In an effort to spread further awareness about energy saving, the CSIR International Convention Centre (CSIR ICC) recently hosted an energy efficiency workshop for its own staff as well as employees from the broader CSIR. The workshop was presented by Eskom and attended by about 600 CSIR staff.

The CSIR ICC has, over the years, successfully reduced its energy consumption through various energy-saving initiatives and has ISO 14000 accreditation and participates in the Heritage Environmental Management Programme. However, the ICC Facilities Manager, Snedz Sidzatane, felt that it would be beneficial to make an even broader impact by educating staff on ways to implement electricity saving measures at home as well as at work.

Sidzatane says the aim of the initiative was for a broader group of employees to understand the nature, importance and benefits of energy efficiency as well as the need to care for our environment. “We would like to encourage staff to practice energy saving through simple, small-scale yet effective initiatives, contributing not only to the CSIR energy reduction strategy but to the national strategy as well,” she explains.

Staff were given live demonstrations highlighting the benefits of energy saving by representatives from Eskom, who employ industrial theatre to make the presentations fun and exciting, and encourage participation from the audience.  Key messages were further amplified by exhibitors showcasing energy efficient products at the event.

The workshop was shared via internet streaming with CSIR employees from various campuses throughout the country who were unable to attend the event. Internet streaming is a new product offered by the CSIR ICC.  Readers can view the archived internet stream on
http://streaming.csir.co.za/View.aspx?ID=2673~4s~tbtezDqi