EPA Green Lights Program

Question:
Name a way to reduce air pollution and at the same time save money?

Answer:
Changing a standard light bulb to an energy efficient light bulb.
You see, if everyone in the United States switched to energy efficient light bulbs, 1.3 million metric tons of sulfur dioxide – a main component of sulfuric acid - and 600,000 metric tons of nitrogen oxides – precursors to both acid rain and smog – could be eliminated every year.
In addition, everyone would save money – lots of money.

So in an effort to achieve these goals, the Environmental Protection Agency got a bright idea. Last year, the EPA launched a voluntary program called “Green Lights.”
The overall goal of the program is to reduce pollution by encouraging major U.S. Institutions – businesses, governments and other institutions – to switch to energy efficient lighting.
According to the EPA, 65 million kilowatts of electricity would be saved if Green Lights were fully implemented in all facility space in the U.S. That would reduce the national electric bill by $16 billion per year.

In addition, Green Lights would result in reductions of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides equivalent to 12 percent of U.S. utility emissions, curbing acid rain and smog and helping to slow the greenhouse effect.
So far, about 800 firms have enrolled as Green Light partners nationwide, including 35 percent of the Fortune 500. One of Green Lights newest partners is Delaware Valley Utility Advisors, a Lansdale utility rate consulting firm.
“Its nice to feel like a good guy and help the environment,” President of DVUA Lames L. Watters said. “But there’s an economic incentive to commit to specific goals. The paybacks are real savings. Watters said joining Green Lights has other benefits, including access to technical information and a public relations benefit.
“The EPA wants to improve companie's images,” Watters said.
Green Lights asks its members to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the EPA. The participants agree to survey 100 percent of their facilities. And within five years of signing the memorandum, they’ll agree to upgrade 90 percent of the square footage that can be upgraded profitably without compromising lighting quality. Participants also agree to appoint an implementation manager to oversee their progress in the program, and to report at least annually to EPA on their upgrade process.
Watters said the implementation reports will increase administrative expenditures for DVUA. But that’s a minor cost compared to all the benefits the program brings, he added.
DVUA provides technical support for industrial and commercial customers regarding Electric, Water, Gas and Telephone Services.
The firm is a member of the North Penn and Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, and provides service to its customers on both a straight consulting and contingency fee basis.
DVUA has clients in 14 states, half of which are in Montgomery County, PA.

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