miema’s contirbution in educating the general public...

MIEMA’S CONTIRBUTION IN EDUCATING

THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON ENERGY

RELATED ISSUES

A publication by Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency Supported by Intelligent Energy Europe

A REPORT ON MIEMA’S CONTIRBUTION IN

EDUCATING THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON

ENERGY RELATED ISSUES

Prepared by

Malta Intelligent Energy Management Agency 2010

www.miema.org

Disclaimer

The sole responsibility for the content of this publication lies with the authors. It does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the European Union. Neither the EACI nor the European Commissions are responsible for any use that may be made of the information contained

therein.

Table of Contents

Introduction ....................................... ...................................................................................4

1 MIEMA’s Input to an Energy Efficiency Action....... ....................................................5

1.1 Domestic campaign aimed at housewives.........................................................5

1.2 Energy Saving Campaign at Secondary and Primary Schools ..........................6

1.3 Info-Day ETC Youth – Saturday 29th October 2010, St George Square, Gozo ..7

1.4 Wasteserv - Seminar on energy Efficiency Measures .......................................8

1.5 Energy related Funding Opportunities for Local Councils..................................9

1.6 Symposium on Microalgae..............................................................................10

1.7 Radio slots of up to 1 hour with local radio broadcasters.................................11

1.7.1 The topics and sections in each radio slot were divided as follows .......11

1.7.1.1 Introduction..................................................................................... 11

1.7.1.2 Feedback........................................................................................ 11

1.7.1.3 Dividing wheat from the chaff ......................................................... 12

1.7.1.4 Costless audits: .............................................................................. 12

1.7.1.5 Conclusion...................................................................................... 12

1.8 Meeting importers, installers and distributors of energy efficient systems in Malta. 13

1.8.1 Domestic Funding.................................................................................13

1.8.2 Service versus product: ........................................................................13

1.8.3 Certification ..........................................................................................14

1.8.4 Eco-certification....................................................................................14

1.8.5 Data dissemination ...............................................................................15

Report on Bio-Fuels in Malta


Introduction

Awareness of the crucial importance of global warming and climate change has forced most

communities all over the world to invest in clean alternative energy sources. However such renewable

energy sources (RES) will never be the ultimate solution for the energy security problems we face if

we carry on consuming energy inefficiently. In fact energy conservation i.e. saving energy is the first

important step before moving to RES. It is simply not good practice to invest in RES whilst we are still

totally dependent on consuming energy inefficiently.

At MIEMA we are aware that a lot of sound initiatives and campaigns have been and are being

implemented; related to Saving Energy & Waste Awareness; such as Xummiemu EkoSkola, SWITCH

and Flick the Switch. However we think that much more needs to be done to solve the actual problems

of caring and saving our environment.

Energy conservation reduces the energy consumption per capita. In fact it has been estimated that up

to 30% of the world’s energy demand can be reduced by energy conservation means (International

Energy Agency). If implemented this would help in offsetting some of the growth in demand needed for

the energy supply to keep up with population growth and/or reducing the need for new power plants

and energy imports.

Energy conservation is achieved through efficient energy use, where energy use is decreased whilst

obtaining the same end results. Energy conservation can only be beneficial financially, economically

and environment wise. Energy consumers can conserve energy in order to reduce their personal

energy bills. Industrial and commercial organisations can increase efficiency and thus maximise their

profits. In addition energy conservation is of vital importance as part of the strategy to lessen global

warming and mitigate climate change problems. The less energy consumed the less emissions are

released into our own atmosphere.



1 MIEMA’s Input to an Energy Efficiency

Action

In this light MIEMA has set up a number of activities which were meant to deliver a green framework

of thought amongst different kinds and generations of people. From initial studies carried out locally

and compared to similar projections from the EU, it is estimated that 25-30% of the domestic

consumption is wasted due to:

• Wrong use of energy

• Energy Consumption left on standby

• Inefficient & old appliances

Thus the aim is to reach this 25-30% reduction from the domestic sector – if applied to all homes; this

would result in nearly 10% reduction of the total energy load demand.

1.1 Domestic campaign aimed at housewives

There are proven ways on how to save energy by changing wasteful habits – all we need to do is

discipline ourselves to use these energy saving ideas, and turn them into a habit. There are many

practical ways and different applications one can use everyday to save on energy – In fact

implementing energy saving measures can lead to potential savings of 20% to 25% off our electricity

bills. We will all benefit from this as the advantages are a decrease in energy consumption, less utility

tariff bills and a cleaner environment. Who wouldn’t like to receive cheaper utility tariffs?

Figure 1 Ing. Stefan DeMarco talking about energy saving to housewives in Zejtun. 10th July 2010.



1.2 Energy Saving Campaign at Secondary and Primary

Schools

It was suggested that the introduction of a Saving Energy Topic in the Science and Physics syllabi, at

both primary and secondary level. In doing so, we would be targeting all Malta’s new generations, i.e.

our future. In fact we believe that having these topics as part of the curriculum is the only conducive way

forward to the change in mentality we all would like to see. We also can be the first in Europe to do so

on a national scale.

Figure 2 St Francis School Science and Global Awareness Day in which Ing. Stefan DeMarco gave

a 1 hour lecture on energy saving. 26 February, 2010.



1.3 Info-Day ETC Youth – Saturday 29th October 2010, St

George Square, Gozo

ETC has chosen Outlook to carry out a number of events aimed at the younger generations, in the aim of blending their intellectual skills into the mainstreams of Maltese Industry. ETC Youth has been organized in Malta and in Gozo. MIEMA has participated in the latter which took place as a single day event in the capital city of the sister island.

The main streams addressed in this campaign were 15 years old's which are at the end of their secondary studies and 17 year old's which are concluding their post secondary studies. One should bear in mind that such students will be going through decisions which will weave the rest of their life's and of their country's economy. Hence such an event is aimed as to create the correct decision seamlessly.

Data was conveyed through the projection of a number of slides on a screen depicting the sectors in Malta requiring scrutiny and development. Such sectors included the public transport in Malta, renewable energy sources and the energy performance of buildings. Various ice breaking measures were carried out to obtain feedback from the youngsters.

It was very clear that at such a young age it is extremely difficult to plan the rest of your life. In this light I knew that the main focus was to show the best jobs required by the nation's work force. This boiled down to the application of energy saving solutions, the design of energy certified buildings and the development of renewable energy sources in Malta.



1.4 Wasteserv - Seminar on energy Efficiency Measures

The event was called ‘Care Creates Change’. It was set up at the Wasteserv Malta Ltd headquarters

in support with MIEMA. Ing. Stefen DeMarco organized a seminar on Energy Efficiency Measures at

the Mediterranean Conference Centre, David Bruce Hall on the 24th May 2010.

Figure 3 Ing. Stefan DeMarco presenting an energy efficient workshop on ‘Seminar on energy Efficiency Measures’ 24th May, 2010



1.5 Energy related Funding Opportunities for Local

Councils

Mr Figure 4 Jesmond Xuereb (left) and Ing. Liana Vella (right) during a seminar entitled ‘Energy Efficient Practices’ at ‘Dar l-Ewropa’. 6th November 2009.

Energy related opportunities were represented to Local councils and local stake holders. Apart from educational purposes, the event was meant to close the gap between those present. The main points discussed consisted of:

� Energy Auditing – Industrial and Domestic

� Energy Management Opportunities

� Funding Opportunities - for Local Councils



1.6 Symposium on Microalgae

Figure 5 November 5 2008: Symposium on the production of biofuel from marine microalgae

The 2020 deadlines abide that Malta will increase the use of biofuels. It is

specified that 10% of fuels belong used should be constituted from such fuels.

Due to the fact that Malta is a very small island with minimal agriculture

resources, then agro fuels are not feasible. Agro fuels are defined as the biofuels

which are derived from crops. In this light the best weighed solution turned out to

be the production of bio-diesel through micro algae. Such a process exploits the

fact that Malta is surrounded by sea water, in which micro algae is available in

abundance. The symposium was carried out in collaboration with:

� Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs

� University of Malta

� University of Padova



1.7 Radio slots of up to 1 hour with local radio

broadcasters

In the presence of the mentioned radio presenters we have discussed the various energy related issues on air. In spite of the fact that the Maltese radio stations broadcast across the archipelago, some radio stations may still attract a particular kind of listener. Listeners may be classified by age, locality, religious belief and sub-culture. The variety instilled the need of specific media which could be utilized accordingly to fulfill their requests. This required the scrutiny of various points and details affecting the related domestic applications as highlighted by the participants on air.

The staff at MIEMA was on air at numerous slots for different radio stations:

• “Kelma Bejn Tnejn” - Mr Gordon Caruana, Hompesch Radio Zejtun • “Kampanja Dwar L-Uzu ta L-Energija” - Ing. Felix Grech – Radju Marija, Rabat. • “Morning Show” - Ms Christine Delicata - RTK

1.7.1 The topics and sections in each radio slot were divided as follows

1.7.1.1 Introduction

The radio broadcast began with the definition of the public deed of MIEMA as IEE. This entailed a short explanation of the services being carried out at the agency such as the info days, seminars, online support to the public and the radio slots themselves

1.7.1.2 Feedback

During each session there were various listeners who participated by contacting us by phone. On air we described the various issues which affected particular regions and families. Some of the participants confirmed the usefulness of the tips mentioned.



1.7.1.3 Dividing wheat from the chaff

Intelligent energy utilization needs to tackle various illicit perspectives which may be induced by stereotypes and misconceptions. These included simple tips as those illustrated on www.miema.org.

1.7.1.4 Costless audits:

Efficient appliances are stereotypically related to expensive A class items. The relatively frequent monitoring of the energy meter can instill feedback on the consumption patterns at home. For example: if a family at night is off to sleep and the electrical meter is billing 5KW then there must be some appliances still being powered. In this manner we can instill a “peer pressure” within any nuclear family.

1.7.1.5 Conclusion

Information days and seminars need to be tackled specifically in relation to the target audience. Information must adapt to their current situations and framework of thought. On a domestic basis I insist that those with a relatively lower income would be keener to improve their households.

Figure 6 Ing. Albert Falzon (right) during a telephone intervention on Hompesch

Radio. One of the personnel (left) at Hompesch Radio



1.8 Meeting importers, installers and distributors of energy

efficient systems in Malta.

For both industrial and domestic basis, a number of solutions will require the cooperation of local retailers for the supply and design of the required products. For this matter at MIEMA we have met various stakeholders to discuss the present energy situation in Malta in terms of energy, legislation, funding and landscaping. In the presence of the mentioned MTA members, we have discussed the various ways by which the competitiveness of Maltese hospitality can be improved. This required the scrutiny of various points and details affecting the related industry as described by their financial and competitive aspects. Amongst those who have contributed to such meetings there are:

• Mr Patrick Wirth – Philip's lighting system from Aplan Solution • Mr Karl Azzopardi – RES Solar Solutions • Mr Paul Falzon – AV warehouse • Ing. Mario Cachia – Alternative Technologies Ltd. • Ing. Ciro Oriti – Gruppo Cisei Controlli Ambientali • Ing John Ciantar – Recowatt energy Consultancy • Carmel Calleja and Robert Formosa - Calleja and Formosa energy Saving

1.8.1 Domestic Funding

Present legislation in Malta states that those families with an income exceeding sixteen-thousand Euros per annum will not be entitled to European Regional Development funds for the installation of RES such as solar water heating. Many vendors insisted that those falling beneath that income will most probably not afford to back up the installation of such a service.

1.8.2 Service versus product:

The implementation of an energy saving system requires financial capital. Thus one will scrutinize various products available on the market. It is a matter of fact that the installation of a RES can be regarded as the purchase of a service rather than of a



product. Technically such systems have a relatively broad lifetime which is meant to endure over time and natural elements. Financially this could be attributed to the variation in payback and return on investment for that product. The financial advantages gained were featured by a reduction in maintenance factor. Items with broader lifetime will require less labor in terms of maintenance and replacement.

1.8.3 Certification

The relation between the service and their prospect customer usually boils down to savings, efficiency, payback and possibly Eco-certification. RES are usually featured by certification and monitoring using data logging systems. One can still find numerous distributors who sell products with fake CE and ISO9001 certification translating into inferior quality products which stigmatize their implementation.

1.8.4 Eco-certification

It ensures the environmental awareness for its tourists. This kind of certification digs down into environmental management, waste, energy, water, culture and dissemination of data. A trend towards intelligent sub metering is underway in aim of investigating the electrical energy and the consumption of water in hotel rooms. It is inadmissible that any kind of tourists act selfishly towards our country in terms of energy and water consumption. Tourists can opt for hotels at lower prices given their contribution with consumption.



1.8.5 Data dissemination

MIEMA carried out 21 energy audits for various hotels and schools. These documents were void of details such as the name and location of the premises before being disseminated. This was carried out using MIEMA's website so that anyone can orientate his research or business toward the hotels trends and characteristics.

Figure 7 Ing. Albert Falzon during his various meetings

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