Accra Technical University’s Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Centre for Renewable Energy Entrepreneurship and Innovation has held a workshop on Energy Performance Certification outcomes, marking a significant step in its contribution towards efficient use of energy and energy consumption nationwide.
The workshop held on January 16, 2025, at the conference room of the University Akwaaba Lodge was purposed to discuss, share insights, and offer recommendations on the EPC results culminating from the EPC auditing of selected buildings within the metropolis.
Speaking at the opening of the programme, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Amevi Acakpovi, commended the University’s Sustainable Energy Service Centre for the strides it has made since its inauguration under the auspices of the Millennium Development Authority (MiDA). He lauded the initiative of training and certifying professionals to conduct energy performance certification auditing to ensure that public and private institutions and industrial and commercial customers adopt and implement cost-effective energy savings measures. He announced the training of three cohorts, of which the first batch has been certified after successfully writing the national examination.
Professor Amevi Acakpovi expressed optimism about the future of Ghana’s energy efficiency, stating that the training of qualified professionals will play a significant role in the effective use of energy as well as conscientising people on energy use.
He called for a policy formulation on energy auditing, making energy auditing on buildings in the country mandatory. He also suggested periodic energy auditing to comprehensively assess energy use and maintain consciousness of energy efficiency in the country.
Mr. Denis Turkson, who represented the German International Cooperation Society (GIZ) at the occasion, was expectant of the results from the energy performance auditing conducted by ATU’s sustainable energy centre, having experienced the results from the two other centres at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Energy and Natural Resources. He also added that his outfit will be looking to provide opportunities for employment for professionals who have undergone training and received certification.
Energy Facilitator at the ATU-IET-CREEI, Dr. Peter Nyanor presented the results of the EPC, outlining the methodologies used, interpreting the performance outcomes, and providing recommendations. The EPC methodologies were contingent on the type of building, its purpose, and the period of which it has been used. Overall, the centre received authorisation from 43 buildings in the metropolis for the EPC. The assessment involved estimating specific energy consumption and greenhouse emissions and allocating energy performance star ratings. Findings revealed that out of the 42 buildings selected, twenty-three received 1-star ratings, four had 2-star ratings, three received 3-star ratings, and two received 4-star ratings. Six of the buildings received 5-star ratings, while five buildings received 6-star ratings.
The deputy director of the Sustainable Energy Service Centre, Mr. Sydney Lloyd Abbey, elaborated on EPC challenges, energy-saving opportunities, and future strategies. According to him, the world has become a global village, and efficient energy use is the responsibility of all nations in tackling global warming. He likened the EPC initiative to little drops of water, which will go a long way in saving the world from the repercussions of global warming. He proffered efficient ways to use and save energy, such as switching all appliances when they are not in use and using natural light during the day.
The EPC is a sustainable energy initiative aimed at building capacity in energy auditing, which would ensure a significant number of qualified and certified professionals available in Ghana to assist public and private institutions and industrial and commercial customers to adopt and implement cost-effective energy savings measures.
