The low-energy light bulb and other efficient lighting systems could prevent a cumulative total of 16 billion tonnes of carbon from being added to the world’s atmosphere over the next 25 years, according to a report by the International Energy Agency, reported The Canberra Times (1/7/2006, p.9).
Potential saving of $A3221bn: The agency said it would not need any technology that was not already widely available and – far from costing money – it would save more than £1300 billion ($A3221 billion).
Lights a major feature in climate change: The light used for homes and offices is a significant cause of climate change and also creates "light pollution", which means city children grow up never seeing the stars. The British Government alone has 50,000 buildings, creating a combined annual energy bill of almost $A495million. Most use inefficient lighting systems.
British Govt given energy targets: Two years ago all government departments were given instructions to improve energy efficiency – but the 12-page framework document setting out their targets made no specific mention of energy-efficient lighting systems.
PM makes the first move: Prime Minister Tony Blair did, however, make a symbolic gesture towards efficient lighting when he had a low-energy bulb installed in the lamp that hangs outside the door of No 10 Downing Street.
The Canberra Times, 4/7/2006, p. 9
Source: Erisk Net