'Heroes of the UAE' gives the green light to Ras Al Khaimah

Notes and media contacts

Note:
Lighting accounts for almost 10% of household energy consumption. By switching to energy -saving light bulbs the average two-bedroom apartment could save up to Dhs800 per year off their electricity bill. In addition to being more efficient, energy-saving light bulbs last up to 10 times longer than traditional versions- giving yet another reason why every household should make the switch.

The UAE is the fifth highest per capita consumer of energy in the world - 7 times the global average. Furthermore, a potential risk exists within the UAE that energy demand could outstrip supply. Equally the UAE also has one of the highest per capita Ecological Footprints in the world, with over 80% of this footprint related to CO2 emissions, largely due to fossil fuel-based energy consumption. Global temperatures are likely to rise alongside these rising CO2 emissions. And as a result, the UAE is predicted to face hotter summers, rising sea levels, coastal erosion, biodiversity loss, scarcer freshwater, more extreme storms and economic impacts.

As part of an ongoing commitment across all levels of UAE society, the initiative will be launching a schools engagement phase as well as initiatives tackling the private sector and government institutions in coming months.

1. Some simple facts about Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFL):

• By switching to CFLs, you can save upto Dhs806 off your energy bill.
• CFLs last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
• They work with your existing fixtures.
• They emit 4 times less CO2 emissions.

a) Where to buy CFLs
CFLs are readily available in the UAE in all major supermarkets, department stores and convenience stores , including: Abela Superstore; ACE Hardware; Al Maya Lal's; Carrefour Hypermarkets; Choitram supermarkets; Emarat Gas Stations; Geant Hypermarkets; Hyperpanda; IKEA; Sharaf DG Stores; Spinneys; SPEEDEX superstore; Union Co op stores.
b) Start with one bulb
Try just one to make sure it gives the kind of light you want. Look for bulbs with a color temperature between 2650 and 2850 degrees Kelvin or labeled 'warm white.'
c) Finding a CFL with similar brightness to an incandescent bulb
Look for CFLs with wattage about one-quarter of the incandescent you're replacing.
d) Check the shape and size
CFL bulbs can be bigger than standard incandescent bulbs. Inspect your lamp shade, and socket to ensure that your lamp can accommodate the CFL.
e) Dispose of burnt-out or broken CFLs properly:
• open a window and leave the room for 15 mins or more
• collect all broken materials using a wet rag, being careful not to disturb the dust
• Place all materials (including the rag) in a sealed plastic bag and place that bag in a second bag
• Wash your hands afterward.
• If possible, place in specialist recycling facilities that are designed to deal with CFLs or ask the outlet if they provide a recycling facility for these bulbs.
• If recycling facilities are not available then dispose as normal

2 Some simple facts about LEDs
• Last up to 10 times longer than CFLs and far longer than incandescent bulbs.
• As they are solid and without a filament, they do not break as easily as CFL or incandescent bulbs.
• Do not cause heat build-up
• No mercury is used in the manufacturing of LEDs.
• Use only 2-10 watts of electricity (1/3rd to 1/30th of Incandescent or CFL) Small LED flashlight bulbs will extend battery life 10 to 15 times longer than with incandescent bulbs.
• Although LEDs are expensive, the cost is recouped over time and in battery savings.
• Due to the low power requirement for LEDs, using solar panels becomes more practical and less expensive than running an electric line or using a generator for lighting.

Selection and use of LEDs
Many different models and styles of LED bulbs are emerging in today's marketplace. When choosing a bulb, keep in mind the following:
• Read the package to choose your desired illumination level. For example, a 3W LED is equivalent in output to a 45 W incandescent.
• Choose appropriate colours and between warm and cool light - LEDs are available in 'cool' white light, which is ideal for task lighting, and 'warm' light commonly used for small area lighting.
• LEDs are available in several types of 'pin' sockets or the standard 'screw' bases for recessed or track lighting.

Emirates Wildlife Society in association with Worldwide Fund for Nature (EWS-WWF):
EWS is a national (UAE) environmental NGO working at the federal level. EWS is established under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan - Chairman of EAD. The mission of EWS is to conserve the natural heritage of the UAE and to promote sustainable lifestyles. In the UAE, EWS works in association with WWF, to implement conservation actions for the protection of local biodiversity. EWS-WWF has been active in the UAE since the beginning of 2001 and has initiated several conservation projects in the region.

For more information please contact
Susie Pagan
Account Director
Hill & Knowlton
T: + 971 43344930