Public Urged To Adopt Low Energy-Consuming Lifestyle
By Khairunnisa Ibrahim

Bandar Seri Begawan - The government is calling on the public to adopt a "ldwenergy consumption lifestyle" .and on parents to instil it on their children early on. Minister of Energy at the Prime Minister's Office Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awang Yahya Begawan Mudim yesterday said educating the public should not be limited to schools only but also in families.

"What better way to start than in the homes and with the parents? We must inculcate low energy-consuming lifestyle", Pehin Yahya urged in his remark at the opening of an exhibition "'on sustainable energy use, after noting "the complacency of those in Brunei regarding the use of hydrocarbon resources, even though such energy sources are in finite supply".

Low electricity tariffs and heavy subsidisation of motor gas or gasoline have made Brunei one of the highest consumers of electricity and given it the most number of cars per head of population in the world, the minister said. Given the importance of hydrocarbon resources to the country, the minister suggested measures to pace development at a more sustainable rate. Overuse and abuse, of resources must stop, most effectively by placing a proper price on the use of such resources. The use of energy-efficient technologies and procedures also contribute.

Another measure is public education. Yet another option to be explored is the gradual induction of renewable sources of energy, he added.

Pehin Yahya also called for more involvement in the sustainable development drive. "My plea is for participation of more non-governmental organisations and individuals as well as government ministries in this worthy cause".

Recognising that the current consumption pattern of energy resources is detrimental to society in the long-run, the Brunei Energy Association, BEnA, has organised a three-day exhibition to create awareness and understanding among members of the public about the importance of conservation and efficient utilisation of energy.

The exhibition, held at the Plenary Hall of the International Convention Centre, was launched yesterday by the minister of energy. Carrying the theme "Providing Platform for Sustainable Development", it provides network-building opportunities between industry players, policy makers and other parties. A total of 50 companies, including heavyweights in the oil and petroleum industry, banks and higher education bodies, are showcasing their products and services in the three-day event.

The exhibition also aims to enhance existing network and relationship among energy professionals and policy makers, who can exchange information and experience on current energy issues, Bena president, Zainal Abidin Mohd Ali said in his welcoming remarks. Pehin Yahya lauded the association for organising the event,, pointing out that a worldwide survey by the United Nations revealed that achieving development that. meets the needs of the present generation, without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs, is at the forefront of global issues of concern. According to Zainal Abidin, the exhibition is one of the activities planned and organised by BEnA, in line with the association's objectives.

These include promoting, and improving standards of safety, health and environment in the energy industry, and taking actions to stimulate the development of the energy industry in the country.

BEnA was established in 2002 with initial function of facilitating the Gasex (Gas Information Exchange) 2002 event. Since its inception, it has continued to play a role in the development of the energy industry and organised various activities to spread awareness on energy conservation and efficiency.

Earlier this year, the association held a talk on energy conservation and new energy development by two invited speakers from Japan. It had also collaborated with the Ministry of Education in conducting an essay writing competition on energy conservation and efficiency to inculcate awareness among the young generation in the country. -- Courtesy of The Brunei Times

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