The third community lecture of 2013 organized by the Emirates environmental group was held at the Dubai Customs in the Dome Hall on 26^th March. This lecture was given by Engineer Sultan Al Zaabi on the topic ?Making a splash with DEWA (Dubai Electricity and Water Authority) for water conservation?. He briefed us brilliantly on sustainability and water and electricity conservation. I would like to share some of this information with our Eco-Generation friends.

Before starting the lecture, he discussed about how many tons of CO₂ we saved during the earth hour and  showed us this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dx0v1VZC4I

 He started with electricity conservation and put forward the question- ?Since how many years has the word sustainability been used?? to which the answer was more than a hundred years since our forefathers have lived. He then told us that even our grandfathers used to conserve a lot through their architecture by making wind towers which were effective means of cooling without using electricity. He told us that the 1970?s were actually more sustainable than now!!! He also briefed us on how electricity eats up 60% of our monthly bill. The main factors that affect the cooling are light, humidity, air leakages and improper ventilation. So if we are actually able to take care of these, we won?t need to turn on the A/C! We can prevent air leakages bi installing double doors and revolving doors. He told us that the cheapest and most efficient method to conserve is to educate ourselves on how to use and conserve lights. He told us that sensors and timers have both pros and cons.

Then he came to water conservation. Some useful tips are:

1.      Have  showers instead of baths

2.      Use efficient water taps

3.      Adjust the pressure

4.      Use aerators

5.      Use water flow reducers

6.      Keep Dual flushing systems

7.      Detect leaks

8.      Maintain the capacity

9.      Condensate water drainage

10.  Cover swimming pools (if any)