In the world of computer gaming, bragging rights are accorded to those who can boast of blazing-fast graphics cards, the most powerful processors, the highest-resolution monitors, and the coolest decorative lighting. They are not bestowed upon those crowing about the energy efficiency of their system. If they were, gaming computers worldwide might well be consuming billions of dollars less in electricity use annually, with no loss in performance.

Energy efficiency is the first step toward achieving sustainability in buildings and it is still the best way to both cut energy use and greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions at the same time. Singapore has committed to reduction in carbon emissions by 7% – 11% by 2020, compared to the current level. The efforts to achieve that goal is reflected through energy efficiency that this city-state undergoes across different sectors.

The Conference on 5-year implementation of National Target Program for Energy Efficiency and Conservation (phase 2011-2015) was held in Ho Chi Minh City on October 30, 2015.

"Food processing industry - strategy sector study and subproject pipeline development for improving energy efficiency with integrated ozone and climate benefits" with budget of up to USD200 million.

On October 16th, under the host of the head of People's Committee, Mr. Huynh Thanh Dien, a meeting about energy efficiency programme in Nghe An, 2016-2020 was held.

Having been deployed since 2006, so far the energy-saving activities and Cleaner Production in Dong Thap province have made many important achievements to contribute to energy efficiency, and reduction of environment pollution.

Ba Ria – Vung Tau is famous for oil and gas potential with large oil mines and simultaneously one of the centers of energy, heavy industry, tourism and deep-water harbors in the country. Therefore, the efficient use of energy has been actively implemented, particularly in manufacturing enterprises.

With a total planned budget of around VND 6 billion, the project of development and dissemination of high-performance energy saving equipment for gradual removal of low-performance equipment will be the target of the Hanoi Energy Conservation Center (Hanoi ECC) to be implemented in 2015.

In the afternoon of October 09, 2015, in Da Nang, Ministry of Industry and Trade, Vietnam Journalists’ Association, Vietnam Electricity and Central Power Corporation together held “Nationwide Journalism Awards for Communicative Messages on Economical and Efficient Use of Energy the 2014 Eight Round”.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) today announced up to $30 million in funding for a new program focused on improving the energy efficiency of commercial and residential buildings.

Newly installed heating and hot water systems are now required to display an energy efficiency label rating under new EU legislation.

From September 21st to September 25th 2015, a training course on “Energy Auditors” will be held by the Hanoi Energy Conservation Center (ECC Hanoi) – Hanoi Department of Energy and General Department of Energy – Ministry of Industry and Trade. This course, one of the activities in response to Vietnam National Energy Efficiency Programme, aims at raising the knowledge of Hanoi enterprises about energy audits.

On September 11th, at the headquarters of Electricity of Ho Chi Minh City, Conference on Exchanging and Collecting Electric Foreign-Invested Enterprises Ideas was held by Electricity of Ho Chi Minh City (EVN HCMC) and Ho Chi Minh Industrial and Export Processing Zones Administration (HEPZA) to clear customers' queries and disseminate policies on energy savings.

The U.S. Department of Energy is helping homebuyers determine a house's energy efficiency before making a purchase.

In the period 2011-2015, Can Tho Energy Conservation Center (Can Tho ECC) spent over VND4 billion from the state budget for the activities to save energy. However, to achieve a better result for energy efficiency, more support from the Ministry of Industry and Trade is needed.

The Quality Assurance and Testing Center 3 (QUATEST 3) has received and put into use a test equipment system to test energy efficiency of air conditioners. This equipment system is sponsored by the International Cooperation Agency of Japan (JICA) and installed in the new experimental headquarters of QUATEST 3 in Cat Lai Industrial Zone, Ho Chi Minh City.

Efficient use of energy in general and particularly in heavy industry is always a current topical subject. "World of Electricity" journalist met, discussed with the managers and experts on this issue.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has released the 2015 International Scorecard Self-Scoring Tool for countries to conduct an energy efficiency rating, reported Energy Management Today last week.

Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is seeking to nearly double the budget for energy-saving measures to be adopted in places such as factories and homes as the country eyes improvements in energy efficiency.

With more than half of the world’s population and emerging economies, Asian countries have the potential to play a significant role in reducing energy consumption through adoption of energy efficiency techniques.