The Air-Con Team

An initiative to conserve the environment by reducing the

usage of air-conditioners

Aim of Project

Change the attitudes and habits of the general public .Reduce the excessive use of air-conditioning.

Area of Concern

Usage of air-conditioning systems results in environmental problems such as:

Ozone depletionEmission of greenhouse gases (CFCs, HCFCs) that contribute to global warming.

Underlying Problem

1. Lack of support towards our cause due to general public’s concern about their personal comfort Air-conditioning vital for comfort Hot, humid climate in Singapore

Underlying Problem

2. Lack of awareness about the resultant environmental and financial costs Singaporeans are still not fully aware of the environmental damage of air-conditioners

Underlying ProblemAccording to our results:A significant number of people are unaware of harmful environmental effects of air-conditioners

Research Questions

How can we strike a balance between personal comfort and the need for the reduced usage of air-conditioners? How can we encourage the efficient usage of air-conditioners if the population remains relatively nonchalant and uneducated?

Methods of Data Collection

Preliminary research on:alternative cooling methodsguidelines on more sustainable usage

of air-conditionersstatistics of air-conditioner sales

Methods of Data Collection

Implementation in school:Obtained data (electrical bills and

meter readings) from the school’s Estate Department on a regular basis.

Country Clubs outreach:Conducted surveys to find out how the

implementation of our guidelines was affecting the comfort level of patrons.

Methods of Data Collection

Community Centre outreach:Conducted surveys to find out more

about Singaporeans’ prior knowledge about air-conditioning.

Literature Review

• From our research, we found alternative cooling methods such as: Ice Bear, a system that runs refrigerant through

pipes of water, freezing the water into giant blocks of ice. The ice melts and cold water from the melting is sent throughout the building, cooling it from noon to 6p.m.

Literature Review

• Also: Evaporative coolers, which uses the

evaporation process of water to generate air that is 5-26 degrees Celsius colder than the surroundings.

Literature Review

• However, these alternative cooling methods are not applicable to our context as: Most homes and buildings in Singapore lack the infrastructure

to make use of such systems.Although these systems are more energy-efficient, they also use

up other resources (e.g. water).Systems like evaporative coolers are not feasible on a large scale

Literature Review

• In addition to alternative cooling methods, we also found out about more energy-efficient practices when using air-conditioners.

• We conducted surveys at Bishan Community Centre and Marine Parade Community Centre

• Survey respondents = 76• The survey consisted of 11 questions that

enabled us to evaluate the level of knowledge the respondents had on air conditioners and its usage.

Data Analysis

• Aim: Gauge knowledge on air conditioners (in general) and the impacts of its usage.

• Help us decide if it would be meaningful for us to hold an exhibition at the Community Centres and if so what aspects we should focus on.

Data Analysis

Question 3

Analysis of results for question 3

• 69% of respondents who answered this question were unwilling

• They place a higher importance on economic cost, as compared to environmental cost

• Probably unaware of the extent of damage done to the environment and the direct impact it has on our lives.

Question 4

Analysis of results for question 4

• 66% aware of the impacts

• Yet 33% of them still continue to use air conditioners to cool their homes instead of fans

• It may be the case that the public do not find it worthwhile to incur extra costs or compromise their comfort for the environment, rather than them being ignorant.

Analysis of results for question 4

• 34% of respondents were unaware.

• Not enough has been done to educate the public on the damage air conditioners do to the environment.

Conclusion• However, they do not possess knowledge about

the o Extent and details of the damage the usage of air

conditioners have on the environmento Energy rating system of air conditionerso Existence of certified energy efficient models of air

conditioners

• They are also unwilling to spend more money or compromise their own comfort levels for the sake of cultivating more environmentally friendly habits when it comes to using air conditioners.

• Therefore, there is a need for us to set up an exhibition to educate the public about the full extent that the usage of air conditioners have on the environment.

• In our exhibition, we should focus on convincing them of importance using air conditioners in a more environmentally friendly way and educating them on energy saving measures.

• For example, purchasing energy efficient air cons and how to clean their air con filters.

Conclusion

Plan of Action

3-Phase approach:Phase 1(Public Campaigning in RGS)Phase 2 (Community Outreach)Phase 3 (Reaching out to the school communities)

Plan of Action

Phase 1: Campaigning in RGS- Reaching out to Class Chairpersons

to be agents of change in their respective classes

- Publicity around school- Implementing the change

Plan of Action Phase 2: Outreach to CommunitiesSeletar Country ClubInitial temperature in the club: 20CInterview with estate manager about the air-conditioning situation in the club Implementation of new air-conditioning system (increasing temperature gradually each month to 23-25C)Conducted surveys to assess comfort level of patrons.

Plan of ActionPhase 2: Outreach to CommunityCommunity CentresCarried out surveys to find out the about Singaporeans’ prior knowledge on usage of air-conditioning.Are currently discussing the possibility of conducting an education campaign at the Community Centres with NEA.

Plan of ActionPhase 3: Act on it! Workshop - Reaching out to schools in SingaporeTarget: Schools with air-conditioned classrooms Number of participants: 30Surveys to be conducted in respective schools prior to the workshop (establish level of prior knowledge).Currently in the process of applying for funding from NEA.Speakers to speak on the importance of environmental conservation.

Plan of ActionPhase 3: Act on it! Workshop - Reaching out to schools in SingaporeTarget: Schools with air-conditioned classrooms

Follow-up action: Participants given Air-Con Kits containing publicity material.Purpose: To educate participants about the cause and mobilise them to become agents of change.

Creating change agents & socially responsible citizens.

Reflections: What we should have done

- Did not achieve our desired goal.- Acted too slowly when multiple rejections pilled in.- Should have constructed a Plan B and brought it into action sooner.

Reflections: What we should have done

- Better time management - Formulated a proper timeline at the beginning of our project- Better collaboration where every team member contributes equally.

Reflections: What we have done

- Understood the problem that Singaporeans face with regards to their use of air-conditioners.- Found solutions to the problem by which we can educate the Singaporeans with.

Reflections: What we have done

- Reached out to school students.- Helped students understand the need to reduce energy - Managed to see changes in energy consumption in school.

Reflections: What we have done

- Have made progress: Collaboration with Seletar Country Club.- Keen to do much more (upcoming ACT on It! Workshop)- Very glad to have a Secondary 2 team under our wing.

Thank you!