Analysis of technical and financial benefits of energy efficient practices in selected Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) buildings in Accra
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Date
MAY, 2016
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Abstract
Energy is a critical resource for human development. However, for many people, the option
to conserve energy by using energy efficient appliances and machines and proper
maintenance culture is not practiced. Research has shown that the total energy use of a
building can be reduced by implementing energy efficient design strategies at the design stage
of a building. Passive energy efficient design techniques like proper building orientation, use
of sun shading, selection of materials more suitable to prevailing climatic conditions can
considerably reduce a building’s energy use and reflect in economic gains to all stakeholders.
The present study set out to analyse and outline the technical and financial benefits of energy
efficient practices in Electricity Company of Ghana buildings in Accra. A case study of the
two regional buildings (Accra East and Accra West) was conducted in order to compare their
energy efficiency profiles. Data collected from comprehensive energy audits formed the basis
of the projections. A reliable and previously validated, standardized Energy Audit Tool
complete with an operating manual was used to make study findings readily comparable and
verifiable. The mean total energy consumption for Accra West was 414,077kWh while that
for Accra East was 659,477 kWh. Accra East consumed approximately 150% of energy
compared to Accra West. Over the period, the mean occupancy-adjusted energy consumption
for Accra West and Accra East was 1,648 and 2688 kWh/person respectively. The present
data shows that the energy efficient practices in place at the Accra West building is able to
save on the average 1040 kWh/person every year. At the current rate of GHȻ0.4712 , this
translates to a cost benefit ofGHȻ 490.048 (0.4712 X 1040) per person per year for the Accra
West building. For a total staff roster of 245 workers, therefore the point can indeed be made
that the Accra West facility accrues a financial gain of GHȻ 120,061.76 (490.05 X 245) per
year. We conclude that the Accra West regional office of the Electricity Company of Ghana
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performs better as a model energy efficient building than the Accra East regional office
building and could be emulated.
Description
A thesis submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of
Master of Science in the Department of Mechanical Engineering,
College of Engineering