Rewarding energy efficiency in all sectors
Eskom is celebrating the 24th annual eta Awards.  This competition kicks off on 1 May 2013 and the gala awards evening will be hosted in Gauteng on 4 December 2013.

eta is the Greek symbol for efficiency, hence the name of the Awards. The purpose of the eta Awards is to reward exceptional effort in the more efficient use of energy by individuals, students, companies or other institutions.  Given the significant emphasis placed on energy efficiency by the government of South Africa, the Minister of Energy is the official eta patron.
 

Why the need for energy efficiency?
The more electricity we use, the more electricity needs to be generated. We flick on switches without thinking that behind the supply of power to our homes and businesses is a complex chain of supply that stretches back hundreds of kilometres to power stations across the country.
The higher peak demand for electricity grows, the more new power stations are required. This requires massive capital investment and, in turn, pushes up consumer energy costs.
The environment will benefit from the efficient use of energy. For example, every kWh (Kilowatt hour) of electricity saved means a saving of 1,4 litres of water and one less kilogram of carbon dioxide generated by a power station.
 

Award categories

Commercial ~ for the application of sound energy efficiency principles for at least 12 months in the commercial sector, for instance projects in hotels, shopping centres, businesses or hospitals

Industrial ~ for the application of sound energy efficiency principles for at least 12 months in the industrial sector, for instance projects at manufacturing plants, smelters, mines, etc

Residential ~ for the application of sound energy efficiency principles for at least 12 months in the residential sector, such as people reducing their household consumption drastically or residential street lighting projects


Energy champion category ~ aimed at individuals who have made a huge impact in terms of advocating or promoting energy efficiency

Community category ~ for persons who have rolled out innovative energy projects in rural or urban communities

Young designers ~ aimed at school-going children with a creative idea, programme, design or prototype that looks at the efficient use of energy and not the generation of energy.


Energy efficiency awareness ~ aimed at media or communication managers within large corporates who have made an exceptional effort to promote energy efficiency to employees.
 

Innovation ~ this new category recognises prototypes that reduce the energy consumption of equipment of buildings in any way, or brilliant ideas that could contribute to energy efficiency

 

Energy savings in households ~ this new category recognises and rewards people who have implemented innovative energy efficiency applications at home.

 

Prizes

All of the awards comprise a cash amount of R30 000 for the winner in each category and R5 000 for each of the runners-up in each category, subject to the judges' discretion.
 



Judging
The independent panel of judges includes experts from universities and other bodies such as the Universities of Stellenbosch and Pretoria, the SABS, the Da Vinci Institute and specialists in the arena of energy efficiency. There will be two judging sessions ~ on 24 August and 21 September 2012 ~ , with semi-finalists interviewed at the latter. Winners will be announced at a gala event, held in Gauteng on 15 November 2012: Closing date for entries 3 August 2012.

 

- Call to entry:  2 April 2012
- Entries close on: 3 August 2012
- 1st Judging session: 24 Aug 2012
- 2ndJudging session: 21 Sep 2012
- Gala banquet: 15 Nov 2012
 
Shortlisted finalists will be notified by email and will be invited to the second judging session in Johannesburg where they will present their entries to the panel of judges.  Transport will be arranged if finalists reside outside Gauteng.