Probably, you will agree that it will be difficult for modern person to stay without electricity, heat in apartment or house, without electrical appliances ensuring his/her usual comfort. The human beings used to utilize these benefits of the civilization, which require big amount of energy. However, currently, some forgotten slogans of soviet period: “Save electric power!” and “Switch off light when you leave!” – these expressions are articulated more often and they contain broader meaning.
The matter is that relative accessibility of electric power, heat and hot water forms a perception among the people that these elements of comfort appear by themselves, and they never ever will be exhausted. Why does one nee to save them if everyone is supplied in sufficient amount by affordable price? I can spend how much I wish and pay; if I spend more I would pay more; it is OK. It is not wise approach! Consumption of electric power by the population is increased all over the world, and resources are not renewed. This fact reveals that energy will be less accessible and more expensive. Therefore, it is important to learn how to use and save energy properly. At the same time, it is crucial to save own money as well.
But how can the modern person optimize his/her energy consumption without reduction of comfort level, saving the minerals, natural resources and not brining harm to environment?
As the specialists say, from one hand, it is simple to save energy: we have to cultivate careful attitude among ourselves and our children. This method is known as a behavioral energy saving. The scientists estimated that up to 10% of consumed energy is saved due to such attitude. Behavioral energy saving is not only to switch off light leaving room. It supposes enhancing of human habit to use electric power rationally. It is achieved with a help of minimum power consumption and it does not require use and introduction of new technologies.
As an experience shows, behavioral energy saving allows reducing of power consumption by 10-15 % and achieving substantial cost saving, improving household comfort and increasing of productivity.
What are measures supposing behavioral energy saving?
Behavioral energy saving can be expressed through well-known slogan “When you leave, switch off light”. It means that use of energy should be reduced in cases when it is unnecessary to use it: turn off TV-set if no one watches it, close windows in winter, save hot water, and turn off iron. Also, it is necessary to cultivate such behavior among the kids, relatives, familiars when they ignore these simple but important rules.
Second, besides behavioral energy saving, one must carry out energy saving activity – it is insulation of houses including private buildings and apartments with use of modern equipment. Plastic windows, heat-insulating material, heating boilers, solar water heaters, air conditioners – all these units will help everyone to make housing warm and save costs for utilities payment.
Third, it is insulation of the apartment building: roofs, exterior walls of the building and entrances. Installation of heating meter defining heating consumption of whole building will allow energy saving.
Fourth, besides above-listed activities for heat insulation of the buildings, private enterprises can replace or install energy saving production and agricultural equipment.
Different international agencies help to develop and enhance culture of energy saving in our country as well. We already updated that FINCA and EBRD have signed the agreement on opening of credit line for the Project “Financing of the programme of sustainable energy in Kyrgyzstan – KyrSEFF”. Within this programme, FINCA’s clients are offered various energy-saving interventions. Following certain requirements under implementation of these activities, the clients can get part of funds in a form of grant.