The Energy Efficiency Management Office has issued guidelines for public service institutions encouraging them to use energy-efficient equipment. The objective is to enable annual savings of Rs 32 million on the electricity bill.
“Guidelines for the procurement of energy efficient equipment in the public sector. » This is the title of a document produced by the Energy Efficiency Management Office (EEMO) which falls under the supervision of the Ministry of Energy and Public Services. It provides guidelines to support public institutions in adopting energy efficient procurement practices. The long-term goal: to reduce the electricity bill of these entities by Rs 32 million per year.
“Thus, assuming that the electricity consumption of public institutions in 2021 was 230 GWh, a gain of 2% in energy efficiency following the implementation of the supply of energy-efficient equipment can lead to a saving of 4.6 GWh of electrical energy per year… and a reduction of Rs 32 million in annual electricity bills,” it is explained in this EEMO document.
According to a source close to the matter at the mentioned ministry, the civil service is of strategic importance for energy-efficient goods and services. The measures taken by the government to integrate these energy efficiency practices into its procurement and implementation processes have a significant impact on citizens as well as the local market.
The source also specifies that incorporating energy efficiency into public procurement offers many advantages. “This includes reducing energy waste, reducing public spending and promoting the concept of circularity. In addition, this approach stimulates markets by encouraging the use of energy-efficient products (see box; Editor's note). It promotes the creation of green jobs while contributing to the decarbonization of the economy,” she explains.
Energy-efficient equipment also has long-term financial benefits. Their life cycle is less expensive and they consume less energy. Their extended lifespan reduces the frequency of replacements and associated costs. Their reduced operating costs result in cumulative savings over time, which helps reduce recurring expenditures across the public service.
Devices to consider
“Quick win” devices were considered, i.e. those that are already covered by mandatory energy labeling and have existing energy performance certifications. The list of devices to be considered as part of this budget measure includes the following:
Lighting
Lamps, bulbs, linear tubes, floor lamps and floodlights used for indoor and outdoor lighting purposes must be equipped with LED technology.
Air conditioners
Freestanding; ductless split system; dual-duct portable; and portable single conduit.
Fans
Ceiling, pedestal and wall fans with a power rating of less than 200W must be equipped with either a BLDC (Brushless Direct-Current) motor or an electronically commutated (EC) motor.
Office equipment
Imaging equipment, including photocopiers, office printers, fax machines, multifunction devices, postage meters and scanners, must be ENERGY STAR certified, as defined by the Environmental Protection Agency. United States (EPA) or Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT) certified.
Refrigeration appliances
They must comply with the Energy Efficiency (Labeling of Regulated Machinery) Regulations 2017. The energy label must comply with the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2016 and the efficiency class must be Class E or higher.
Electronic screens
They must comply with the Energy Efficiency Regulations 2017. The energy label must comply with the Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2019/2013 and the efficiency class must be F or higher.
Electric ovens
They must comply with the Energy Efficiency (Labeling of Regulated Machinery) Regulations 2017. The energy label must comply with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 65/2014 and the efficiency class must be A or higher .
