Climate change – whether we like it or not, these two words have begun to intrude more and more into our lives. The world struggles to find ways to lower carbon footprints and searches for new types of fuel. Although governments and companies are focusing on the long-term, we shouldn’t forget what we can do in the meantime. Energy efficiency is being touted as the answer, at least in the short-term. It’s something to which industry, small businesses and individuals can all contribute.

Although Thailand has not embraced a lot of the energy saving options that have been adopted in the West as a matter of course, there are movements afoot, and nowhere more so than on the islands in the south, in which expatriates and Thais alike are finding innovative methods of consuming energy more efficiently.

There’s a difference between energy conservation and energy efficiency, even though many people use the two terms interchangeably. Energy conservation is any behavior which results in the use of less energy – such as turning off lights when not in the room – whereas energy efficiency is about the use of technology that requires less energy to perform the same function. A common example of the latter would be the use of energy efficient light bulbs, which consume 80% less energy and last for months at a time.

Developers are beginning to install passive cooling systems, quantum heat recovery systems for hot water, and utilising natural ventilation. They know that this is not only environmentally friendly, but is also a real selling point for savvy buyers.

Many resorts are also using solar energy for hot water, and powering water filtration and air conditioners. They also make sure that their appliances and machines are serviced correctly in order to optimise efficiency. Some have also installed energy-saving devices which turn off all lights, air conditioners and other electrical equipment when not needed, or when guests leave their rooms. The use of timers, or solar-powered lights, which store energy during the day and come on automatically at night, are becoming more popular in resorts across the Kingdom.

But what is the government doing to encourage energy efficiency? Despite energy conservation legislation passed in 1992, the levels of energy efficiency equipment installations in Thailand have remained low. The Thai government has let it be known that it wants to establish Thailand as the Regional Energy Centre for Southeast Asia. It aims to increase the renewable energy share of commercial primary energy to 8% by 2011. Solar, wind, biomass, biogas, hydro, biofuels, geothermal and fuel cells are all included in their strategic plan, and education on energy efficiency has been highlighted. However, they’re fighting an uphill battle as the market for energy efficient products is still immature. Demand is being cultivated by industry educating the market and demonstrating the benefits, but the cost for many consumers is still prohibitive as the cost of a normal 60 watt light bulb, for example, is still less than one third that of a long-life fluorescent bulb.

The future welfare of the planet requires research into ways of slashing the cost of energy efficient equipment and educating the public in eco-friendly life styles.

This article is provided courtesy of Phuket Villas & Homes as part of the company's corporate responsibility programme.