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Changing Consumption Patterns in Human Settlements:
Energy Management

Did you know ?

The global primary energy consumption is rising by more than 3 per cent annually, and most of this consumption takes place for lighting, cooking, heating/cooling and transportation in human settlements. Per capita energy consumption in developed countries is about nine times that in developing countries. With rapid urbanization, rising incomes and industrialization, the energy demand in low and middle income countries is expected to rise from the current level of one-third of OECD countries to parity with OECD demand by 2015. Vast amounts of energy are wasted because of inefficient energy-use in households, in the transport sector and in construction. By investing in efficiency, countries can stretch the energy services from existing supply capacities, free up capital for needed investment and reduce CO2 emissions.

7 good ways to sustainable energy management

  1. Introduce building bye-laws providing incentives for passive solar systems and improved insulation in buildings to reduce heating and cooling load
  2. Promote cogeneration and district heating and cooling systems
  3. Provide incentives for increasing use of energy-efficient household appliances: compact fluorescent lamps, improved cookstoves and fridges
  4. Promote public transport as an energy-efficient means of travel
  5. Promote non-motorized transport and integrate it with public transport systems
  6. Encourage the use of low-energy content building materials and agricultural and industrial residues in construction
  7. Speed up commercialization of renewable energy technologies through tax incentives, targeted subsidies and innovative venture capital schemes

UNCHS (HABITAT) Settlement Infrastructure and Environment Programme (SIEP)
P.O. Box 30030, Nairobi, Kenya
Tel: +254-2-623781, Fax: +254-2-624265, Email:
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Contact: Hari Srinivas -