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ASEAN BEST PRACTICE COMPETITION FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT

IN BUILDINGS

ENERGY CONSERVATION AT OFFICERS ACCOMMODATION, BERAKAS

GARRISSON:

Rectification Works to Officers’ Accommodation

ASEAN ENERGY AWARDS 2016

Category : Small and Medium Building

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE

BRUNEI DARUSSALAM

ASEAN Best Practice Competition for Energy Management

in Buildings

ASEAN Energy Awards 2016

Category:

Industries

Buildings

Size Category:

Large

Small and Medium

Title of Activity / Project / Theme:

ENERGY CONSERVATION AT OFFICERS ACCOMMODATION, BERAKAS

GARRISSON:

Rectification Works to Officers Accommodation

Applicant General Information

Name of Company : Ministry of Defence, Brunei Darussalam

Business Address : Ministry of Defence

Bolkiah Garrison

BB3510 Brunei Darussalam

Number of Employees : 30

Age of Building : 11 years

Nature of Business : To Implement Defence Policy

To Enhance Force Capability

To Promote Defence Diplomacy

To Contribute to Nation Building

Contact Person

Name : DAYANGKU ROSELAWATI BINTI PENGIRAN HAJI HALUS

Position : ASSISTANT DIRECTOR FOR ESTATE MANAGEMENT &

MAINTENANCE,

DIRECTORATE OF DEVELOPMENT AND WORKS SERVICES

Telephone : (+673) 238 6403

Mobile Phone : (+673) 885 1441

Fax : (+673) 238 2156

Email : [email protected]

Project Abstract:

The Single Officers’ Accommodation at Berakas Garrison were constructed in 2004,

comprises of two (2) storeys of 12 residential units that accommodates military officers. Each

level has a total floor area of 350 m2. The initial consultant designs the air-conditioning

system to provide comfort cooling for the officers in our tropical climate. During the design

stage and subsequent construction, each room for the officers’ quarter was equipped with a

2.5 hp split type air conditioning system. The idea was to provide comfort to the young

officers after their hard day works.

Condensation at ceilings and walls have been a major issue for most of the units over the

course of its occupancy. In 2013, amidst pressure for major repairs, alternative solution called

for right-sizing of air-conditioning units and installing sensors to optimize operation. It

presented Energy-saving opportunity as a result. After conducting Energy audit combined

with proper management of Energy usage, we were able to achieve significant Energy saving

potential based on trial monitoring and data-logging at few vacant units which were worst

affected by the previous condensation issues

mailto:[email protected]


in Buildings


CERTIFICATION AND ENDORSEMENT

The Single Officer’s Accommodation at Berakas Garrison hereby agreed to allow the ACE

Board of Judges and Japanese experts to visit the building and verify the authenticity of the

data. However, two weeks advanced notice is required to allow for necessary arrangements.

The undersigned certified that the information given is true and accurate and prepared with

the consent of the party/ies involved.

___________________________________

HAJAH MARLIYANA BINTI HAJI ABDULLAH FUNG

Director of Development and Works Services

Ministry of Defence,

Brunei Darussalam.

Tel : (+673) 238 6382

Fax : (+673) 238 2156


_____________________________________

DAYANGKU ROSELAWATI BINTI PENGIRAN HAJI HALUS

Assistant Director of Development and Works Services

Ministry of Defence,

Brunei Darussalam.

Tel : (+673) 238 6403

Fax : (+673) 238 2156


Energy Data collected and compiled by:

_____________________________________

JAN TZE HONG

(SECM #553)

Tel : (+673) 871 5968


Endorsed by:

____________________________________

Energy & Industries Department, Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO),

Brunei Darussalam

Tel :

Report also co-prepared by: MOHAMAD RADUAN ZAMAN, DDWS, Ministry Of Defence, Brunei Darussalam

ZAINOL BIN HJ. MOHAMMED, DDWS, Ministry Of Defence, Brunei Darussalam





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INTRODUCTION

Single Officers’ Accommodation

– Front View

Single Officers’ Accommodation

– Rear View

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The Officers Accommodation at Berakas Garrison have been plagued with constant

condensation problems since 2013. The rooms’ wall are always observed to be wet and over a

period of time, greenish algae or molds are observed to grow on this surfaces. Certain ceiling

areas are observed to have the same problems as well.

Since taken over the project and ownership of the building, the maintenance staffs are having

a hard time trying to maintain the rooms in a comfortable manner. The occupants are

complaining of water stains; mold growth and discomfort for the past years.


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The original conditions of the ceiling and walls caused by condensation.

Therefore, an Energy Consultant were appointed in 2013 to look into different approach to

the condensation issue. The idea was to look into the problem in terms of Energy usage. It is

on a holistic and systematic approach.

Study the root cause of the condensation problem

Verified that the root problems to be identified

Provide a complete solution to eliminate the mold growth issues

Look for ways to operate the building in a more Energy Efficient way.

The plan is to follow ISO50001 that call for the process of PDCA.

1. IMPACT

1.1 ENERGY SAVING

Energy Saving = 7,457 kWh per month or 89,484 kWh per year

A significant challenge in obtaining and comparing Energy usage data was that we were

unable to quantify and present the energy saving in this case as the facility was not fitted

with a meter. This is a common practice in Negara Brunei Darussalam as the Government

building are not charge for electricity consumed. Hence calculated Energy Saving potential

from data-logged values (as explained below) were taken as the overall energy saving.

It is noted that the following solutions were implemented:

a) Right-sizing of air-conditioners

The original design call for the installation of 1 number 2.5 hp split type air condition. Due to

occupants not fully aware of energy conservation policy and practice of sustainability, the air

conditioning system are left to operate 24 hours per day 365 days a year. Most systems are

operating at temperature setting in 18 oC range. This practice consumed a lot of energy and at

the same time waste a lot of energy as vacant rooms is left with oversized air conditioning


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operation cooling empty rooms. Hence the rooms are over cooled with all 4 walls

temperature down to 22 oC.

Right-sizing is done by replacing / retrofit existing air-conditioners with new, lower

horsepower air-conditioners:

1. Ground floor level, 1.0 hp split air-conditioners were installed, comes with Occupancy

sensors:

2. First floor level, 1.5 hp split air-conditioners were installed.

The Energy consumption is then data-logged and readings taken. The energy data is logged

based on individual room occupant’s personal temperature set point adjustment and own

operation requirement.

BEFORE RETROFITTING AFTER RETROFITTING All Floor levels Ground Floor level First Floor Level

1 All room installed with 2.5hp

split air conditioners.

Ground floor retrofitted

with new 1hp split air

conditioners.

Ground floor retrofitted

with new 1.5hp split air

conditioners.

2 Room occupants adjust air

conditioners as per own

preference.

Installed with occupancy

sensor that turn off the

air conditioners when no

occupant detected

AFTER 30 MINUTES.

Occupancy sensors not

installed.

3 Operation :

Occupants set air-

conditioners to their

temperature preference.

Most rooms are set to 17 oC.

Most room occupants do not

turn off the air conditioners

as no need to pay electricity

bill and to ensure they come

back to an air conditioned

room.

Occupants open the door to

ventilate the room and also to

increase room temperature in

case feel over cooling.

Operation :

Occupants set air conditioners to their

temperature preference.

The sensor detects no occupants in the room

and turn off the air-conditioners after 30

minutes (For First Floor level).

When occupants come back and require air

conditioning, they turn on the air-conditioners

as per normal.

Occupants are advice NOT to open the door to

ventilate the room and also to increase room

temperature in case feel over cooling. They are

advice to adjust the temperature with the remote

control.


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Power meter logging of the air conditioner power consumption

Based on the subsequent logged data of energy consumption comparing the ground floor that

was installed with the 1hp air conditioner with the first floor that was installed with a 1.5hp

split air conditioners, we are able to see that the different are very drastic.

Originally installed

2.5 hp air-

conditioners

Retrofitted Ground floor level air-

conditioners (1.0 hp) with Occupant sensor

Retrofitted First floor

level air-conditioners

(1.5 hp)

ORIGINAL DESIGN 1st RETROFIT (GRD FLOOR

WITH 1hp a/c and sensor)

2ND RETROFIT (1ST FLOOR

WITH 1.5hp a/c)

No energy consumption

data.

Ground Floor Power meter

logged data:

Monthly consumption

= 3,447.1 kWh

1st Floor Power meter logged

data:

Monthly consumption

= 8,898.5 kWh

Baseline (Calculated)

Energy consumption per

room

= 2.610*0.5*24*30

= 939 kWh per month

For 12 rooms, Total kWh

= 939*12

= 11,268 kWh/month

Observed 4 a/c turn on, assume

all these are electricity used by

the 4 a/c.

Hence each a/c used

= 3447/ 4 = 862 kWh

For 12 rooms, total kWh

= 862 *12

= 10,341 kWh/month

Observed 6 a/c turn on,

assume all these are

electricity used by the 6 a/c.

Hence each a/c used

= 8899/ 6 = 1,483 kWh

For 12 rooms, total kWh

= 1483 *12

= 17,798 kWh/month


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Therefore, comparing the Energy consumption between Ground Floor and First Floor levels,

the Energy Saving potential is calculated to be 7,457 kWh / month, i.e. 89,484 kWh / year.

b) Operation Optimization

The Occupancy Sensor cum Controller senses

the occupancy of the occupant and will reset the

temperature to 25°C with Med fan speed.

Long term plan is to ensure controller will turn

off the air conditioner after 30 minutes detecting

occupant is not in the room.

1.2 ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECT

Although we are unable to collect the historical energy data for the building prior to this

retrofitting works as there was no meter being installed. But base on the estimation of the

replacement of the air conditioner by right sizing the capacity and the installation of the

Occupancy Sensor Controller, the total amount of energy conserved will come to

approximately 89,484 kWh per year. That is equivalent to 71.6 metric tons of CO2.

In addition, the following environmental benefits were achieved:

EXISTING CONDITIONS BEFORE

THE RETROFIT :

1. Condensation occurred on almost all

ground floor walls and ceiling.

2. Molds and fungi are observed to

growth on many rooms’ wall and

ceiling.

3. Some rooms ceiling are collapsing

due to excessive condensation on the

concrete slab ceiling that drip onto the

gypsum ceiling and damaged the

ceiling.

4. High electricity usage base on

calculation as air conditioners

installed are 2.5hp for a single room

of size approx. 300sq. feet.

5. Need to replace damaged ceiling

frequently and cleaning and painting

to damaged wall etc.

BENEFIT ACHIEVED THROUGH THE

RETROFIT :

1. With the installation of occupancy sensor

that switch off the air conditioners when

the occupants are not in the room, no more

over cooling of the wall.

2. The right size of the air conditioners

results in adequate comfort for the

occupants but eliminate the ver cooling

effect.

3. The frequent repair and repainting to

damaged ceiling and wall no longer

occurred and that save the government a

lot of maintenance cost with this initiative.

4. Tremendous saving in electricity bill due

to right sizing the air conditioners and the

installation of occupancy sensor that turn

off the air conditioners when the

occupants is not in the room.


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1.3 ECONOMIC EFFECT

The total cost of the implementation of the energy efficiency program comes to

approximately $20,000. The actual rectification works to repair the damages due to excessive

cooling comes to 4 times the energy retrofitting works. This involved the removal of

damaged ceiling and replace with new ceiling, clean and repaint damaged walls and other

clean up works.

The resulted Payback period is 0 year (Based on Singapore electricity tariff); or 2.2 years

(Based on Brunei electricity tariff).

1.4 ENERGY EFFICIENCY INDEX (EEI) EEI reduction calculations were based on two (2) data sets: Calculated retrofit data, and

Logged data. Both data sets were measured against Baseline EEI (Before retrofit).

a) Logged data

ORIGINAL DESIGN

(Baseline)

1st RETROFIT (GRD FLOOR

WITH 1hp a/c and sensor)

2ND RETROFIT (1ST

FLOOR WITH 1.5hp a/c)

Baseline Energy

consumption (Calculated)

= 939*12 rooms *12

months

= 135,216 kWh per year

Ground Floor Power meter

logged data:

Monthly consumption

= 3,447.1 kWh

1st Floor Power meter

logged data:

Monthly consumption

= 8,898.5 kWh

BEFORE

OPTIMIZATION

AFTER

OPTIMIZATION

INVESTMENT SAVING PAYBACK

1 All room installed

with 2.5hp split air

conditioners.

Ground floor

retrofitted with

new 1hp split air

conditioners.

Total

investment

=

B$20,000.00

Total saving

=

B$24,160.68 (Based on

Singapore

electricity

tariff of

SGD$0.27);

B$8,948.40 (Based on

Brunei

electricity

tariff of

B$0.10)

0 years

(Based on

Singapore

electricity

tariff of

SGD$0.27);

2.2 years (Based on

Brunei

electricity

tariff of

B$0.10).

2 Room occupants

adjust air

conditioners as per

own preference.

Installed with

occupancy sensor

that turn off the air

conditioners when

no occupant

detected.


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b) Calculated estimated data

Based on the above results, EEI saving (both Logged Data and Calculated) between

37.6% and 45.3% have been achieved.

EEI FOR WHOLE BUILDING (BY LOGGED DATA)

= (3447+8899)*12/700

= 211 kWh/m2 per year

% OF EEI SAVING (Logged Data) = (386 -211)/ 386

= 45.3%

ORIGINAL DESIGN

(Baseline)

1st RETROFIT (GRD

FLOOR WITH 1hp a/c and

sensor)

2ND RETROFIT (1ST

FLOOR WITH 1.5hp a/c)

Estimate energy consumption

(by calculation)

Monthly energy consumed

= 2.610*0.5*24*30

= 939 kWh per month

Estimate energy consumption

(by calculation)


= 1.75*0.6*24*30

= 756 kWh per month

Estimate energy

consumption (by calculation)


= 968*0.6*24*30

= 418 kWh per month

Baseline Energy

consumption

= 939*12 rooms *12 months


Energy saving POTENTIAL

= 756 *12 rooms*12 months


Energy saved

= 135,216 – 108,864


Energy saving POTENTIAL

= 418 *12 rooms*12 months


Energy saved

= 135,216 – 60,192


EEI CALCULATION

Baseline EEI

= 135,216 / 350

= 386 kWh per sq. m per year

Ground Floor EEI

(Calculated)

= 108,864 / 350

= 311 kWh per sq. m per year

1st Floor EEI (Calculated)

= 60,192 / 350

= 171 kWh per sq. m per

year

EEI FOR WHOLE BUILDING (BY CALCULATION)

= (108,864 + 60,192)/700

= 241 kWh/m2 per year

% OF EEI SAVING (Calculated) = (386 -241)/ 386

= 37.6%


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2. SUSTAINABILITY

2.1 LEVEL OF PARTICIPATION AND INVOLVEMENT

This pilot study of implementation of a Building Alteration and Repair project that involves

the appointment of an Energy Manager has proven to be successful in improving the Energy

Efficiency and Performance of the building.

The original objective of the Building Alteration and Repair is to remedial the mold and

condensation issues. There are many proposals from various civil and architect proposes the

internal insulation of the building walls and ceiling and first floor wall.

But due to the present of an Energy Manager in the team who took a different view and assist

the team to identify the root cause of the condensation. Then by eliminating the root cause

that caused the wall over cooling, this solved the condensation hence the mold issue. And

with the right sizing of the air conditioners, this provides a lot of energy saving potential for

the building.

The net result is a more pleasant and healthy for the officers to live. Less expenditure on

routine building repair and repainting. A lot of energy savings.

With this project, the department prove that even with minor retrofit works, there is huge

energy saving without capital spending to upgrade the whole air condition plant. It is

common norm to throw money into buying more energy efficiency equipment like changing

of split unit to VRV system but without looking at measures to improve on the fundamentals

like right size air conditioners, operation efficiency and so on.

The management wish to use this as a learning lesson to high light that by taking a holistic

approach to look at energy conservation, the improve operator awareness and improve

scheduling can have a significant effect to reduce energy consumption in any facility.

At the same time, this has proven the concept of the ISO50001 and with an appointed

Qualified Person to champion energy conservation efforts, if correctly implemented can yield

good energy saving potential. This is also a show of support for the Brunei’s Energy White

Paper 2014 published by the Energy and Industry Department, Prime Minister Office

(EIDPMO) that call for adoption of ISO50001 and the instatement of Energy Manager to

assist the policy for facilities manage by the DDWS.


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Briefing on Energy Efficiency initiative by DDWS, Ministry of Defence in 2010.

2.2 TOP LEVEL MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT

The Ministry of Defence Energy Efficiency (EE) guidelines were set up in 2014 as part of its

strategic plan to manage facilities under the Ministry. The target goals are clearly set and

become part of the responsibility from the top management down to all levels within the

organisation. The energy policy covers the implementation of efficient technology for energy

conservation, energy awareness training and seminars for all in the organisation. It will be a

key reference whenever a process involving building retrofitting and improvement works

plan for building within the jurisdiction of the DDWS.

Ministry of Defence Energy Efficiency (EE) Policy


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Ministry of Defence Energy Efficiency (EE) Guidelines

Active involvement is also shown amongst top-level management and senior military

officials through briefings and presentations on Energy Efficiency and conservation

conducted all year round by both DDWS and EIDPMO.

The Permanent Secretary, the Deputy Permanent Secretary and Services Commanders

showing their support and high level commitment during presentation on Energy

Conservation by Energy and Industries Department, Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO),

Brunei Darussalam, in March 2016.


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2.3 SHORT AND LONG-TERM PLAN

DDWS reviewed its Strategy in 2015 align with the vision of ‘QUALITY, SUSTAINABLE

AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE. The alignment coincides with the Energy Effiency

initiative taken by DDWS, and the creation of Energy management team since 2010.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY VISION

“To ensure a more sustainable environment, Energy Management Team is and will

remain a premier provider and facilitator, catalyst and deliverer of electric energy savings

and demand-side management”.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY MISSION

“To deliver a new conservation from the Energy Efficiency program at a lower energy

index.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY OBJECTIVES / KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATOR

In respond to His Majesty Titah, DDWS has taken the initiative to put forward the

effort to reduce the wastage of electrical energy usage with a conservation target of

10% lower per year;

This target represents cost-effective, achievable energy efficiency measures;

Achieving target requires greater collaboration and participation of occupants of the

building.

In order to move towards that goal, it is in the interest of DDWS to look into the following

Short- and Long-term approach:

Short-term plan

• To engage and work with Energy

Consultant on continuous improvement

on energy conservation efforts,

• To continually improve capacity building

by providing training for employee

including opportunity to work with

Energy Consultant while executing

projects

• To document all energy conservation

efforts such that similar process can be

adopted within the same organization for

same and similar process.

Long-term plan

• To look into working with the

EIDPMO in adoption of the

ISO50001 such that all facility under

the management will be

implemented with the Energy

Management Program.


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2.4 ORGANIZATION

2.4.1 Energy Management Team Organization Structure

The Energy Management team was established within DDWS since 2010 to take the role of

driving DDWS Vision, Energy Efficiency Vision and Mission and continually initiate and

improve Energy Efficiency and Conservation measures. The organization chart are as

follows:

PLANT MANAGER(Energy & Effiency Manager)

Dk. Roselawati Binti Pg. Hj. Halus

ENERGY CONSULTANT

FACILITY MANAGER

Mohamad Raduan Bin Zaman

ESTATE MANAGER

Hj. Abdul Halim Bin Hj. Hitam

PLANT MANAGEMENT TEAM ON-SITE OPERATION TEAM(BERAKAS GARRISON)

SENIOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

Zainol Bin Hj. Mohammed

SENIOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANT

Awang Muhammad Jaafar Bin Abdullah

ALL ESTATE MANAGERS

The Energy Management Team within DDWS currently conducts the following tasks and

practices, which resulted from its initiatives through a pilot Energy Audit at Ministry of

Defence Headquarters in 2010:

1. Constantly monitor especially the Air-conditioning system setting should be set to 23 oC

and the lighting system at the offices should be switched on whenever necessary and

OFF during lunchtime.

2. To install an automatic control Equipment Occupancy Sensor at the toilets and Photo-

sensor unit at the offices so that the lighting brightness can be controlled up to a certain

lumen according to the guideline for illumination Standard of Offices.

3. Air-conditioning unit should be OFF 30 minutes earlier before leaving the office.

4. Air-conditioning unit operation improvement by running only 1/3 unit if constant cooling

of the whole room has been achieved.

5. To install the Power meter at the Main Switchboard so that the power consumption can

be continuously monitored.

6. Reminders for switching off lights placed near light switches.

7. Reinforcement of Energy Management.

8. Continuous Implementation of the PDCA Cycle.


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2.5 CAPACITY BUILDING

2.5.1 Activities

DDWS through the Energy Management Team conduct frequent briefings on Energy

conservation annually, both formal and on-site. The Energy Management Team also enforces

and encourage Energy conservation, not only at Berakas Garrison, but also the whole

Ministry of Defence estates. One way is to put signage on Energy conservation at switches,

displays and notice boards in order to increase the awareness of office occupants towards

Energy saving.

Site briefings on air-conditioning data-

logging and continuous monitoring of

air-conditioning system operation are

also conducted frequently since the

completion of Energy audit at Berakas

Garrison. Participation is between

DDWS Energy Management Team and

Estate Management Team at Berakas

Garrison.

One of the signages being labelled at switches to encourage Energy Conservation

On a larger scale, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Briefings are being conducted by

DDWS and Energy and Industry Department, Prime Minister’s Office (EIDPMO). An

example is shown below, a briefing on 24th March 2016 with regards to Energy Conservation,

attended by top management (Permanent Secretary, Deputy Permanent Secretary, DDWS, all

service commanders).


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Energy conservation briefing in March 2016

2.5.2 Educational Training

One personnel have attended Energy Management course at Singapore and certification

course for GreenMark Managers, and conferences.

3. REPLICABILITY

3.1 MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND MEASURES There are numerous facilities that are under the management of the DDWS that are already

equipped with similar type of air-conditioning equipment. The split type air conditioners is

the predominant type of air conditioners as this system do not require extensive design, cheap

and provide individual room cooling.

But, the side effect of the split air conditioners is they are not very energy efficient. Further,

centralized control requires implementation of new technology. Hence, it will be up to the

individual to control the system based on individual liking. This always results in ignorant

and abuse of the air conditioning system that result in excessive energy wastage.

The same approach of achieving the goals of energy conservation will be implemented for all

these facilities with the same type of equipment as it has been proven beyond doubt that right


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air conditioners sizing will provide the simplest solution to achieve air conditioners energy

efficiency and conservation.

Furthermore, with the Occupancy Sensor and Controller installed to control the usage and

operational of the split air conditioners, there will not be wastage due to air conditioning

cooling an empty room.

These 2 approaches by itself can provide energy conservation to the existing air conditions

without replacing existing working air conditioners into a higher efficiency system. Major

replacement of air conditioners should be look upon with major improvement to the air

conditioning systems like the water cool centralized air conditioning plant to improve energy

efficiency.

The top management totally supported this concept and there are already plan that similar

effort will be implemented in other buildings that has the same type of equipment.

3.2 TECHNOLOGY

As to move forward on the same project on energy conservation for the resident quarter or

similar project, the following are plan to

The use of air conditioners waste heat for water heating to provide warm water for shower

room.

The collection of grey water for the watering of lawn and gardening.

Replacing / changing existing lighting systems to LED lights.

Additionally, installation of power meters shall be implemented to both floor levels for better

monitoring and control of Energy consumption.

Comparison between Conventional

Lightings and LED:

The above with the reading of 32.74W is a

1x18 W fluorescent tube light and below

with the reading of 10.12W is 1x9W Philips

LED tube light.


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4. ORIGINALITY

4.1 CREATIVITY / INNOVATION

The initial project was design as a building civil works. Hence the architect put in a normal

building with wall etc suitable for tropical climate. But with the over-sizing of the air

conditioners, these results in condensation follow by moldy problems and occupants

discomfort and wet ceiling and walls.

Similarly, during the retrofitting time, all the consultant fail to realize the over cooling of the

air conditioners that are operating 24 hours daily, 365 days a year. Most consultants

recommended the walls to be thickened, insulate and painted with anti-condensation paint.

All these efforts fail due to incomplete assessment of the root cause.

We have employed a qualified IR thermographer to conduct an IR thermography on the

surrounding walls to pin point the heat movement. With the deployment of this new

application, we are able to get an insight as to the temperature profile of the walls being

impacted by the cold air stream from the Fan Coil unit. Hence the identification of the cause

of the condensation problem.

Thermograph clearly showing the room wall at 23 to 24 oC.

This causes condensation on the other side of the wall if high humid air at

room temperature are allow to enter the neighbour room.

Furthermore, with the appointment of an energy consultant, we are able to study and

identified the root cause of the condensation problem. Hence right sizing the air conditioners.

Then the room temperatures are controlled without excessive cooling to the walls and ceiling

as the occupancy sensor controller actually reset and raise the room temperature to a higher

set point when no occupant is present.

The benefits after the retrofitting works not only satisfy the original goal set up for the project

which is to resolve mold growth issue and resolved condensation issue. The project also

provides for a better comfort for the occupants as no more over cooling for occupants within

the room and a sudden rise in temperature when they step out of the room. In addition, the

client achieves tremendous amount of energy savings.


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DDWS has documented this and similar procedure and consideration will be given to future

building retrofitting works. Further, the directorate is looking into introducing the Occupancy

Sensor Controller for other resident accommodation to control the use of air conditioners

especially in time of occupants left the room.

In addition, DDWS is looking into using similar control strategy to control the split air

conditioners in offices where occupant may leave the room and forgotten to turn off the air

conditioners. This will allow energy saving throughout the organization from learning gain

from implementation of this pilot project.

In addition, the project

stemmed from the initial

recurring issues of

condensation which were in

urgent need of rectification.

As normal rectification

works to the walls and

ceilings failed repeatedly, a

different solution was

immediately being

discussed through PDCA

approach to Energy

Management System (as per

ISO50001 guideline).

Following to this, alternative solution towards Energy Conservation were identified. The

solution then turned into implementation in the form of engagement of Energy Consultant

and conducting Energy audit to identify the root cause in terms of Energy usage, rather than

physical building aspects. Optimization of air-conditioning system through right-sizing and

operation scheduling were then implemented and it worked to this day.

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