Energy saving initiative at Jumeirah English Speaking School to reduce carbon emissions by 440,000 kilos in first year - sets precedent for other schools to follow
An energy audit carried out recently, by award-winning energy conservation company Farnek Avireal, has identified a dramatic reduction in energy consumption and as a result huge cost savings at Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS).
Energy saving modules installed at JESS earlier this year are now projecting a reduction in carbon emissions of 440,000 kilos and reduced energy costs totaling AED 172,000 within 12 months.
"The energy saving modules were installed approximately 3 months ago," commented Markus Oberlin, General Manager, Farnek Avireal. "Based on the actual consumption in the first quarter, JESS will reduce their carbon emissions by 440,000 kilos thereby saving AED 172,000 in its first year of operation."
Like many schools, JESS has a swimming pool, but cooling the pool leads to heavy use of energy, the production of which means emission of carbon dioxide (CO2) - the main greenhouse gas blamed for global warming.
Farnek Avireal's simple solution was to install its Energy Saving Module to the pool's chillers and the installation of an insulated pool cover.
JESS Director Robert D. Stokoe said, "When we approached Farnek Avireal for a solution to reduce our energy consumption, they promised that we could cut our carbon emissions by 300,000 kilos per annum and see a return on the installation costs within 14 months. After their recent energy audit we should exceed our C02 reductions by 140,000 kilos and we have estimated that we will recover 84% of our installation costs in the first year, so they have certainly kept their promise."
Farnek Avireal, which has been advising international hotels, building owners and major companies on how they can dramatically cut their utility bills, came up with the simple plan for the school to help the planet and cut costs.
"The enormous open space of the pool is responsible for the energy loss and the evaporation of water," Oberlin added. "If the space is covered with an insulation cover when the pool is not use at nights, weekends and holidays, the energy loss is heavily reduced and water evaporation blocked."
"These savings will undoubtedly encourage our students to be even more vigilant when it comes to energy usage," Stokoe added. "Simple measures such as shading windows; switching off lights or A/C when not required do create results, but savings on this scale will prove to be a real education in saving the environment."
New 'slab' tariffs introduced by DEWA, aimed at encouraging individuals and organisations to reduce their electricity and water consumption, are beginning to bite, paving the way for a more responsible use of natural resources.
"JESS has now set the precedent for carbon and energy cost savings and I'm sure other schools in Dubai will be examining their own energy consumption more closely, looking to perhaps emulate the JESS model," commented Oberlin.
For more on Farnek Avireal's energy saving solutions, please visit www.farnek.com
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Farnek Avireal is joint venture between Zurich-based real estate and facilities management company Avireal AG, along with its local business partner Khalifa Juma Al Nabooda Group and Farnek, a leading local facilities management services provider.
Farnek Avireal maintains over 500 buildings accommodating in excess of one million square metres. They clean more than 500,000 square metres of commercial and residential space. They protect over 100 properties in Dubai, keep 100 installations fully operational and can reduce buildings' energy costs by up to 30%.
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© Press Release 2008
