THE PLANETARIANS
By Emma Kirkman
A panel of experts discuss the Green Economy at an EAD event for World Environment Day 2012
SUMMER SAVINGS
REDUCE ENERGY, SAVE THE PLANET As the weather heats up, the temptation to turn up the air conditioning also rises. However, before touching the switch, consider how much you are impacting the environment. Dr Rula Qalyoubi from The United Nations Environment Programme was on a Green Economy panel organised by Environment Agency-Abu Dhabi as part of World Environment Day and Rio+20 Summit commemorations. During her presentation, she outlined the environmental benefits gained from upgrading to energy-efficient household appliances. Savings of up to US$150 per ton of CO2 (even after initial installation costs) can be generated through more efficient heating or cooling energy usage, as the table below shows.
ADVANCED LIGHTING SYSTEM »»» -ve cost $150/ton CO2 EFFICIENT WATER HEATER »»» -ve cost $100/ton CO2 EFFICIENT AIR CONDITIONING »»» -ve cost $75/ton CO2
Dr Rula was joined by Dr Richard Perry in showing how the principle of a Green Economy only works when sustainability, economy and environment are in cohesion. These three aspects of daily life must be balanced and not consuming more than the earth’s resources can handle. The way of life in the UAE is one that devours a lot of energy just to function in a comfortable environment. Air conditioning, petrol cars, imported food, lighting, manufacturing and construction all contribute to our carbon footprint which is one of the largest in the world. Although the UAE may be small in terms of carbon emissions on a global scale, all countries and citizens of the world must work together to reduce emissions and improve their personal impact on the environment. Hopefully the Rio+20 Global Earth Summit produces some progress on global emissions targets, directing society towards increasing levels of sustainability. EASY CHANGES TO REDUCE ENERGY COSTS AT HOME Use Less Hot Water • Take a short shower instead of a bath. In New Zealand, a simple shower timer has been installed to limit water flow to five minutes and save finite water resources. • Fill the kettle with only as much water as you need. • Only put the dishwasher on when it is full.
Reduce excessive cooling It is estimated that for every one degree cooler you set an air conditioning system, there is a 1-2% increase in energy consumption. Set A/C thermostats to 23-24 degrees Centigrade during the summer to minimise consumption, and if possible turn the A/C off during the winter if it is not needed. Replace lightbulbs with energy efficient CFLs Regular incandescent lightbulbs convert up to 95% of energy input into waste heat. Instead, install compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) which are 60 – 65% more efficient and have a 10-times longer life.
Emma Kirkman is a freelance production and communication professional, and passionately devotes her spare time to helping The Planetarians to spread the environmental message. Post a message to Emma at www.facebook.com/ theplanetarians or www.twitter.com/ theplanetarians
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