Dubai: The sale of more than 150,000 energy-efficient light bulbs during the 'Make the Switch' campaign launched four months ago has resulted in CO2 emissions being reduced by an estimated 43,000 tonnes.

Ecobility Energy Solutions launched the campaign in November 2008, with the goal of replacing one million incandescent bulbs with Illume energy-efficient lightbulbs.

They consume about one-fifth of the power of incandescent bulbs, last 10 times longer and emit 70 per cent less heat, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning.

Karim Ali, co-founder and managing partner of Ecobility, said the response to Make the Switch has been inspirational and more outlets will now stock the Illume bulbs, making it easier for residents to take a small step in changing their habits.

Sales to date will result in a saving of 16 million kilowatt hours of electricity about Dh3.5 million in associated costs. The reduction in CO2 emissions is equivalent to taking approximately 8,300 cars off the road, Ali said.

Illume twin packs can be purchased at a subsidised price of Dh10 at all LuLu, Sharaf DG and Union Co-op stores, as well as at the Abela Superstore in Abu Dhabi. They are also available at all Emarat petrol stations.

"This is a minimum in energy conservation. The campaign is continuing and with more lightbulbs replaced, more energy will be saved," Ali said.

"This early success is encouraging as we advance towards our ultimate aim of converting one million bulbs in the UAE. I believe, for the first time, we have effectively demonstrated how easy it is to make a significant impact by collectively embracing a single simple step."

The Make the Switch initiative is supported by Nakheel.


Your comments


The use of CFL bulbs is indeed a good idea. However, many of these bulbs contain a small amount of mercury. Therefore, a public information campaign needs to be developed to go along with the use of these bulbs to 1) provide for proper disposal when they have burned out [They should be returned to the place of purchase and NOT put into a landfill.] and 2) develop guidelines for proper procedures to follow if the bulb should happen to break in the home, as mercury released into the home upon breakage of a bulb could have dire consequences.
Phyllis
Philadelphia,USA
Posted: March 31, 2009, 17:12