Oct 31 2009
Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs distributed statewide support clean energy efforts in New Jersey
The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (BPU) today announced that more than 10 million ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) have been distributed statewide as part of New Jersey's Clean Energy Program(TM). The milestone is an example of the progress New Jersey has made in moving toward the clean energy future envisioned in Governor Corzine's Energy Master Plan for the state. Representatives from the BPU, Liberty Science Center, members of the Green New Jersey Resource Team, and local students celebrated the milestone at the Liberty Science Center in Jersey City today.
By switching 10 million incandescent bulbs to ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs, New Jersey is reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 820 million pounds per year. This is the environmental equivalent of emissions from 70,238 cars annually.
"Throughout the state, people have taken action to reduce their energy use, protect the environment, save money, and contribute to a clean energy future for New Jersey by switching to ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs," said BPU President Jeanne M. Fox. "We all can and should take this simple step to reduce our carbon footprint and achieve the goals of Governor Corzine's comprehensive Energy Master Plan."
The Energy Master Plan lays out Governor Corzine's strategy for a clean energy future for New Jersey. It calls for reducing the growth in energy use by 20 percent and increasing the use of renewable energy by 30 percent, both by 2020. Governor Corzine also signed legislation in 2007 to mandate the phase-out of incandescent lighting in state facilities and require the purchase of ENERGY STAR qualified lighting and products.
Since 2008, the award-winning Green New Jersey Resource Team, sponsored by New Jersey's Clean Energy Program, has distributed 1.5 million discounted and/or complimentary ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs as part of an effort to raise awareness about the benefits of ENERGY STAR qualified CFLs. In addition, statewide retailers sold the remaining 8.5 million bulbs through mark down incentives sponsored by New Jersey's Clean Energy Program to encourage customers to purchase ENERGY STAR qualified lighting at discounted prices.
"I am proud of the efforts of our Green New Jersey Resource Team and our retail partners and their work to educate New Jersey residents about the benefits of using energy-efficient lighting at home," said BPU Commissioner Joseph Fiordaliso. "Taking active steps to reduce our energy use is one way we all can work to achieve Governor Corzine's goal to reduce the growth of energy use 20 percent by 2020. Reducing energy use reduces air pollution, including emissions of greenhouse gases, which cause global warming. It also saves money by reducing energy bills and the cost of energy infrastructure."
Members of the Green New Jersey Resource Team include Double D/MaxLite, Energy Federation, Inc. (EFI), One Change/Project Porchlight, GreenFaith/Globe Electric, Green Market Fundraising, HelpLightNJ, and TechniArt. In addition to distributing CFLs, the team educates residents about energy-efficient lighting and how it can help reduce energy bills and protect the environment. The team has been instrumental in positioning New Jersey as fourth in the nation in terms of pounds of greenhouse gas emissions saved as part of the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR campaign, a nationwide fight against global warming through the adoption of simple ways to save energy, save money, and help protect the environment.
"The Green New Jersey Resource Team does more than hand out light bulbs," said Stuart Hickox, president and founder of Project Porchlight. "Our mission is to convert awareness into action and empower all of New Jersey in the fight against climate change."
The Liberty Science Center represents an example of how institutions are integrating energy efficiency and renewable energy into operations. The nonprofit facility, which provides interactive science and technology education, recently completed a major renovation that included energy-efficient and renewable energy measures. The center upgraded approximately 30 percent of its total lamps to energy-saving bulbs, which has reduced its electricity consumption by 3,783,404 kWh and saved $660,582 on electricity costs. Additional measures include on-demand hot water heaters, time of day equipment, and a wind turbine and solar array that generate 270 kWh of power and allow the institution to meet 25 percent of its total energy needs from renewable sources.