Carlosfelipe Pardo (Moderator) from Colombia, 14 June 2012
Where does the energy saved with Energy Efficient Buildings go?
It is globally known that 40% of the electricity generated is used in buildings alone. In Africa, the rapid urbanization implies increasing demand of modern energy, which already exceeds the supply. Over 40% of urban dwellers in the Sub-Sahara region have no access to electricity. How to ensure that the energy saved with Energy Efficiency initiatives are used to enhance energy access to the urban poor?
ALEMFACK EFOZO NELLY-DIANE from Cameroon, 14 June 2012HI Carlosfeipe could you give me an example of technology that promotes energy efficiency? I have an idea on improved stoves for cooking and hybrid solar dryers to dry foods. is it what you are talking about?
Marja Edelman (Moderator) from Kenya, 18 June 2012Hi Alemfack, the most important strategy to promote energy efficiency in buildings is their own architecture. In other words, a building constructed according to the local climate, making use of passive building design options such as good orientation, adequate windows positioning, sun shading, suitable local materials, maximization of natural light and ventilation can consume much less energy than a conventional building.
Regarding technologies, a highly efficient technology with a good cost-benefit is the solar water heaters (SWH) for hot water production. It uses solar energy to heat the water. The Solar Homes Systems (SHS) also use solar energy, but to produce electricity for housing appliances.
ALEMFACK EFOZO NELLY-DIANE from Cameroon, 18 June 2012hello Maria!
I will answer with an example of improved stoves. I think this technology should be widespread throughout the tropics. using the example of Cameroon for example, populations of the tropical face many difficulties to find the wood to cook food hunt. they use the dried straw. then I think we should really educate people to become familiar with these techniques. for what you speak of SHS, it is not yet manufactured in Africa then it will transfer technologies to popularize the use of these lamps there. I am indeed an actor and witness of the success of the popularization of photovoltaic in communities because I work in a solar electrification project for remote communities of the existing electrical network I can send you pictures if you wish.
Sebastian Lange (Moderator), 15 July 2012Hi Alemfack,
it would be great, if you can share some pictures and some additional remarks on your project with us here.. :-)
A remark on the question of manufacturing SWH in Africa. I believe this is one of the biggest business opportunities of our time (I live and work in and from Nairobi, Kenya). SWH are quiet easy to build, I believe. There are very sophisticated versions with stainless steal tank-intank solutions etc. for a lot of money on the market today, but such systems can also work in much simpler designs. There is a market all the way from the southern tip of the continent over the highlands up to Kenya.
I believe it is only a matter of time until someone in Africa picks it up and starts to build them at an affordable level and to the benefit of the people..
Marja Edelman (Moderator) from Kenya, 20 June 2012You are right when you say this technology should be widespread. Besides the difficulty in finding raw materials, most of these stoves are placed in environments with inadequate natural ventilation, which affects the indoor air quality. Indeed, awareness of renewable energy technologies cost-benefits, demystifying them, architecture appropriated to the local climate and capacity building are key pieces to increase energy efficiency in buildings. I would be glad to see your pictures!
SILENOU DEMANOU Blondel from Cameroon, 21 June 2012In Cameroon 80% of energy production is attributed to the company Alucam that transforms aluminum into a consumer product. The remaining 20% are divided between a few industries and populations. Result of power cuts permanent and repetitive. Cities and neighborhoods are often plunged into darkness for several days. In our cities it is just a few buildings that identifies major urban development is obsolete.
That is why I think we are far from speaking with energy conservation in buildings axes on which it is important for us to work in sub Saharan Africa are:
The sustainable energy policies and lasting
The inclusion of policies and mechanisms for sustainability in urban development
The study and implementation plan realistic strategy for sustainable development of city
This will allow us to have a vision of our sustainable development and therefore of our cities.