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EU to phase out incandescent lightbulbs by 2008
In an interesting move by the EU nations to cut their energy consumption, the old faithful incandescent light bulb will be phased out by 2020. Although it does seem like a long time, this conversion will be for ALL buildings and appliances that require the use of light bulbs. It's a huge feat to change lightbulbs in offices, commercial buildings, homes - even street lights- and I think this kind of action, though small, starts the ball rolling and should be applauded.
Of course, there is something to be proud of as an Australian:
Already, the German owned OSRAM manufacturer has embraced this policy and has accelerated their promotion of their energy saving lightbulbs.
Funnily enough, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a remark about energy saving lightbulbs being too dim if she had dropped something on the floor. Perhapds the side effect of using energy efficient lightbulbs is that people, like Chancellor Merkel, won't drop things so often.
Some other targets which were made during the meeting of EU leaders were:
Scotsman.co.uk
Abridged article with comments here:
Huffington Post
OSRAM media release here:
OSRAM Media Release
Environmentalists said the change would save the public up to £5.4 billion a year in fuel bills and also about 20 million tonnes of carbon emissions every year.
The energy that would be saved in the UK is equivalent to one medium-sized power station.
Of course, there is something to be proud of as an Australian:
Australia last month said it would become the first country in the world to ban traditional, incandescent light bulbs - little changed since they were invented in the 19th century - announcing it would phase them out within three years.
Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern said: "We are very impressed by the Australians and before we came to the summit, we had already been in touch with them and looking at the issue."
Already, the German owned OSRAM manufacturer has embraced this policy and has accelerated their promotion of their energy saving lightbulbs.
Funnily enough, the German Chancellor Angela Merkel made a remark about energy saving lightbulbs being too dim if she had dropped something on the floor. Perhapds the side effect of using energy efficient lightbulbs is that people, like Chancellor Merkel, won't drop things so often.
Some other targets which were made during the meeting of EU leaders were:
Full article can be found here:The key targets and objectives:
A minimum 20 per cent EU cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020, and a push for a bigger cut of 30 per cent in future.
A target of 20 per cent energy efficiency savings by 2020, requiring homes, offices and streets to switch to energy-saving lighting.
A 20 per cent binding target for energy consumption from renewable sources such as wind and solar across the EU by 2020.
A minimum 10 per cent target for biofuels in vehicles' petrol and diesel by 2020.
Setting up 12 large scale plants that demonstrate sustainable fuel technologies by 2015 in an effort to test and promote carbon capture and storage by 2020.
Scotsman.co.uk
Abridged article with comments here:
Huffington Post
OSRAM media release here:
OSRAM Media Release
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