|
Conference Focuses on the Transition to Energy Efficient Lighting in Southeast Asia
 At the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)/ Global Environment Facility (GEF) en.lighten Workshop in Singapore at the beginning of November 2011, government representatives in Southeast Asia voiced their support for the phasing out of incandescent light bulbs by 2016. Such a move could save the region an estimated over US $1.6 billion a year in energy costs.
The energy efficiency officials and climate change focal points that participated in the regional event represented 18 countries and included delegates from: ministries of energy and the environment, climate change negotiators, national utilities, manufacturing, international organizations and NGOs. They unanimously agreed that the phase out of incandescent lamps is one of the easiest ways to reduce CO2 emissions and achieve significant energy and financial savings.
The global transition to efficient lighting will follow an integrated approach which includes minimum energy performance standards; quality control mechanisms; and, policies and procedures which address all aspects of replacement products and practices, including sound disposal and recycling.
UNEP and partner organizations addressed countries in the region and key regional stakeholders and explored opportunities for governments to participate in a UNEP/GEF led globally coordinated effort to transition to efficient lighting as a key efficiency and climate mitigation measure. The emphasis was on the phase-out of general purpose incandescent light bulbs, the most common type for consumers.
The en.lighten Global Partnership program was introduced at the meeting and was very well received. The program aims at restricting the global supply of inefficient light bulbs and promoting market adoption of energy-efficient alternatives by way of an “integrated approach.” The integrated approach includes: the use of globally harmonized minimum energy performance standards; establishing quality control mechanisms; and, establishing sound lamp disposal and recycling schemes. UNEP will support countries in launching their own national lighting transition strategies on the basis of global best practice.
In order to ensure sustainable programs and results, the countries in Southeast Asia must quickly adopt strategies to address their own situation and resources. The UNEP/GEF en.lighten initiative offers a comprehensive and rapid support plan, through its Global Partnership Program, for countries to access the regulatory or voluntary-based elements that they may lacking without having to recreate what has already been established by other governments.
|