IMPACT Prepares for Power Supply Crisis

Published : 2013-03-05

IMPACT lays down energy measures in preparation for the power supply crisis in April. The country’s biggest MICE venue says it has allocated 10 million Baht for energy saving technology and is confident that the energy shortage will not affect its operations and events scheduled to take place during 4-12 April.

Mr. Paul Kanjanapas Managing Director of IMPACT Exhibition Management Co. Ltd.,said that in response to the Government’s request toreduce energy consumption during the disruption of natural gas supply from Myanmar, IMPACT has put forwardadditional conservation measures.  IMPACTis already Energy Management System (ISO 50001) certified, which the venue has maintained since 2011.

According to Mr. Paul, the venue is currently monitoring all energy consumption around its exhibition halls. The statistics show that electricity accounts for 90% of energy use while the remaining 10% is heat energy. Of the electrical consumption, approximately 56% is usedby air conditioning and chiller units, 16% by lighting, 4% by outlets, 6% by kitchens, 8% is consumed by lighting in exhibition booths, and the remaining 10% is used by other activities.

He said, “The first and most important measure is to adjust the energy consumption behavior of all staff. The awareness as well as the control system has to be in place in order to reduce the unnecessary use of energy. Secondly, we invest in energy saving technology. Recently, we invested 10 million Baht in green technology including asensor system to control the air-conditioning; LED light bulbs which will be completed midyear; a lighting control system which will allocate the use of each lighting unit; and new chiller machines to help save more energy.”

Mr.Paul added that in 2012, IMPACT managed to save almost 21 million Baht in energy expenses, exceedingthe 13 million Baht initial target.  The achievement reflects all the effort which has been taken in accordance to the ISO50001 standard.   Key elements of the success include support from the management team, the increase in revenue from exhibition space rentals which helps to cover the energy costs and the cooperation from staff as well as customers that help to conserve energy.

“With all the measures, we believe that the disruption of the natural gas supply from Myanmar will not affect IMPACT. In addition, during early April, there are only 9 events scheduled at the venue which include meetings, seminars, a wedding and a concert. The booking is up to 9 April and returns again after the Songkran Holiday. However, we have been in contact with the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and were informed that theyalready havean emergency plan prepared to protect businessesin the area from blackouts,” said Mr.Paul.

He added, “Apart from these actions, IMPACT has also informed and asked its customers and event organizers to adopt necessary measures for energy saving. These actions include the reduction of a pre-cooling period for chiller units from two hours to one hour in advance for a show; change the turn-off period for chiller units from 30 minutes to 45-60 minutes before a show ends; as well as monitor and turn off of air-conditioners and lightingwhen an event finishes. The venue has receivedpositive feedback and understanding from clientsover the energy saving measures.”

 

Media contacts:
 

Jintana Phongpakdee
Corporate Communications Director
DID: +66 (0) 2833-5061
Email: jintanap@impact.co.th

Sawapat Pimchaichon
Corporate Communications Manager
DID: +66 (0) 2833-5073
Email: sawapatp@impact.co.th