Project assistance completion report : ASEAN energy conservation and management

The project was successful in promoting policies and enhancing technical capabilities. It provided TA and training to Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand in research oriented towards the development of policies for increased energy conservation in buildings. A total of 24 research projects were conducted, covering construction standards, building solar gain and daylighting effects, and natural ventilation. It is likely that the standards will be implemented as mandatory building codes in at least two countries. State of the art computer models were transferred to a number of universities and government agencies. As a result of the project, there is a stronger policy commitment to energy conservation in buildings in all the participating countries. Through project training, local personnel are now capable of carrying on the research necessary to develop and implement energy conservation policies. In addition, the private sector increased its awareness of technology and design alternatives and more business opportunities were created in this sector. Two major lessons were learned. (1) Under a multi-country project, management should not be divided among too many subcontractors. This caused delays in disbursement of funds and an increase in overhead costs. (2) General guidelines for nominating participant trainees should be specified in project agreements to avoid nominations from a limited number of regional organizations.