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Energy Conservation
Compact Fluorescent Lamps ( CFL), Solar Geyzer, Photovoltaic Panel Powering security lamp
Energy Conservation
The only source of coal in Botswana is the Morupule electricity plant which uses coal. Burning coal releases Carbon dioxide gas and Sulphur dioxide. These gases are very harmful to the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide is a Green house gas which means that it damages the ozone layer.
The ozone layer is responsible for keeping the temperatures regulated. Its depletion results in hotter climates. When sulphur dioxide comes into contact with rain, it contaminates the raindrops forming sulphuric acid and we receive acid rain. This acid rain is harmful to the vegetation and animals.
It therefore is important that the electricity which comes out of the plant be used wisely for its most important needs. We cannot afford to waste a single ounce of energy.
Botswana has ratified the Kyoto protocol. The protocol seeks to address the effects of Climate Change in the world. It advocates for cleaner technologies to be used to minimize Greenhouse gas emissions as well as Adaptation technologies that would enable states to better deal with problems that arise due to climate change. For example; increasing the carbon efficiency in Morupule would reduce the carbon emissions.
Botswana also has an abundant source of renewable energy that we currently are not harnessing satisfactorily. As an economy that is highly import based there is an opportunity through solar energy to reduce our import bills by using more of the solar energy to heat water and to light houses. We are currently importing about 75% of our electricity from South Africa.
An energy efficient house, which is retrofitted with Compact fluorescent lamps and solar geyzers, could save the electricity bills by half.
CFL bulbs are more durable and consume much less than the incandescent bulbs. Most importantly they do not emit HEAT!! Therefore you don’t have to switch on the fan!!
Energy Efficiency when Building a House
Botswana is a very hot country and as a result air conditioning is becoming a necessity these days. Air conditioners are the number 1 consumer of electricity in households. However you can save a lot of money through constructing a more energy efficient house.
- Just by aligning your house in the North-West direction you minimize the heat that get into the house in the summer and optimize it in winter.
- Providing shades to the windows reduces the amount of direct sunlight.
- Insulating the roof to minimize heat transfer from the roof and maintaining a constant room temperature
- Installing a solar geyzer that has an electric switch to take advantage of the hot days in Botswana
To read more information about energy conservation
Reduce Fridge and Freezer Costs |
Reduce Fridge and Freezer Costs |
Even though fridges and freezers don’t use a lot of electricity each hour, their running costs can be high since they are always on. Make sure you check the condition and age of your major appliances, especially the refrigerator. If you have a very old refrigerator think of replacing it before it dies. |
Make sure that the doors are always closed. |
Replace old door seals as they let heat get in. |
The cooling system at the back of the fridge should always be clean. |
Don’t put hot food in a fridge. |
Place the freezer/fridge in a cool place away from direct sunlight. |
Always defrost your fridge. More ice means more electricity being used. |
It is more efficient to keep your fridge three quarters full rather than empty. |
| If you have an extra fridge or freezer that you don’t really need switch it off. |
Make sure you know what you want before you open your fridge. |
Avoid placing fridges too close to the wall. |
Reduce Washing and Drying Costs |
Energy Saving Tips |
| Rotating your dryer or washing machine does not use a lot of electricity, BUT it is the drying of the clothes and heating the water which uses energy. Water heating constitutes 90% of the energy use. The main energy conservation strategy is to use cooler wash, rinse cycles and to reduce water usage. |
Wash only when you have a full load. |
Wash your clothes in cold or warm water and rinse them in cold water. |
Dry your clothes outside where possible. |
Choose a washing machine that offers plenty of choices for energy conserving wash and rinse cycles |
Watch out for features such as cold water rinse and multiple water level settings. |
Choose a machine that will allow you to select lower water levels when you are doing smaller loads. |
Front loading washing machines use much less water than top loading machines. |
How to Save Money and Energy |
Where to Find Energy Saving Bulbs |
Energy Saving Products Available in Botswana |
Simply switch from incandescent light bulbs to energy efficient Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs). |
Electrical Distributors (Broadhurst Industrial) |
Compact Fluorescent Lamps |
Turn off lights when you are not using them. |
Game Discount World ( Village Plaza ) |
Linear Fluorescent (T-8) Lamps |
Avoid having too many lights controlled by a single switch. |
Holly Radio (African Mall) |
Heaters of High Energy Efficiency |
Take advantage of natural daylight where possible. |
Metsef (Western Bypass) |
Speed Heat Showers |
Make sure that you buy appliances with low running costs. |
Trade World ( Old Lobatse Road ) |
Washing Machines |
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Air Conditioners |
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Refrigerators |
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Solar lamps |
References
Energy Affairs Household Brochure 2000
Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings 1996
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