Energy Efficiency - The Key to a Sustainable Future
What is energy efficiency?
Our civilization runs on energy; we use fossil and renewable energy sources to heat our homes, do laundry, bathe, travel, light our homes, power our electrical devices, and manufacture various products and provide services.
No matter what energy source we use to produce the energy we consume, it has an environmental impact that we must mitigate. Climate change and the collapse of ecological systems show that our current energy consumption exceeds our limits and is unsustainable.
Three steps are necessary to find a solution:
- We must reconsider whether we need to consume this much and in this way, and we must practice conservation. This is the principle of sufficiency.
- We use efficient tools and equipment for energy production and consumption. This is energy efficiency.
- We meet our remaining energy needs in the most environmentally friendly way possible through the thoughtful, sustainable use of renewable energy sources (renewables).
Cost savings: Reduces energy costs.
Sustainability: Contributes to long-term resource management
At MOL Plc., we monitor our energy consumption as part of our operations.
Ten years ago, we were among the first to have our energy management system certified according to the ISO 50001 standard. Through its operation, we conduct regular and systematic energy management reviews of our production technologies and buildings, implement energy efficiency investments, raise employee awareness, and thereby ensure the continuous improvement of our energy management system.
Noticeable improvements in the home thanks to energy-efficient renovations:
- greater comfort: a home that feels warmer in winter and cooler in summer;
- a home with healthier air;
- equipment that is easier to control, can even be programmed, and operates more reliably;
- lower maintenance costs, housing, and energy expenses;
- increased home value.
If you are interested in energy-efficient renovations for your home, you should take advantage of the government’s provision allowing you to convert verified energy savings (official calculations confirm that the energy-efficient renovation has indeed resulted in lower consumption) into monetary compensation.
Such energy efficiency measures can be accounted for under the Energy Efficiency Obligation System (EKR).
What is the EKR?
The EKR is a regulatory system designed to encourage reductions in energy consumption and investments in energy efficiency. Essentially, obligated parties (electricity, natural gas, and fuel suppliers, as well as universal service providers) must achieve energy savings among end-users in proportion to the amount of energy they sell.
The operation of the system is supervised by the Hungarian Energy and Public Utility Regulatory Authority (MEKH), which verifies that the savings have actually been achieved.
What other energy savings can be accounted for under the EKR system?
- Thermal insulation of buildings
- Modernization or replacement of windows and doors
- Modernization of heating and cooling systems
- Lighting upgrades
- Transportation-related investments
Not all investments are eligible under the EKR. For example, the installation of solar panel systems or new greenfield construction projects are not considered eligible measures.
For further information, we recommend reviewing the following websites:
MEKH - Tudás- és példatár
MEHI | Magyar Energiahatékonysági Intézet
Az energiahatékonyságról Magyarországon | MEHI
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