Efficient use of energy can help factories cut at least 20 percent of their consumption and bring down costs, according to an environment solutions provider.

“Simple strategy can also reduce air and noise pollution in the factories,” said Tahura Khanom, managing director of Qtex Solutions, Bangladesh's first accredited inspection body.

She was talking to The Daily Star on the sidelines of a four-day conference on renewable energy at Dhaka University yesterday.

The Institute of Energy, Dhaka University and Bangladesh Solar Energy Society jointly organised the event titled “National Renewable Energy and Green Expo 2017” at the university's central playground.

About three dozen companies – from solar power and biomass to green technologies and solutions providers – are taking part in the exposition.

Qtex Solutions, an independent inspection, testing, calibration, certification, research and development firm, serves manufacturing, power plants, chemical, pharmaceuticals, cement, energy, hospital, ceramics, paper and food processing industries.

“We do environmental and energy audit in factories, which show that Bangladesh can save energy from efficient consumption,” said Khanom.

At the fair, Whizz uPVC Win-door Ltd is showcasing how the indoor of an office or home can become green with live plants.

For availing the service, a customer has to spend Tk 1,000 per square feet. This is costly but there is demand in the market, said MA Mannan, managing director of the company.

Gazi Hamidur Rahman, a researcher on biogas and generator, is showcasing a machine capable of filtering stinky sulfur from biogas plants.

“The filter reduces bad smell of waste used in biogas plants,” said Rahman, who has also brought biogas-run water pumps and generators.

At the fair, participating companies are offering products and solutions that conserve energy, reduce carbon emissions and cut overall utility costs.

Energy-efficient lamps, motors, compressors, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning technologies are also being showcased.

However, solar power systems are dominating the fair with nearly half of the participants have come up with solutions and panels, mostly imported.

Earlier in the morning, Prime Minister's Energy Adviser Tawfiq-e-Elahi Chowdhury inaugurated the fair.

“As we know the energy resources are limited we should move to alternative or renewable energies that will help us develop a sustainable environment,” he said.

Parents and educational institutions should inspire the younger generation about the benefit of renewable energy and encourage them to take part in green campaign, said Chowdhury.

Anwarul Islam Sikder, chairman of the Sustainable and Renewable Energy Development Authority, Kabir Ahmed Bhuiyan, president of the Institute of Engineers Bangladesh, Muhammad Abdul Mazid, chairman of GreenTech Foundation Bangladesh, Matthias Gelber, founder of the Energy Revolution Germany and Prof Saiful Huque, director of the Institute of Energy, spoke on the occasion.

Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique presided over the inaugural session. In the afternoon, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed and Dhaka South City Corporation Mayor Sayeed Khokon attended two different sessions.