Pillar 2

Focusing on solutions and actions for organisations

  • Resorting to alternative sustainable construction and renovation measures requires a shift in mindset and dedicated expertise (external or in-house).
  • A large deployment of monitoring systems of energy consumption is essential to improve the design of new systems and equipment (such as Air Conditioning (AC) devices).

Favour sustainable construction or renovation

Organisations should prefer renovation of existing buildings and eco-construction of new buildings, with a low carbon and environmental footprint. Premises should be insulated, preferably from the outside and with low carbon materials, which can represent up to 25% of energy savings.39 Other technical solutions include using white reflective roof paint, or tiles (savings of between 20% and 30%),40 improving natural ventilation, and solar protection, which contribute to improving the thermal efficiency of buildings.

Reduce unnecessary consumption in buildings

A variety of technical measures are available to reduce the energy consumption of buildings, key steps to follow include:

Set-up diagnosis and monitoring systems

Start with an initial diagnosis of energy consumption and the deployment of a monitoring system.

Reduce unnecessary consumption through technical measures

These include electrical monitoring devices, automated regulation devices and energy saving appliances (motion sensors, thermostats, automated switch off), or deploying low energy equipment that consumes 50% to 70% less (LED lighting, etc.). Ultimately, organisations may also privilege equipment with an energy efficient label.41

Change energy behaviour: ‘the human factor’

In addition to awareness-raising, organisations should consider promoting best practices, adopting standard policies for energy use, and technical training for staff. To make change apparent, management need to make energy savings visible.

  • Properly dimension the system, adjusting production capacity to consumption.
  • Use robust and high-quality equipment – repaired or replaced locally, whenever possible.
  • Ensure maintenance and servicing can be carried out easily and safely, resorting to third parties for the design, provision and maintenance of PV energy, depending on skills and services offers available. Third parties may include Electriciens Sans Frontières (ESF), or private energy providers.
  • Engage in capacity building activities with local and international staff, improve technical skills and contribute to behaviour change.43
  • Consider waste pollution implications, bearing in mind that lithium batteries require specific recycling solutions.
  • Prioritise locations with the highest reduction potential. For example, power from the grid in Kenya amounts to 0.2 kg CO₂e/kWh, 0.07 kg CO₂e/kWh in Tajikistan, and 0.8 kg CO₂e/kWh in South Sudan.

A growing number of humanitarian organisations, UN agencies and INGOs have started to promote the deployment of PV systems across a variety of projects and geographical areas. Humanitarian actors need to be much more systematic in switching to renewable energy by default (80 to 90%).42 Electricity from generators or from the local power grid may still be used, but as a back- up or a last resort.

Specific actions

  • Switch to a low-carbon energy provider if available in countries with a carbon intensive electricity grid.
  • Produce or use renewable energy (PV, thermal solar, small hydraulic, small wind turbines) thanks to in-house expertise and external partnerships.
  • Reduce the use of generators by reducing energy consumption and providing alternatives; making sure generators are tailored to needs and not oversized.
  • Regularly maintain energy production equipment, as dust can reduce performance. Include maintenance in contracts from the start.
  • Include repairs in contracts with service providers from the beginning. Anticipate costs. Train local staff to maintain equipment.
  • Include end-of-life management in contracts with service providers. Never let e-waste end up in open dumps.
  • Find alternatives for heat production such as solar thermal water heaters, ventilation, or energy production from waste.
  • For refrigerant gas usage, use cold chain equipment and AC with alternatives to hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gas (R32, R600), and ensure responsible commissioning, maintenance and decommissioning. Use local, national or regional recycling channels.

Storage warehouse for medical equipment in the Sahel A storage warehouse for medical equipment rented by MSF in Niamey needed to be renovated. Polyurethane insulation panels were installed on the interior walls and ceiling at a total cost of $60,000 with a ROI of less than two years. The organisation subsequently deployed these panels in numerous warehouses, reducing the financial cost of cooling and the environmental cost associated with energy consumption.

An increase in natural disasters in the Island of Dominica led Electricians Sans Frontières (ESF) to rethink their approach to the island’s infrastructure. Autonomous photovoltaic installations are now used to secure the energy needs of six health centres. The 6 solar kits of 2 to 4 kWp represent a reduction of CO2 emissions of about 300 tonnes. The 44 kWp solar field installed in the Saint-Joseph health centre represents a reduction of 700 tonnes of CO2 and contributes to the island’s energy mix. The operating costs of the health centres have been reduced, and the pilot replicated at scale.

Pillar 1
Pillar 3

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