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"CHANGE A LIGHT, CHANGE THE WORLD" HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCED

Release Date: 10/15/2001
Contact Information:

FOR RELEASE: MONDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2001

“CHANGE A LIGHT, CHANGE THE WORLD” HOME
ENERGY EFFICIENCY CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCED

Dave Ryan 202-564-7827 / [email protected]


EPA’s Energy Star program is launching a “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign across America to demonstrate to consumers how simply changing a light bulb or fixture at home can save energy, money, and the environment. Throughout October and November, Energy Star officials will work in unprecedented cooperation with retailers, manufacturers, and electric power generators to encourage every U.S. household to make their next light an ENERGY STAR .

“‘Change a Light, Change the World’ is not just a slogan. It embodies EPA’s commitment to building voluntary partnerships and working to make a difference for the environment,” said EPA Administrator Christie Whitman. “If every U.S. household looked for the Energy Star label on the next light bulb they purchased, the nation could save up to $800 million annually in energy bills, keep one trillion pounds of global warming gases out of the atmosphere, and get air pollution reduction equivalent to removing 1.2 million cars from American roads every year.”

Lighting accounts for 10 to 15 percent of the average household’s energy bill, yet ninety percent of the energy generated by the traditional incandescent bulbs found in most homes is wasted in the form of heat. However, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs), are typically up to 75 percent more efficient and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. While CFLs may initially be more expensive, they will save more than $25 in energy costs over the bulb’s lifetime; also, if used no more than four hours a day, the bulb need not be changed for about five years.

During the “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign, participating partners will promote Energy Star qualified lighting products, such as special energy-efficient lighting fixtures and CFLs . These promotions, to vary from region to region, will include rebates, sales, and other special events.

The Energy Star label helps consumers easily identify energy-efficient homes, offices, buildings, appliances, electronics, lighting, and heating and cooling equipment. For more information about Energy Star and the “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign, visit: www.changealight.com or call 1-888-STAR-YES. For technical information, contact Wendy Reed of EPA at 202-564-1253 or [email protected])

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