be required to undergo energy audits. However, residential consumers would be exempt from this requirement.
Regarding the drafting of the EECA, Zulkifli explained that the process had started in 2011 and involved around 70 stakeholders. The enactment of the Act was initially targeted for 2014 but faced delays under different administrations. Nonetheless, Zulkifli emphasized that energy efficiency measures could significantly contribute to Malaysia’s target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 compared to 2005 levels.
While specific provisions within the EECA are still embargoed, Zulkifli pointed to the National Energy Transition Roadmap (NETR) launched by the Prime Minister on August 29 for some hints. Zulkifli stated that the Act would enforce mandatory audits for large commercial and industrial buildings and increase Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for equipment. He also anticipated regulations on building equipment and specific expertise to be included.
When asked about penalties for non-compliance, Zulkifli mentioned that the current regulations, known as the Efficient Management of Electrical Energy Regulations (EMEER) 2008, already impose penalties, including fines and jail terms, for non-compliance. He expected some penalties under the EECA as well, but believed there would be a grace period for affected facilities to fulfill the requirements.
In terms of the importance of the proposed EECA, Zulkifli emphasized its role in optimizing operational and energy costs for Malaysians and fulfilling the government’s climate change commitments. He highlighted that the legislation would help acquire information and data, allowing affected facilities to benchmark themselves and identify potential energy savings. Zulkifli also noted that older buildings, particularly in Kuala Lumpur, had better chances of finding energy-saving opportunities.
The amount of energy savings achievable in a building depends on various factors, such as the building’s size, mechanical and electrical installations, insulation levels, and electricity tariff structure. Zulkifli stated that many energy efficiency measures could be implemented without spending money, such as practicing good habits like turning off lights and air conditioning when not in use.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
