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Climate XL participates in the Climate Neutral Network (CN
Net), an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) to
promote global action to de-carbonize our economies and societies.
Climate XL - Africa has been
renting office space since we started operating. During this time, we have:
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Invested a lot of time to do research and learn
about energy efficiency and how to operate our building in future;
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We've also been going through a behavior and
mindset change by developing energy consciousness about energy use and being
proactive about it. Some of the things we have achieved include:
- Zero
printing of e-mail messages
- Almost
100% e-communication
- Living
in close proximity to workplace, hence minimal travel cost
As we intend to develop our own building, we have gone ahead
and developed a strategic plan for our green building which will be carbon
neutral and energy efficient. To meet our objectives, we are employing the Energy
Efficiency in Buildings (EEB) roadmap.
This means that in the short
term we shall:
a)
Take part in education and training efforts e.g.
by subscribing to Climate Neutral Network (CN Net). In this regard we are
committed to undertaking a GHG inventory and reporting to the network as well
as sharing lessons learned, innovative ideas, and success stories on the
network. As part of our education and communication strategy we will use our
building as a ‘model' to showcase both to organized parties as well as to the
public at large the concept of EEB.
b)
Already, we are in discussions with potential
partners to jointly develop the project. Our tenants will also be eligible to
share cost and benefits of energy saving investments.
c)
All our design consideration will be made using
the lifecycle cost approach.
d)
We will demand preferred financial conditions
from capital providers for near zero net energy development. This will also
apply in the medium term when we undertake refurbishments.
In terms of specification:
e)
In our design plans we have set ambitious energy
targets and we will use innovative energy management systems. For example,
instead of recording energy consumption, we will use smart meters that send a
continuous flow of consumption and billing data back to Kenya and Power Lighting Company.
In terms of procurement
f)
We will structure the contracts such that the
contractor is involved early on as part of the design team. We are also
exploring basing the design team fee structure and incentives on successful
energy performance.
In the medium term
Climate XL - Africa or its agents will
g)
Set tight targets for building operations and
performance, which will be monitored and reported on a regular basis.
h)
Use Integrated Design Contract (IDC) tender
format with emphasis on energy performance requirements. For sustainability, a
continuous education, training and communication process will be used to ensure
consistency of behavioral norm.
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