Tumelo Setshogo
8 April 2008
Gaborone — The government plans to hold a seminar on energy efficiency in the building sector at the Gaborone Sun Hotel today. The seminar will be hosted by the Ministry of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources.
A press release from the energy affairs department in the ministry says industry analysis shows that the building sector remains one of the largest users of electricity in Botswana. It says the energy consumption has grown considerably and it is forecast that demand will continue to increase as the population and economy grow.
These development gives rise to concerns over the security of supply and hence the government remains committed to implementing both long and short term programmes to curls the situation, says the press release.
The statement added that the building sector has great potential for energy efficiency in terms of both design and operation.
The ministry has initiated energy efficiency to manage the use of electricity by the building sector. The initiative is meant to promote energy efficiency in future building designs and operations.
The project includes energy efficiency guidelines in development and building regulations; and increasing knowledge and skills of architects, engineers, policy makers and technicians on energy efficiency in the building sector.
The ministry says energy efficiency is central as it has the potential to reduce costs and promote economic and environmental sustainability. It reduces energy consumption and energy demand per capita, and thus offsets the growth in energy supply.
The Minister of Minerals, Energy and Water Resources, Ponatshego Kedikilwe will officially open the seminar. Other dignitaries expected at the seminar are environmental counsellor at the Danish Embassy in South Africa Carsten Hollaender Laugesen and representatives of the Botswana Power Corporation (BPC).
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