Mauritius Lags Behind in Sustainable Buildings

Mauritius is falling behind in sustainable building practices. The Energy Efficiency Management Office (EEMO) launched an "Energy Efficiency Building Code" in 2012 to regulate energy consumption in buildings. After a trial phase and consultations with industry stakeholders, a simplified second version was proposed, establishing specific standards for lighting and air conditioning in building designs.

However, from 2016 to the present, the project funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) has not been implemented. "Mauritius is lagging behind on this issue. In every meeting with stakeholders, we try to reactivate this concept and restart discussions, but it takes time," laments Oomeshwar Sewtohul.

According to this code, any construction permit application to local authorities should include an energy assessment, considering material choices, window placement for natural ventilation, reduced air conditioning use, and thermal load optimization.

The director emphasizes that the EEMO can only make recommendations; it does not have the authority to enforce or implement these measures.

As of June 2025, Mauritius sourced nearly a quarter of its electricity from renewable energies. While solar energy is booming, dependence on fossil fuels remains strong.

127 Million kWh Produced by Diesel in June 2025

1. Constant Thermal Dominance: The share of thermal (fossil) energy has remained extremely high, fluctuating between 78.9% and 85.8% of the annual mix. Contrary to the idea of a rapid decline, dependence on fossil fuels increased from 2020 to 2023.

2. Solar Boom: The share of solar energy has seen spectacular growth, rising from less than 1% in 2013 to nearly 10% in 2020. It has become the most progressed renewable energy source, becoming an essential pillar of the energy mix.

3. Decline of Hydropower: Hydropower’s contribution has decreased significantly, dropping from nearly 15% in 2013 to only 4.2% in 2023. This may be due to drought, the absence of new projects, or prioritization of other sources.

4. Modest Wind Growth: Wind energy is the least used source, but its share has doubled over the decade, increasing from 0.7% to 1.2%.

Five Missions to Save Up to Rs 1,000 a Month

Between 6 PM and 9 PM, Mauritius experiences peak demand. Five simple steps can help reduce your bill by up to Rs 1,000 a month while saving 26 MW at the national level. Transform your home into an energy hero during the critical hour!

MISSION 1: THE CRITICAL HOUR (6 PM - 9 PM)

Level: Critical

Objective: Reduce peak evening energy consumption.

Simple Actions:

• Delay laundry and dishwashing until after 9 PM (no direct savings, but limits peak demand: 500 W per machine)
• Set air conditioning between 24°C and 26°C instead of 18-20°C (1 unit of 18,000 BTU/h for 4 hours = 0.6 unit/day → 17 units/month → Rs 100)
• Avoid using the oven, kettle, and iron in the evening (no direct savings, but reduces peak: 2,000 W per device)
  
  Personal Savings: Rs 100/month | 0.6 kWh/day

National Impact: 10 MW

Tip: Schedule your devices before returning home to take advantage of off-peak hours.

MISSION 2: THE VAMPIRE HUNT

Level: Easy

Objective: Eliminate "phantom" consumption from devices on standby.

Simple Actions:

• Unplug TVs and chargers (1 to 5 W per charger on standby → ~2 units/month → Rs 10 per charger)
• Use power strips with switches (saves time and ensures safety)
• Unplug coffee makers and microwaves (same principle as chargers)
  
  Personal Savings: Rs 100/month | 20 kWh/month*

National Impact: 2 MW (5 W of standby devices per household)

Tip: One power strip per room is sufficient.

MISSION 3: LED OPERATION

Level: Investment Required

Actions:

• Replace fluorescent bulbs with LEDs
• Favor natural light
• Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms
  
  Personal Savings: Rs 50/month | 120 kWh/year*

National Impact: difficult to quantify (high penetration of LED already)

MISSION 4: THE NATURAL COOLNESS CHALLENGE

Level: Effortless

Objective: Cool your home without air conditioning.

Simple Actions:

• Close shutters/curtains during the day
• Install climbing plants on sunny sides
• Promote cross-ventilation (like a veranda)
  
  Personal Savings: Rs 500/month | 90 kWh on a 12,000 BTU/hr AC

National Impact: 16 MW

Tip: Solutions from our grandparents still work.

MISSION 5: THE 32°C PACT

Level: Easy

Objective: Reduce hot water consumption

Simple Actions:

• Set the water heater to a maximum of 32°C (instead of 42°C)
• Take short showers (5-7 min)
• Insulate the hot water tank
  
  Personal Savings: Rs 210/month | 1.2 kWh/day on a 100-liter shower

National Impact: If every Mauritian saved 0.1 kWh per day, we would save 105 kWh/day

Tip: 32°C is sufficient in summer + avoids burn risks for children.