Smart way to light up offices and cut power bill [News]

By Feng Zengkun, The Straits Times, 12 Nov 2011.

Let there be light – but not too much of it, please.

Researchers in Singapore are trying out a new way to keep offices lit that uses only half as much energy.

This is done by letting office workers customise the light that falls on their desks.

In most offices, each cubicle is lit by an individual ceiling bulb that can only be switched on or off.

In the researchers’ project, workers can specify the level of brightness they want with a remote control.

This is done through a smart LED lighting grid combined with motion and light sensors at each desk.

The system will even take into account ambient light such as daylight and glare from the neighbours’ bulbs when adjusting the brightness overhead. Read more

Find Ways to Reduce Unnecessary Energy Usage

Look around your house and find ways to reduce unnecessary energy usage. Here are some tips:

1. Switch off your electronic appliances such as the television and DVD player at the power socket, and don’t leave them on standby mode. The standby mode still consumes energy (also known as vampire energy) and can add to your electricity bill.

Here’s a video on vampire energy:

2. Unplug your charger after charging your mobile phone as the charger left in the power socket still consumes energy.

3. Remember to switch off all the lights and appliances when leaving the house or when they are not in use. Do a quick check before leaving the house. You can connect different appliances to a power strip so that you only need to turn off one switch.

4. If you’re buying a new computer, choose a laptop instead of a desktop as laptops use less energy. Also remember to use the power management mode on your computer to save energy. Here’s a guide to enable the energy saving features on your computer.

5. Reduce the brightness of your computer and television to cut energy consumption. The factory default setting may be brighter than necessary.

6. Remove unnecessary outdoor lighting such as spotlights. If you need them on at night, put them on a timer or use motion sensors.

7. Avoid using the clothes dryer when the weather is sunny, instead hang your clothes out to dry naturally.