Optimizing energy efficiency projects in Bangkok large commercial buildings

Abstract

As a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the Asia Pacific region, Thailand has pledged to lower its GHG emissions by 555 million tCO2e by the year 2030. In Bangkok, energy efficiency projects in the large commercial buildings sector are an integral method by which to reduce emissions and to support a lower carbon future. Besides carbon dioxide emissions, energy efficiency projects also have the potential for other benefits including electricity and cost savings. This study develops a methodology to quantify the emissions reduction, electricity savings, and cost savings potential of various energy efficiency methods in this sector, and to optimize decision making in CO2 emissions reduction project planning over the next five years. The study results from Marginal Abatement Cost Curves indicate that among the energy efficiency methods considered for large commercial buildings, LED projects offer the most carbon dioxide emissions reduction and electricity savings potential whereas Chiller and Air Conditioning installations seem to be the most cost effective. Regarding project planning, the goal programming linear program indicates that the current emissions, electricity, and cost savings returns from energy efficiency projects in Thailand are more than sufficient to meet the country’s long-term targets.