Action plan on energy savings

In 1997 the Kolding ICity Council initiated an action plan on energy savings in owned and rented buildings. The aim was to fulfil the governmental aim of reducing energy use with 15% and CO2 emissions with 20% before the end of 2005 vs. 1988.

Kolding City Council signed the Aalborg Charter in 1994 and laid down in the action plan the aim of reducing the use of electricity with 13 %, energy for heating with 16,5 %, water with 20 % before the end of 2005 (measured in kWh resp. M³/m²) compared to 1988. The upstart included an analysis of energy and water use of the buildings (monitored since 1990).

Out of this study and based on knowledge on possible reductions of energy- and water use, a plan was laid down including mainly:

1. engaging of energy coordinators
2. establishing of "energy guidance group" consisting of a member of each department.
3. action on change of user behaviour: For each building an "energy responsible person" was chosen (and trained) to inform and teach colleagues on good energy behaviour.
4. raising of app. 2.7 million Euro loan.

Every year the energy guidance group discusses the plan of energy reducing activities proposed by the energy coordinators. These include calculated energy savings, investments and pay back time. At first the plans were concentrated on a short pay back times, easy execution and visibility. For instance changing of light bulbs into low energy light bulbs, water reducing techniques, changing of refrigerators and freezers to A-models. Later efforts concentrated on more "heavy" actions as changing of inefficient lighting to efficient day light, actions on ventilation systems etc. Additionally web-based, user interfaced IT-energy surveillance program was developed by technical services in cooperation with IT-company (first in DK), building meters connected to pioneering web based surveillance automatics.

by Mr Lars Hojensgard