Saving energy means saving money. This is true both for domestic and industrial users. An efficient use of energy reduces cost. Apart from the financial benefits this also helps reduce pollution and thus keep the environment clean.
Few will disagree that we should all consume energy in a cost-effective way to keep our wallets healthy. When we practice efficient use of energy we pay less in our utility bills. It can even create jobs and stabilise electricity prices and volatility.
A Google search on the efficiency of energy use says, ……”it may not be obvious, ……there’s a direct connection between your energy use and the environment. When you consume less power, you reduce the amount of toxic fumes released by power plants, conserve the earth’s natural resources and protect ecosystems from destruction. By taking steps to reduce your energy intake, you’ll contribute to a healthier and happier world.”
This is exactly what has been underlined in a recent webinar on the efficient of power in the country’s RMG and textile sector.
RMG and textile sector, the country’s top foreign exchange earner, is a major consumer of energy. The garment sector consumes about one-third of the country industrial energy. So, it should be very pertinent and appropriate if measures are taken to save energy use in the sector making it more energy-efficient and thus reducing cost.
The garment industry, employing 4.4 million workers, most of them women, is the country’s top industry. It accounts for over 80 percent of the country’s foreign exchange earnings and 10 percent to the GDP. Bangladesh is currently the world’s second largest garment manufacturer and exporter after China. Countries like Vietnam, known for efficient use of energy, are catching up.
So, the importance of reducing energy cost in the garment sector is important as this has become an integral part of the country’s economic growth.
Good news is that GIZ Bangladesh, a German organization, has come forward in collaborating with the garment industry to help improve its energy efficiency. Bangladesh has been on the path of fast power generation with its installed capacity crossing over 20,000 MW. This is good, but this should prevent us from ignoring the need for saving the valuable energy and make the economic growth sustainable. At a time when the world is re-engaged with the issue of tackling climate change and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions Bangladesh, being the leader of most vulnerable climate nations, has the responsibility in making the use of energy efficient and sustainable.
It is known to all that even though our garment business is booming, it also faces stiff international competition. When a factory makes a good use of energy, it contributes to reducing the cost of production enabling it to sell its products at prices lower than its competitor.
The message from the webinar, organized by the Energy and Power magazine has been clear: The factories can improve on their energy efficiency if they form a small working groups comprising relevant officials, technicians, planners, finance and procurement staffs and get special mentoring on how to save the energy and monitor it regularly. In that way they can make their companies competitive in international market.
