Green Action Handbook - CARE Climate Change

3.0 GOING GREEN: WHAT ACTIONS CAN
3.1 ENERGY
WE TAKE FOR A BETTER FUTURE?
The demand for energy in Vietnam is increasing rapidly and with it the amount of
greenhouse gas emissions we emit. However the good news is that there are many ways
to save energy in the office without drastically changing the way we do things. Whether
it is electricity, gas, or petrol, energy costs both you and the earth and it is easy to use
less and….Switch Off !
Actions we can take today:
• Use window blinds to reduce the temperature in offices from direct
sunlight.
• Use air conditioning and heating responsibly. Set the cooling between 24-
27ºC. Set the heating between 18-20ºC…and don’t forget to close the door!
• Use natural ventilation in preference to
air conditioning. Simply open a window! If
necessary, use an electric fan instead of air
conditioning when temperatures rise.
• Turn off computers when not in use especially
overnight and during weekends.
• Switch off lights during the day.
• Turn off mobile phone and lap top chargers
at the wall socket when they are fully
charged.
• Switch to energy saving lighting.
• Ensure heating and cooling appliances are serviced regularly.
DID YOU KNOW?
A difference of just
one degree in cooling
or heating can reduce
energy consumption and
greenhouse emissions by
10 percent?
Actions we can take in the future:
• Consider replacing conventional light switches with movement sensors in
areas that aren’t in constant use such as in corridors, meeting rooms and
toilets.
• Consider installing solar power solutions for the building.
• When buying new office equipment such as photocopiers, printers and
computers, check that the appliance is energy efficient and will decrease
energy use in the office (for example buying a photocopier that is also a
printer and scanner means only one machine is switched on but it performs
three functions).
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