30 percent energy savings possible in buildings by using technologies: ECCT

To demonstrate the effectiveness of these technologies in Taiwan, a computer simulation was developed and run at the National Taipei University of Technology. The results of the simulation using real climate data and typical user patterns show a potential 30 percent reduction in both energy usage and carbon emissions in office buildings and residential high rises.

To put this number into perspective, reducing energy usage by 30 percent translates into a saving of NT$46 billion, a reduction of 19.5 billion kilowatt hours in electricity usage and a drop in CO2 emissions of 12 million tons, which is equivalent to taking 2.8 million cars off the roads for a year.

The report details a number of ways buildings can be made more energy efficient. In a tropical climate like Taiwan, these include improving the shading and insulation of building envelopes to reduce the need for air-conditioning. For example, building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) modules create a source of power while at the same time can act as a form of shade. Meanwhile, upgrading heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, lighting and water pumps can reduce energy consumption considerably.

The report recommends setting up an inter-ministerial task force to develop new regulations for Taiwan to improve building code standards, introduce incentive programs and a number of other measures to promote the use of environmentally-friendly technology.

It also recommends showcasing the potential of new technologies on existing and new buildings in at least four projects as well as promoting educational and outreach programs. The report concludes that the recommendations will prove ineffectual unless the issues of energy efficiency and the long-term goal of carbon emission reduction are championed at the highest levels of government.

Therefore, the report emphasizes that important policy decisions such as a timeline for emission reductions or carbon taxation versus a cap-and trade system should be made within the framework of international standards that are currently under development.

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