Because of the nuclear power shortages caused by the tsunami and earthquake in March earlier this year, Japan’s Government has asked government offices and companies to cut electricity use by 15%. They want companies to set room temperatures at a warm 28 degrees Celsius and limit their air conditioning usage.
In another attempt to use less energy, Japan’s government has launched a “Super Cool Biz” campaign to encourage workers to come to work in casual, more lightweight clothing instead of the traditional tie and suit. Workers have started coming into work in trainers, polo shirts and even in some cases flip-flops.
Cool Biz was actually launched in 2005 by Yuriko Koike, the then environment minister, but people didn’t warm to the campaign as they found it sloppy and undignified. Koike said “People have started to grow accustomed to it, with the Cool Biz campaign now being in its sixth year”.
Many local government staff in Tokyo have been starting work an hour early, coming into the office at 7.30am and leaving at 4.15pm, in an attempt to save power and exploit the early daylight hours, by using less air conditioning and lights in the office.
Different industries have also joined forces to save power. Japan’s carmakers have agreed to have Thursdays and Fridays off as their break and work on Saturdays and Sundays instead in order to avoid power shortages by using energy at off-peak times.
Japan’s government has also advised households to unplug electrical appliances when not in use, raise temperatures on their refrigerators and use electric fans instead of air conditioners.
Rob Bernard has stated the IT industry could take better measures to become more energy efficient. He claims only a small percentage are taking positive and proactive steps. This is clearly not enough! The problem appears to be the large data centres, these large facilities store digital data and massive amounts of equipment switched on all day and night.
Rob Bernard outlines ‘They don’t actively monitor and drive energy reduction. The problem is behaviour change – not technology. The first thing to do is have a governance model which has the IT department, the real estate facilities department and the financial officers all working together.”
The efficiency of data centres and cloud computing could be changed. Last November Microsoft realised a report that found cloud computing solutions in larger organisations could reduce energy use by 30%, including carbon emissions. By taking small steps all IT organisations should eventually become more energy efficient.
Newcastle International Airport has taken energy saving very seriously. They are proud to announce 2010 as their successful green year. 2010 saw staff operating the airport in a fully sustainable manner; they were able to take part in a number of initiatives that improved environmental practices.
Airport staff increased the number of recycling bins and found ways to cut energy use. Energy saving also covered their use of heating and air conditioning. Their dedicated energy team are constantly finding ways to improve eco-friendly initiatives.
A simple explanation to describe the way air conditioning works is ‘it cools the air and removes dust and dirt through a filter. This lowers humidity and makes the temperature of the air comfortable to be in’. Although this is a fantastic solution to warm, hot and sticky days it will also account for most of your house hold budget.
I have researched and found various ways you can save energy and money through air conditioning, the first most important step is to buy a reasonable sized air conditioner for your property.
Air Conditioner Size
Unit size is important because if you choose one too big for your room it will not work as effectively. Cooling the room down way to quickly and making you feel cold and uncomfortable. Turning the unit on and off frequently wastes electricity.
A unit too small can get over worked and still will not cool your room down. You will probably have this on all the time, again it will waste electricity.
Size is one of the most important factors to consider, the best thing to do is seek a professional opinion before having anything installed.
High efficiency air conditioning appliances
Always make energy efficiency an important factor to consider. If it’s higher priced it is considered a great purchase because the cost to operate it is less.
Installation
If you are installing your unit or hiring a professional make sure all specific installation instructions are followed carefully. An improperly installed product can waste a lot of energy and electricity. You will need to ensure your electrical system meets the correct requirements and is not exposed to the sun. Install on a even surface that is flat.
If you are not sure about any of the above always consult a professional.
Air Conditioning Maintenance and Operation
Clean and replace air filters, if they get to dust this can effect the way your unit works and waste electricity. During the colder season, cover your unit and store away.
Make sure furniture does not obstruct the air conditioning vents, it needs space to work.
Contact Use
For further information please
complete the form below.
In another attempt to use less energy, Japan’s government has launched a “Super Cool Biz” campaign to encourage workers to come to work in casual, more lightweight clothing instead of the traditional tie and suit. Workers have started coming into work in trainers, polo shirts and even in some cases flip-flops.
Cool Biz was actually launched in 2005 by Yuriko Koike, the then environment minister, but people didn’t warm to the campaign as they found it sloppy and undignified. Koike said “People have started to grow accustomed to it, with the Cool Biz campaign now being in its sixth year”.
Many local government staff in Tokyo have been starting work an hour early, coming into the office at 7.30am and leaving at 4.15pm, in an attempt to save power and exploit the early daylight hours, by using less air conditioning and lights in the office.
Different industries have also joined forces to save power. Japan’s carmakers have agreed to have Thursdays and Fridays off as their break and work on Saturdays and Sundays instead in order to avoid power shortages by using energy at off-peak times.
Japan’s government has also advised households to unplug electrical appliances when not in use, raise temperatures on their refrigerators and use electric fans instead of air conditioners.
Microsoft’s environment chief claims IT industry needs to be more energy efficient
Rob Bernard has stated the IT industry could take better measures to become more energy efficient. He claims only a small percentage are taking positive and proactive steps. This is clearly not enough! The problem appears to be the large data centres, these large facilities store digital data and massive amounts of equipment switched on all day and night.
Rob Bernard outlines ‘They don’t actively monitor and drive energy reduction. The problem is behaviour change – not technology. The first thing to do is have a governance model which has the IT department, the real estate facilities department and the financial officers all working together.”
The efficiency of data centres and cloud computing could be changed. Last November Microsoft realised a report that found cloud computing solutions in larger organisations could reduce energy use by 30%, including carbon emissions. By taking small steps all IT organisations should eventually become more energy efficient.
A green energy saving year for Newcastle International Airport
Newcastle International Airport has taken energy saving very seriously. They are proud to announce 2010 as their successful green year. 2010 saw staff operating the airport in a fully sustainable manner; they were able to take part in a number of initiatives that improved environmental practices.
Airport staff increased the number of recycling bins and found ways to cut energy use. Energy saving also covered their use of heating and air conditioning. Their dedicated energy team are constantly finding ways to improve eco-friendly initiatives.
Top Energy Saving & Air Conditioning Tips
A simple explanation to describe the way air conditioning works is ‘it cools the air and removes dust and dirt through a filter. This lowers humidity and makes the temperature of the air comfortable to be in’. Although this is a fantastic solution to warm, hot and sticky days it will also account for most of your house hold budget.
I have researched and found various ways you can save energy and money through air conditioning, the first most important step is to buy a reasonable sized air conditioner for your property.
Air Conditioner Size
Unit size is important because if you choose one too big for your room it will not work as effectively. Cooling the room down way to quickly and making you feel cold and uncomfortable. Turning the unit on and off frequently wastes electricity.
A unit too small can get over worked and still will not cool your room down. You will probably have this on all the time, again it will waste electricity.
Size is one of the most important factors to consider, the best thing to do is seek a professional opinion before having anything installed.
High efficiency air conditioning appliances
Always make energy efficiency an important factor to consider. If it’s higher priced it is considered a great purchase because the cost to operate it is less.
Installation
If you are installing your unit or hiring a professional make sure all specific installation instructions are followed carefully. An improperly installed product can waste a lot of energy and electricity. You will need to ensure your electrical system meets the correct requirements and is not exposed to the sun. Install on a even surface that is flat.
If you are not sure about any of the above always consult a professional.
Air Conditioning Maintenance and Operation
Clean and replace air filters, if they get to dust this can effect the way your unit works and waste electricity. During the colder season, cover your unit and store away.
Make sure furniture does not obstruct the air conditioning vents, it needs space to work.
Contact Use
For further information please complete the form below.
Or contact us on:
01932 564 635
sales@gtrefrigeration.co.uk