The Ministry of Health is aiming to reduce its electricity consumption by a further 10 per cent over the next 10 weeks.
During the past five years, the Ministry of Health has constantly reduced its electricity bill, with a total cost
reduction of 29 percent, however Cornelius Ebskamp, Ministry of Health Energy Manager, believes there is still room for
further improvement.
"We are asking staff to switch off PCs, monitors, printers and copiers when they are not in use, or when leaving the
office, to turn off lights in meeting rooms when not in use, and to only use electric heaters if the air conditioning
system is faulty or the temperature falls below 19 degrees Celsius."
In addition, lights which have no direct impact on peoples work, such as feature lighting will be switched off, staff
working late are being asked to only use lights in the area they are working. The Ministry is also working closely with
cleaning and security contractors to reduce the amount of time lights are on later in the evenings.
The Ministry is also providing advice to staff about general energy consumption and ways to improve energy efficiency
within their homes.
END . Energy Savings Tips for around the home you might like to consider.
Hot water
Approximately 40% of you power bill goes on heating your daily hot water use.
· Wrap your hot water cylinder- Wraps available from hardware stores or alternatively you could use silver foil and some
old blankets.
· Insulate your water pipes · Adjust your thermostat, lower temperatures in the cylinder will result in lower energy
use. · Install high efficient shower head, can reduce your water use by up to half. · Have short showers instead of bath
Other tips
· Install high efficient light bulbs · Seal of gaps around your window, this will greatly reduce the draughts and keep
in the heat. · Insulate your ceiling, this will provide you with a dryer and warmer house. · Close the curtain when
heating the house · Use the washing line instead of the dryer
Kitchen
· Rinse dishes with cold water · Was your dishes in large batches · Use the cold water tap to fill the electric jug ·
Fill your electric jug up for the amount you need · Cook with the pot lids on · Wait for food to cool before putting it
in the fridge
Ends