UAE Residents Urged To Improve AC Usage Habits In Battle Against Climate Change
A survey commissioned by leading air conditioning solutions provider, Taqeef, has revealed AC usage habits of UAE residents, highlighting a high level of energy wastage. The research shows that 62% of respondents go to work in the summer and leave the air conditioning on in their home during the day, with ACs being left on in empty apartments for an average of 11.7 hours a week.
The poll also found that over half of respondents admitted to leaving the AC on in their home during the summer when they travel (53%), go out socialising (56%) or go shopping (63%).
Conducted by Censuswide, the survey asked 1,000 respondents across the UAE about their AC usage habits. Less than a quarter of those surveyed turn their AC off when they go out, while 20% leave it on for up to 6 hours a day, and 13% for between 12 to 24 hours.
While the research indicated a lack of energy efficiency in AC usage amongst respondents, it also revealed that Generation X are, in fact, the most responsible group. Survey participants aged 45-54 claim that they never or rarely leave their AC on during the summer when they go away for the weekend (70%), when they travel (67%), when they go out socialising (62%), when they go to work (61%) and when they go shopping (56%).
On the other hand, and somewhat surprisingly, it seems there is still a need to educate the younger generation – those between the ages of 16 and 24 – on sustainable usage habits. Results show that 69% of respondents in that age group leave their AC on when they go to work in the summer, while 60% do so when they travel and 69% when they go shopping.
“These findings are significant, highlighting an alarming trend of energy wastage caused by AC misuse. While this is obviously an environmental concern, it also emphasises the need for further education and awareness – particularly following the urgency placed on combating climate change at the recent Abu Dhabi Climate Meeting. There is a real opportunity for us to make smarter energy choices in the region, both at home and in work – to improve our environmental impact,” says Tariq Al Ghussein, Taqeef Chairman and CEO.
To demonstrate their commitment to tackling the problem and to championing responsible AC usage habits, Taqeef has announced August as ‘AC Awareness Month’. The company will be introducing a ‘Cool and Casual’ initiative, allowing employees to ditch their jackets and ties in favour of more lightweight office attire and to avoid the need for reducing the AC thermostat to less than 24 degrees.
Commenting on the inaugural initiative, Al Ghussein added: “We’re hoping that a no-jacket-no-tie rule in August will make our teams more comfortable during one of the hottest months of the year. The goal is to try to always keep the thermostat at 24 degrees and to use smart controllers anywhere we can, so we save a significant amount of energy. We encourage other organisations to get on board too, and help their teams to be more conscious of their AC usage, joining us in contributing to a greener, cleaner future.”
