Art, social media campaigns and other communication tools can help raise awareness of the need to save energy. Here’s how.

Population growth has contributed to rising energy consumption around the world, and Southeast Asia has been no different. Between 2010 and 2018, the region’s energy demand rose by almost 22 percent–an increase almost double the global average. With energy efficiency one of the most powerful tools to slash greenhouse gas emissions and maintain energy security, the bloc must nurture sustainable energy systems that conserve energy where possible.

Demand-side measures that seek to save energy are deemed less costly than supply-side approaches, such as building more power plants or deploying renewables. Another benefit is that energy can be conserved by anyone, provided they are aware of the need to do so. This means public awareness is critical to reduce energy intensity.

Public communication through talks, art, and campaigns, supported by digital technology, can be impactful in promoting energy conservation. Creative use of communication tools can help emphasise the need to cut energy use now, resulting in the enhancement of life quality in the future. No energy conservation is possible without communication. It is time to spread the word.

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Rika Safrina is an ICT and Data Research Officer, Arumdari Nurgianti is a Data Visualisation Officer, and Nella Nabila is a Communication Officer at the ASEAN Centre for Energy (ACE). Rika Safrina and Arumdari Nurgianti are also the team members of the ASEAN Climate Change and Energy Project. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of institutions or organisations that the author may or may not be associated with in professional or personal capacity unless explicitly stated.