Pic by Bankelele.(Thank you!)
The Ugandan energy resources department has a program where regular light bulbs are exchanged for higher efficiency CFL’s (Compact Flourescent Lamps). CFL’s last longer and are energy efficient. They are guaranteed by the department such that if they blow out within three months, they are replaced at no fee.
While on the topic of energy efficiency, the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) issued its report which you can read the pdf here.
The economist had an article summarizing their take on the above report. Relevant to this post -
In some areas of economic activity, emissions could be cut with no cost to consumers or taxpayers. The heating and lighting systems of many buildings, for instance, are startlingly inefficient. Improving this would cut both emissions and bills. Economists are troubled by this, for it implies that people and businesses are not maximising their economic self-interest; yet the low take-up of energy-efficient lightbulbs suggests this is indeed the case. Governments are therefore beginning to tighten regulations on the energy efficiency of buildings, and to talk about, for instance, banning incandescent lightbulbs. The IPCC reckons that such measures could cut 30% of projected emissions from this sector at no extra cost.
This is where i state the obvious – consider changing your light bulbs to CFL’s, if i had changed mine already i would say something like, “Please change your light bulbs to CFL’s”.
For those in Kenya, i would interested in knowing where you can buy CFL’s, please leave a comment if you notice them next time you are shopping, I will list the locations if we get enough feedback. What is in this for you? How about this, i have 2 Joost invitations up for grabs.
That’s an encouraging poster. As for the incentive, for those of us that are tvphobes, what’s in it for us (not that I’m in Kenya, so this doesn’t apply anyway!)?
nice try egm, when i checked my site stats i had very few readers in NBI, so if i do not get any takers from .KE, i will be sure to sambaza that invite. I am looking about for something for Diasporians like you… btw, that flickr pool we talked about before on Nairobi Architecture, i posted one set of photos check them out http://www.flickr.com/gp/54879137@N00/9gW810 there is also a set from the Feb IRB sevens rugby in CA http://www.flickr.com/gp/54879137@N00/3P0669 Enjoy!
Thanks for the pic links!
Some FYI
Panerecc Launched at the Grand Regency on Thursday 26th April 2007
The Parliamentary Network on Renewable Energy and Climate Change (PANERECC) is a proposed Parliamentary network to promote renewable energy and climate change policy and particularly the synergy between New and Renewable Energy (NRE) as a tool for combating climate change
More info
http://www.panerecc.or.ke/
Thank you the information Daud! The Joost invite will be on its way later today…. I will have a look at the website and see what they have in store.
@Nakumatt? I think I’ve seen some of those CFLs on sale there.
This could be perfect for those in rural areas who are already relying on solar panels (and there are many users out there!). Yani, go to any errectricoorrs shop in shaggz and ask them for those energy saving bulbs….only until someone starts selling them, others will join in.
http://www.flickr.com/groups/376824@N21/
AfroM, pls make a start!
Hey AfroM,
Not to rain on your parade about CFLs but I just watched a piece on CNBC’s Squawk Box and they were discussing the safety of CFL light bulbs since “they contain mercury” — which is, of course, dangerous. At issue also was how to safely dispose of the burned-out bulbs.
You’re the expert — any thoughts?
@JKE – Done!
@whis, didn’t know mercury was an issue, will look into it and let you know what i find out… Mimi expert?! No whis, heh perhaps a ‘person of interest’ uuu that sounds sinister… ‘person with interest in energy issues’ too long…*sigh will let you know what i can learn though. Thanks.
You, my friend, are modesty personified!
@ “…a person of interest…” — Scandalous!