If previously, energy saving was often seen as a technical solution or a campaign slogan, now, with the spirit of Conclusion 14, saving must become a conscious behavior, maintained regularly and continuously, from each individual to each business, agency, and organization.
Reality shows that the energy saving space in Vietnam is still very large. From very small behaviors in daily life such as turning off electrical appliances when not in use, adjusting air conditioner temperatures reasonably, to larger decisions in production such as optimizing processes, investing in energy-saving technology, all can create significant impacts if implemented synchronously.
For the people, the culture of thrift needs to start from the awareness that energy is not an unlimited resource. Each liter of gasoline, each kWh of electricity is associated with production costs, transportation, and even geopolitical risks on a global scale. When you understand that, thrift is no longer "sacrifice of convenience", but becomes a responsible choice for yourself and society.
From a business perspective, energy saving should not only be viewed under the lens of cost reduction, but should be considered as a factor to improve competitiveness with more efficient energy use and lower emissions will have a clear advantage.
Reality has proven that many businesses when investing in green technology and energy saving may initially have to spend large costs, but in the long term, they gain a double benefit: Reducing operating costs and enhancing brand image.
However, to turn thrift into culture, we cannot just rely on self-awareness. There needs to be synchronous involvement of the policy system. First of all, it is the completion of incentive mechanisms, from tax incentives, credit for energy-saving projects, to building mandatory standards and regulations for large energy-consuming industries.
Another important factor is the exemplary role of the public sector. State agencies and public service units need to take the lead in practicing thrift, from using electricity, water, public vehicles, to organizing meetings and events. When the public sector sets an example, it will create a strong spillover effect throughout society.
Conclusion 14-KL/TW has touched on a core issue: Energy security is not only a story of supply, but also a story of how we use energy.
In the article "Cursing Wastefulness" published in October 2024, General Secretary To Lam emphasized the requirement: "Build a culture of thrift and combat wastefulness in agencies and organizations; encourage people to strengthen thrift practice and combat wastefulness, create a habit of valuing the assets of the State, the efforts of the People, the contributions of the collective and the efforts of each individual; consider practicing thrift and combating wastefulness as a daily task".
Energy saving is no longer an option, but a mandatory requirement, even higher, it must become a cultural standard, where every small act of the people, every decision of businesses contributes to creating a stable economy, a sustainable developing society.
