Government to save P9.03M from efficient lighting conversion of buildings

State-run schools and hospitals in Northern and Central Luzon work together to generate annual savings of P9.03 million once the lighting retrofit project of the Department of Energy is completed.

The retrofitting project involves the replacement of existing 40 watt-fluorescent lamps and magnetic ballasts with energy efficient 28 watt-lamps and electronic ballasts.

DOE and heads of various state colleges and hospitals signed an agreement last October 9 for the lighting conversion of government structures. After the signing, installation of energy efficient bulbs will begin.

The DOE’s Philippine Energy Efficient Project has picked 20 government buildings in Northern and Central Luzon as recipients of the lighting retrofit as part of its nationwide campaign for energy efficient lighting technology.

Artemio Habitan, DOE’s program implementor, said 100 government buildings were targeted for lighting conversion out of the more than 175 government agencies that were surveyed for the program.

“We have prioritized state schools and universities including hospitals because they serve a bigger clientele and their energy consumption is 24/7,” he said.

Habitan said local government units will be accommodated in the future once the retrofitting of priority agencies is completed.

He said only Cebu City has so far qualified for the energy efficiency program.

The DOE has already signed similar agreements with the government units in Visayas and Mindanao and the National Capital Region.

The energy efficient project was supported by a loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank amounting to $31.1 million.

It is meant to reduce electricity demand using energy efficient lighting project, adoption of energy saving measures and improvement of equipment testing facilities.

These can be purchased online, including from Halfords and Amazon. Other products are reportedly being sold as French breathalysers, but won’t necessarily satisfy the French police, according to Green Flag, the motoring breakdown service.

“Although fines to enforce the new regulation may not come into effect until March, demand for these testing kits is likely to be high,” said Miranda Schunke of Green Flag.

“We’d strongly advise all motorists considering driving in France to invest in some breathalysers well in advance of their trip, to avoid last minute panics, and more importantly, breaking the law.”

The organisation advises motorists to carry at least two NF-certified breathalysers, which can be used to check a driver's blood alcohol level. The legal limit in France is 0.5 grams per litre, which equates to 50mg per 100ml of blood, lower than the 80mg limit in Britain.

Drivers in France are also already legally required to carry a warning triangle and a fluorescent safety vest. Other items motorists need by law in France are a first aid kit, fire extinguisher and spare bulbs for car lamps, lenses and reflectors.