ENERGY CONSERVATION

INTRODUCTION
Energy conservation reduces the energy consumption and energy demand per capita, and thus offsets the growth in energy supply needed to keep up with population growth. This reduces the rise in energy costs, and can reduce the need for new power plants, and energy imports. The reduced energy demand can provide more flexibility in choosing the most preferred methods of energy production. Energy conservation is the practice of decreasing the quantity of energy used. It may be achieved through efficient energy use, in which case energy use is decreased while achieving a similar outcome, or by reduced consumption of energy services. Energy conservation may result in increase of financial capital, environmental value, national security, personal security, and human comfort. Individuals and organizations that are direct consumers of energy may want to conserve energy in order to reduce energy costs and promote economic security. Industrial and commercial users may want to increase efficiency and thus maximize profit

RATIONAL AND BENEFITS OF ENERGY CONSREVATION

Energy-efficiency improvements can slow the growth in energy consumption, save consumers money and reduce capital expenses for energy infrastructure. Additionally, energy efficiency reduces local environmental impacts, such as water and air pollution from power plants, and mitigates greenhouse gas emissions. Energy efficiency standards and labeling programs provide enormous energy savings potential that can direct developing countries towards sustainable growth.


ENERGY CONSERVATION TIPS

1. Switching from gasoline powered to more fuel efficient diesel powered engines

2. Shifting to larger multiprocessor machines

3. Using energy saving methods for drying and irrigating crops

4. Replacing old machinery with more energy-efficient equipment

5. Using new seed varieties to reduce energy-intensive chemical requirements

6. Insulating farm buildings

7. Using energy efficient irrigation systems


METHODS FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION
We still need to conserve energy! YOU can make a difference. Here's some conservation tips on how you can help:
Lighting
• Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms.
• Turn off unnecessary overhead lighting where more than one light switch exists.
• Task lighting typically uses more energy than overhead lighting. Avoid using both at the same time.
• Dim lights where dimmers are available.
Appliances
• Limit the use of small appliances, such as heaters, fans, and desk fountains. Battery operated appliances are a great option.
• Turn off coffee pots by noon daily.
Office Equipment
• Use email as an alternative for copying or faxing documents, whenever possible.
• Activate the energy saving or "sleep" mode on computers and copiers.
• Use laptop computers and ink jet printers, if available, since they use 90% less energy than desktop and laser printers.
• Turn off office equipment such as personal computers, monitors, printers, and copiers at the end of the day and when not needed for an extended period (2 hours or more.)
Other (Miscellaneous)
• Limit use of passenger elevators by using stairs when possible.
• Close drapes and blinds to keep heat/cold out.


ENERGY CONSERVATION ACT

Considering the vast potential of energy savings and benefits of energy efficiency, the Government of India enacted the Energy Conservation Act, 2001 (52 of 2001). The Act provides for the legal framework, institutional arrangement and a regulatory mechanism at the Central and State level to embark upon energy efficiency drive in the country.

STANDARDS AND LABELLING PROGRAMME
Standards and labelling (S&L) programme has been identified as one of the key activities for energy efficiency improvements. The S&L program when in place would ensure that only energy efficient equipment and appliance would be made available to the consumers. Initially the equipment to be covered under S&L program are household refrigerators, air-conditioners, water heater, electric motors, agriculture pump sets, electric lamps &fixtures, industrial fans & blowers and air-compressors. Preliminary discussions have already taken place with manufacturers of refrigerators, air conditioners, agricultural pump sets, motors, etc., regarding procedure to fix labels and setting standards for minimum energy consumption.