Energy Efficiency Initiatives Research Articles

Energy Efficiency: The Market for Energy Management Systems in Nigeria

Energy efficiency and demand side management (EEDSM) are critical components of sustainable energy strategies globally. In Nigeria, implementing these practices is crucial to address the growing energy demand, enhance energy security, and mitigate environmental impacts. This paper explores Nigeria's Energy Management Systems (EMS) market, highlighting the current state of energy efficiency and demand side management initiatives, market drivers, barriers, and future prospects. The study emphasises the importance of EMS in optimising energy use and underscores the urgent need for policy recommendations. The analysis shows that despite significant challenges, there are substantial opportunities for growth in the EMS market, driven by the industrial, commercial, and public sectors. However, these opportunities can only be fully realised with the right policy support, underlining the necessity of immediate action in this area and making the audience feel the situation's urgency.

Enhanced Measurement and Verification Practices in Deep-Level Mines: The Current State

This article explores operational challenges in mining, with a focus on energy management amid depleting ore grades and rising costs. The urgent need for innovative energy management systems and strategies is highlighted by analyzing the unexplored landscape of mine energy budgeting and forecasting and identifying gaps in current practices. Drawing from the literature, this paper offers new insights into energy budgeting and the evaluation of energy efficiency initiatives by integrating traditional and advanced measurement and verification (M&V) techniques. M&V practices are crucial for energy management, particularly in deep-level mines, with a focus on practical knowledge and advanced methodologies. Key findings from this study show that integrating advanced M&V techniques with unplanned events is crucial to improve the financial management of mines. By leveraging these key findings, this article proposes a roadmap of the next seven milestones needed in advanced M&V research to aid effective energy management in a mining environment. If executed successfully, a practical method for applying advanced M&V processes to deep-level mining operations can be constructed. Such a generic method will enhance mining companies’ energy efficiency initiatives and improve financial management practices on a global scale.

Key forecasts and prospects for green transition in the region of Central Asia beyond 2022

BackgroundThe transition to energy-sustainable systems is a globally accepted concept, but it is implemented with various degrees of success around the world. The aim of this paper is to determine the status of green transition in five Central Asian countries (Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and the Kyrgyz Republic) that are among the highest energy consumers globally and the most vulnerable to climate change. Despite a notable improvement in living conditions across all countries over the past two decades, the region remains underdeveloped. Economic growth is based on the export of natural resources and remittance inflows, but the structure of the economy is monolithic.Main findingsUpon analysing transition indicators for the period 2000–2020, no evidence of significant changes towards a sustainable energy transition is found. All countries in the region (except Uzbekistan) have recorded an increase in carbon emissions, while the carbon intensity of the energy mix is almost the same. While there has been visible progress in reducing energy intensity, the countries in the region remain among the most energy-intensive economies. Despite the region’s substantial potential for renewable energy production, it remains underutilized.ConclusionsA multitude of varied problems accompanies the green transition in Central Asian countries. The energy market that has not yet been liberalised, along with significant subsidies and low energy tariffs, discourages investments in renewable energy sources and energy efficiency initiatives. A high level of corruption, rigid legislative and institutional infrastructure, and insufficient capital are additional factors that determine the speed, scope, and effectiveness of the green transition. Thus far, the primary focus in these countries has been on ensuring energy security. However, there has been a discernible surge in investments (particularly from China) in renewable energy projects. Although energy efficiency and climate change issues are formally defined, the energy transition goals are often declarative without an action plan that provides concrete steps in transition process. Strategic planing of economic development that includes all related sectors (not only the energy sector) and paying attention to socio-economic and environmental indicators of sustainable development are prerequisites for successfully implementating the energy transition in these countries.

Exploring the intersection of utilitarianism and sustainability in business: A conceptual analysis

Purpose: This research aims to elucidate the benefits commercial entities strive to accrue by implementing sustainability practices, using a conceptual analysis framework to probe into the anticipated benefits underpinning sustainability adoption. Methodology: The study employs a comprehensive literature review to define and establish a framework for utilitarianism and sustainability, focusing on their relationship and implications within the business context. Results: The research findings indicate that sustainability practices can considerably augment the utilitarian objectives of businesses. Energy efficiency initiatives, for instance, can enhance profitability by curtailing energy costs and simultaneously alleviating environmental impacts. Social responsibility endeavours can amplify brand value, solidifying customer loyalty. Elevated employee satisfaction and engagement can foster heightened productivity and competitiveness. Theoretical contribution: This study contributes to the existing body of literature by critically examining the definitions of critical terms and interrogating the ontological validity of the assumed linkage between sustainability initiatives and the anticipated benefits. It also offers a framework illustrating how businesses might integrate the principles of sustainability and utilitarianism, setting a foundation for further exploration of this theme. Practical implications: The research provides valuable insights for businesses seeking to harmonize their activities with environmental, social, and economic impacts in the pursuit of sustainability, while simultaneously aiming to maximize benefits. It underscores the importance of maintaining a delicate equilibrium between sustainability and utilitarianism, as the incorporation of sustainability principles can assist businesses in achieving their profit and benefit creation objectives, thereby fortifying their prospects for enduring success.

Cultivating Energy Conscious Communities: The Path to Increased Efficiency

This research addresses the critical need for increased energy efficiency in communities, emphasizing the pivotal role of community involvement and awareness. With the growing concern for sustainable energy practices, empowering communities to contribute to energy efficiency initiatives is imperative. Thus, the research aims to investigate and understand the role of community empowerment in increasing energy efficiency through community role and awareness. The theory applied to the research is the theory of planned behavior. A descriptive quantitative approach is employed, utilizing a structured questionnaire based on the Likert scale. Then, after the questionnaires were collected, statistical data processing was carried out using the T-test, F-test, and validity and reliability tests. The questionnaire gauges participants' perceptions and behaviors about energy efficiency, enabling a comprehensive analysis of the community's role and awareness in promoting sustainable energy practices. Preliminary findings indicate a positive correlation between community empowerment, heightened awareness, and increased energy efficiency. The Likert scale responses provide valuable insights into the areas where communities excel and areas that require targeted interventions. The data also reveal notable patterns in community behaviors and perceptions of energy consumption and conservation. In conclusion, the research underscores the significance of community empowerment as a catalyst for enhancing energy efficiency. The findings suggest that fostering community awareness and active involvement can lead to tangible improvements in sustainable energy practices. This study contributes valuable insights for policymakers, community leaders, and energy advocates seeking effective strategies to address the global energy challenge through localized, community-driven initiatives.

Demand-Side Management Optimization Using Genetic Algorithms: A Case Study

This paper addresses the optimization of contracted electricity demand (CD) for commercial and industrial entities, focusing on cost reduction within the Brazilian time-of-use electricity tariff scheme. Leveraging genetic algorithms (GAs), this study proposes a practical approach to determining the optimal CD profile, considering the complex dynamics of energy demand on a city-like load. The methodology is applied to a case study at the Federal University of Pará, Brazil, where energy efficiency and demand response initiatives as well as renewable energy projects are underway. The findings highlight the significance of tailored demand management strategies in achieving energy-related cost reduction for large-scale consumers, with implications for economic efficiency in energy consumption.

Identifying barriers and drivers for energy efficiency in steel and iron industries of Karachi, Pakistan: Insights from executives and professionals

Pakistan has faced a persistent energy deficit over the past few decades, with energy-intensive industries occupying a substantial share of energy consumption. Despite the potential for energy efficiency improvements within the industrial sector, numerous barriers hinder progress. This study identifies the barriers and drivers of energy efficiency practices specifically within the steel and iron industries of the economic hub of Pakistan. Through a questionnaire-based approach and follow-up interviews, responses were gathered from 32 executives and professionals within the steel sector, representing eight firms. Reliability analysis was conducted to ensure the robustness of the data. The analysis reveals that limited awareness and inadequate managerial commitment are significant barriers to energy efficiency initiatives. Moreover, ineffective policies and a lack of government implementation plans contribute to diminishing demand for energy-efficient technologies. However, there is a growing interest among respondents in reducing energy consumption to enhance cost-effectiveness. Key drivers such as long-term economic benefits, improved working conditions, and cost savings emerge as crucial factors motivating the adoption of energy-efficient practices. Positively, some companies have already initiated energy-saving measures, including the adoption of advanced technologies and renewable energy sources. These findings highlight the urgent need for collaborative efforts to overcome barriers and promote sustainability in steel and iron sector of Pakistan.

Establishing criteria for advancing circular economy practices in the beer industry: A case study in South Vietnam

AbstractThis study involves an extensive examination of the brewing industry, specifically focusing on Company A in South Vietnam alongside five other Vietnamese beer companies (B, C, D, E, and F). By employing a multifaceted approach that integrates Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), evaluations of emission loads, and the establishment of criteria for a circular economy model, the study aims to investigate environmental impact, waste generation, energy consumption and potential circular solutions within these breweries. The findings from the survey indicate similarities in the fundamental production processes among the surveyed factories. However, differences were noted in technological advancement and the utilization of raw materials. Challenges in acquiring data, driven by industry competitiveness, highlighted discrepancies in technology investments and the implementation of circular solutions across the breweries. Assessment of emission loads, wastewater and exhaust gas data demonstrated Company A's compliance with environmental standards. Nonetheless, comparative analysis revealed that the water and energy consumption of Company A were 1.5–2.5 times greater, with carbon emissions of 2000–6000 kgCO2eq/m3 product, compared to other breweries. The comprehensive LCA uncovered higher water and energy footprints in Company A, emphasizing potential areas for significant improvements in water usage efficiency and energy conservation. Through the creation of a preliminary set of criteria, subsequent screening, and expert consultation utilizing the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), a set of 21 criteria was established. This system supports the assessment of current brewery statuses and identifies potential pathways for improvement towards a circular economy model. Recommendations include the adoption of industry‐agriculture models, waste recycling, energy efficiency initiatives and the integration of renewable energy for sustainable development in beer production.

A state-of-the-art review of energy-efficient and renewable energy systems in higher education facilities

Amid escalating energy demands and growing environmental concerns, educational institutions are transforming into crucibles for enduring innovation. This comprehensive review summarizes the complex relationship between Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Systems (EERES) within the sphere of educational institutions. By instituting Energy Efficiency initiatives, organizations can curtail energy consumption, resulting in substantial cost savings and a diminished carbon footprint. Moreover, the integration of renewable energy technologies empowers the localized generation of electricity, ensuring a reliable and sustainable energy source. Noteworthy in this study is the novel linkage of energy usage indicators to the comfort levels experienced in university settings during both summer and winter. An exhaustive examination of consumption indicators, rooted in the diverse activities on college campuses, further enriches the investigation. Beyond technical intricacies, this study scrutinizes the economic viability, environmental advantages, and educational significance of these integrated systems. Embracing EERES not only aligns with the commitment of educational institutions to environmental stewardship but also establishes a paradigm for broader communities. These institutions aspire to exemplify sustainable practices, influencing larger societal behavior positively. Various factors, including the institution’s type, energy source, facility nature, building construction, internal activities, weather conditions, and user behavior, wield substantial influence over energy utilization. This study offers a nuanced exploration, shedding light not only on the technical dimensions but also on the broader economic, environmental, and educational implications of adopting EERES.

Shifting consumer perspectives on energy efficiency and sustainable development

The COVID-19 pandemic has undeniably transformed the landscape of people’s daily lives, influenced not only their immediate mental and physical health concerns but also reshaped their attitudes and economic behaviour in many profound ways. Among these shifts, one of the most noteworthy is the change in consumer perspectives towards energy efficiency and energy consumption. As the pandemic brought about an era of uncertainty marked with economic upheavals and unpredicted changes, it simultaneously served as a catalyst for a collective re-evaluation of priorities, particularly concerning environmental sustainability and personal consumption habits. This paper focuses on assessing how the consumer perspectives on energy efficiency and energy consumption have altered during and after the recent pandemic into the ongoing post-pandemic era. Our results have some profound implications for stakeholders and policymakers who wish to shape up the acceptance of energy efficiency initiatives leading to tackling global warming and climate change and increasing the energy resilience of the society.

THE IMPACT OF TRADE, FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT (FDI), AND ECONOMIC GROWTH ON CARBON DIOXIDE (CO2) EMISSIONS IN SELECTED ASIAN COUNTRIES

This study examines the impact of trade, foreign direct investment (FDI), and economic growth on carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Selected Asian countries for the period 1990 to 2019. The objectives of this study are (1) to investigate the relationship between trade and CO2 emission, (2) to investigate the relationship between FDI and CO2 emission, and (3) to investigate the relationship between economic growth and CO2 emission.
 This study uses ordinary least squares (OLS) method to analyze the data. Multicollinearity test, heteroskedasticity test, and serial correlation test were also used to check the stability of the model. In addition, Granger causality test was applied to this study.
 The results show that there is a significant positive correlation between economic growth and CO2 emissions. If GDP increases by 1%, the average CO2 emission will increase by 0.186%, holding other variables constant. The explanation of trade and FDI on CO2 emissions is insignificant. Multicollinearity, heteroskedasticity and serial correlation are not present in the model of this study. Finally, the results of Granger causality test show that there is no Granger causality between independent variables and dependent variable.
 The government establishes better environmental regulations and strengthens the regulation of chemical and heavy industry sectors. Promoting technological advancement and investment in new energy technologies, government focus on energy efficiency and environmental initiatives in the corporate sector can effectively curb the growth of CO2 emissions.

How many trees are required to offset the CO2 emissions from building operations? A case study of energy efficiency initiatives in Wisma R&D, Universiti Malaya building

Malaysia has pledged to GHG emissions by 45% by 2030 in light of the urgent need to reduce global emissions. One approach used by the government is to concentrate on energy sustainability programs, such as energy efficiency (EE). The success of this approach relies on the support from various parties. Persuading non-technical management and staff, however, might be particularly difficult. Hence, besides the technical-based impact, it is important to analyse the environmental and financial-based impact too. This paper portrayed the EE initiatives that could assist in reducing energy (kWh), cost (RM), and CO2 (tonne) simultaneously. The number of trees needed to neutralise or offset an emission might later be related to a reduction in CO2. A case study of Wisma R&D, UM was referred. The environmental-based impact of the lighting retrofitting projects at Wisma R&D was used in this study to illustrate the importance of EE approaches. Both parameters are obtained from the online Greentech carbon calculator. A 144,386 kWh annual savings resulted in RM 52,701 in cost savings, and a decrease of 100.2 tonnes of CO2 emissions was achieved. Ultimately, based on the decrease in CO2, 2569 fewer trees are needed to offset the emission.

Harmonized geospatial data to support infrastructure siting feasibility planning for energy system transitions

Climate change, energy system transitions, and socioeconomic change are compounding influences affecting the growth of electricity demand. While energy efficiency initiatives and distributed resources can address a significant amount of this demand, the United States will likely still need new utility-scale generation resources. The energy sector uses capacity expansion planning models to determine the aggregate need for new generation, but these models are typically at the state or regional scale and are not equipped to address the wide range of location- and technology-specific issues that are increasingly a factor in power plant siting. To help address these challenges, we have developed the Geospatial Raster Input Data for Capacity Expansion Regional Feasibility (GRIDCERF) data package, a high-resolution product to evaluate siting suitability for renewable and non-renewable power plants in the conterminous United States. GRIDCERF offers 264 suitability layers for use with 56 power plant technologies in a harmonized format that can be easily ingested by geospatially-enabled modeling software allowing for customization to robustly address science objectives when evaluating varying future conditions.

The Effect of Shading Position on The Thermal Comfort Commercial Buildings Through Energy Retrofitting

The Surabaya building sector is a prime target for energy efficiency initiatives, given its substantial contribution to overall energy consumption. Commercial buildings, often filled with glass to harness natural lighting, inadvertently raise room temperatures and increase cooling demands. Thus, ensuring thermal comfort within these structures becomes paramount. An energy use survey reveals that air conditioning accounts for a significant 62% of consumption, underscoring the need for retrofitting, especially in commercial buildings. This study centers on retrofitting strategies, focusing on the application of shading devices to glass exteriors, aimed at reducing solar heat gain and, consequently, heat transfer through the building envelope. The research investigates two shading positions: horizontal and vertical, each with specific opening angles and width variations. The Computational Fluid Dynamics method, assisted by CFD software, serves as the simulation tool, exploring shading opening angles at 0°, 30°, and 45°, and shading widths at 20% and 60% of the window glass height. Simulation results highlight the efficacy of horizontal shading, boasting a 60% width of the glass height and a 45° opening angle, which reduces temperatures by a significant 2.5278°C. Additionally, a cost-benefit analysis reveals substantial electricity consumption savings post-retrofitting, amounting to 7619.9 kWh. This translates to best-case cost savings of Rp15,586,068 and worst-case savings of Rp10,390,712, with respective payback periods of 1.57 and 2.52 years.

Energy efficiency initiatives and regulations for commercial buildings in India: a review

Energy efficiency initiatives and regulations for commercial buildings in India: a review

Nonvolatile Displays Based on Phase Change Materials

AbstractWith an increasing requirement to showcase dynamic and adaptable content for diverse purposes, ranging from interactive marketing to energy efficiency initiatives, it is vital to develop technologies that consume negligible power to display images and exhibit good sunlight legibility, rapid refresh rates, and full‐spectrum color reproduction. Nonvolatile displays based on phase change materials (NvD‐PCMs) can satisfy all the aforementioned criteria and have attracted immense attention in academia and industry. However, despite advancements in the color‐changing performance of such coatings, NvD‐PCM technology remains associated with several challenges, such as the lack of a microstructural‐origin‐based systematic explanation of the color‐generating mechanism and development of pixelated displays. This paper comprehensively reviews recent advances in NvD‐PCMs. It discusses the intrinsic properties and material selection of PCMs for display applications, summarizing the rendering mechanism for adjustable structural colors and challenges associated with nanopixel display technology, finally providing a multidimensional outlook on the future research direction in this domain. By overcoming the constraints of NvD‐PCMs and exploring their potential, this review aims to contribute to their advancement, facilitating the development of innovative display technologies that meet the increasing demands of various industries.

Expertise-based systematic guidelines for chiller retrofitting in healthcare facilities

Air Conditioning and Mechanical Ventilation (ACMV) generally consume more than half of the energy consumption in commercial buildings in a tropical region. In healthcare facilities, the ACMV systems must comply with the following crucial parameters: indoor air quality, which greatly impacts the thermal comfort of occupants, as well as pressure regime regulations and standards, particularly in critical areas. Due to the high cost of operating the ACMV system, many health facilities in Malaysia have embarked on energy efficiency initiatives. Many have replaced their chillers with magnetic-bearing chiller compressors to benefit from cost reduction. However, despite the replacement, it was found that not all healthcare facilities benefited fully from improved air condition systems other than the higher chillers' coefficient of performance obtained from the new installation. The paper's main contribution is to offer a comprehensive and systematic guideline for facility managers to evaluate healthcare facilities ACMV systems and provides solutions that match the healthcare facilities ventilation requirements standards in making effective decision before embarking chiller retrofitting. The proposed guideline is based on the experience and observation of the expertise through energy auditing of the ACMV system and chiller retrofitting evaluation at the healthcare facilities in Malaysia. It may contribute towards more cost-effective management of ACMV system at healthcare facilities in Malaysia while assisting facility managers on chiller retrofitting decision making. More importantly, the guideline has the potential to support sustainable performance of the ACMV system.

A data-driven analytic approach for investigation of electricity demand variability for energy conservation programs

Targeting and designing effective demand response and energy efficiency strategies is a challenging task owing to the variations in electricity usage patterns. To address this problem, we attempt to propose a clustering and Kullback-Leibler (KL) Divergence-based solution to understand the variability across the different consumption patterns. The proposed unsupervised approach utilized hierarchical clustering technique for segmenting the customers based on the similarity in their consumption behaviour, followed by the incorporation of the KL divergence to quantify the variability for different features of customer's load profiles. These features aid in understanding the diversity in load shapes. Depending on the different features, the results reveal that a few of the consumers having certain distinctive consumption can be easily considered as potential for demand flexibility, while others require careful consideration for program offerings. The result also shows significantly higher day-to-day variations in the clustered groups and can be managed by designing suitable behavioural modification strategies. The variability assessment of individual customer profiles helps better comprehend the diversity in usage behaviour. It leads to informed decision-making in planning demand response and energy efficiency initiatives, which was not taken into consideration in the previous studies.

Analyzing Sustainable Practices in Fashion Supply Chain

Fast fashion brands create high quantities of synthetic, petroleum-based garments that result in high levels of textile waste and emissions. To change the dreadful tag of hazardous production by fast fashion companies, top-notch fast fashion leaders started paying attention towards adopting sustainable practices, including sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) for a sustainable environment. This paper conducts a structured review of the annual reports on the topic of energy efficiency and environmental sustainability practices adopted by fashion brands in the supply chain management context. This study contrasts the sustainability reports of Reformation and Patagonia, two market leaders with compelling sustainability messaging, to assess SSCM in the fashion sector. This study tries to identify the factors and classification influencing energy efficiency and environmental sustainability initiatives that impact supply chain performance, the customer perspective based on the analysis of the data related to the sustainability of top fashion brands from their past five year annual reports.

Do coal efficiency, climate policy uncertainty and green energy consumption promote environmental sustainability in the United States? An application of novel wavelet tools

In 2020, the United States produced 4.7 billion metric tons of CO2, making it the world's second-largest polluter. To achieve the SDGs, the United States has committed to reducing net CO2 emissions by 50–52% from 2005 levels by 2030. Therefore, this study examines the co-movement between CO2 and coal efficiency, climate policy uncertainty, green energy, and green innovation using data from 1990 to 2020. To support policymakers in developing sustainable energy policies at various times, we used wavelet cohesion, wavelet correlation, wavelet coherence, and the novel causality in continuous wavelet transform to investigate these connections. The wavelet coherence and wavelet cohesion results revealed that coal efficiency contributes to reducing CO2 emissions at different frequencies and times, while climate policy uncertainty reduces CO2 emissions in the long term. Moreover, green energy consumption and green innovation improve ecological quality by reducing CO2 in the short and medium term. Furthermore, wavelet causality analysis revealed that all indicators could predict CO2 emissions at different frequencies and time periods. Based on the overall findings of this research, we recommend that policymakers in the United States support green energy and energy efficiency initiatives as the most effective ways to reduce CO2 and address other critical climate issues.