Re: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not
Trouble lights are one of my favourite places to use CFLs. They don't get as hot, and they don't fail due to a bit of vibration. I have have life issues with (made in China) Globe brand units. They are a Wal-Mart special. My best luck has also been with Sylvania/Osram and Philips brand units. I have also had good luck generally with GE Circ-lite units, but they can't be used everywhere due to the large-diameter circle form factor. Darryl McMahon Mike Weaver wrote: Mine have been fine - the only thing I don't use them for is shop and trouble lights - don't want to break them. robert and benita rabello wrote: Paul S Cantrell wrote: What kind are you buying? There are very cheap, crappy ones and then there are Sylvania and Philips. I have never had one burn out in my house... We bought some very expensive 28 watt Panasonic full spectrum bulbs for our kitchen when we built our house. Two of them burned out within a year or so, and I've been unable to find a replacement source for them. After a LONG and frustrating search, I abandoned the Panasonics and went to a different brand. Also, we've had several small CFL's burn out in ceiling fixtures in our boy's rooms. On the other hand, I also have a handful of CFL's bought back in the early 1990's that are still going strong! Showerheads involve so much personal preference, that it is hard to get general acceptance of low-flow showerheads. The best strategy I've heard is to take note of the ones in hotel rooms, and when you find one you like, write down the type and go buy it. I use the lowest flow showerhead on the market. My response to the initial post is that if water is dispersed and I have to turn it up in order to feel warm, big deal . . . The water heater is set at a given temperature anyway. If I crank the hot water to feel warm, I'm simply using less COLD water to blend in for the desired temperature. Turn the water heater down and crank the valve up. More heat is wasted while that big tank of water is just sitting there, waiting for use, than is used in an eight minute hot shower with an ultra low-flow head. robert luis rabello The Edge of Justice Adventure for Your Mind http://www.newadventure.ca Ranger Supercharger Project Page http://www.members.shaw.ca/rabello/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ -- Darryl McMahon http://www.econogics.com It's your planet. If you won't look after it, who will? ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not
Mine have been fine - the only thing I don't use them for is shop and trouble lights - don't want to break them. robert and benita rabello wrote: Paul S Cantrell wrote: What kind are you buying? There are very cheap, crappy ones and then there are Sylvania and Philips. I have never had one burn out in my house... We bought some very expensive 28 watt Panasonic full spectrum bulbs for our kitchen when we built our house. Two of them burned out within a year or so, and I've been unable to find a replacement source for them. After a LONG and frustrating search, I abandoned the Panasonics and went to a different brand. Also, we've had several small CFL's burn out in ceiling fixtures in our boy's rooms. On the other hand, I also have a handful of CFL's bought back in the early 1990's that are still going strong! Showerheads involve so much personal preference, that it is hard to get general acceptance of low-flow showerheads. The best strategy I've heard is to take note of the ones in hotel rooms, and when you find one you like, write down the type and go buy it. I use the lowest flow showerhead on the market. My response to the initial post is that if water is dispersed and I have to turn it up in order to feel warm, big deal . . . The water heater is set at a given temperature anyway. If I crank the hot water to feel warm, I'm simply using less COLD water to blend in for the desired temperature. Turn the water heater down and crank the valve up. More heat is wasted while that big tank of water is just sitting there, waiting for use, than is used in an eight minute hot shower with an ultra low-flow head. robert luis rabello The Edge of Justice Adventure for Your Mind http://www.newadventure.ca Ranger Supercharger Project Page http://www.members.shaw.ca/rabello/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not
Ahhh, Cricket, you have hit your finger on the nail with your head...stop wanting and you will not waste. Rufus - Original Message - From: "Ken Riznyk" [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 10:50 PM Subject: Re: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not I try not to waste, but I still want. I'm not that enamored with compact fluorescents. I've had a half-dozen of them burnout in less than a year even though they are supposed to last five years. They are not as bright as they claim. The information on the package will say "equivalent to 100 watt incandescent bulb." That's a laugh. On top of that, like all fluorescents they gradually get dimmer with age. My low flow shower head disperses the water so much that by the time it reaches my body it is cool, so I have to crank up the hot water. I don't know if I'm saving very much. I've added insulation to my attic but didn't notice any change in my electric bill. - Original Message From: Keith Addison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 9:55:13 AM Subject: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1023-05.htm Published on Monday, October 23, 2006 by Inter Press Service Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not by Stephen Leahy Soaring worldwide demand for energy is driving climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions dangerously higher, and even as investments grow in new "clean" energy sources, existing technologies to reduce energy use are being neglected. Energy remains crucial to economic development in a world where over 1.6 billion people have no access to electricity. While the media and government focus has been on greener and cleaner ways to generate power through renewable sources like biofuels, wind, solar and hydrogen, experts say that major improvements in energy efficiency could dramatically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, save money and provide the breathing space needed to improve and develop new energy sources. Scientists estimate that to avoid dangerous climate change (generally viewed as a two-degree rise in global temperatures), world greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by about 60 percent from today's levels by 2050. At the same time, world energy demand is projected to increase by over 50 percent between now and 2030, and that will raise energy-related carbon dioxide emissions 52 percent higher than they are today, reported the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its 2005 World Energy Outlook, considered the definitive report on global energy. That energy path is unsustainable, warns the IEA, which is calling for major changes. "The need to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions means a drastic overhaul of how we produce energy," said Christopher Flavin, president of the Worldwatch Institute, a U.S. environmental group. "We are facing the biggest economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution," Flavin told IPS. Few people have been able to get their heads around the scope and breadth of the changes, he said. Alternative ways of generating energy with little or no carbon emissions, improvements in energy efficiency and using less energy overall will all be needed on a massive scale. That is beginning to happen in terms of wind, solar and biofuel energy, which are growing at double-digit rates and now generate close to 10 percent of the world's energy, said Flavin. However, energy efficiency in North America and elsewhere has been on the back burner since the oil crisis of the 1970s. The European Union is an exception, where even centuries-old apartment buildings are lit by low-energy compact fluorescents equipped with motion detectors or timers so they only turn on when needed. By contrast, lights are on 24 hours in hallways and stairways as well as offices and stores across North America. This fall, EU countries, already twice as energy efficient as the U.S. or Canada, announced an action plan to reduce their energy needs by another 20 percent by 2020. "It is easier and cheaper to improve energy efficiency than produce more energy," said Nathan Glasgow, a senior consultant at the Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Institute. The opportunities to improve energy efficiency are nearly endless, Glasgow said in an interview. The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), headed by energy efficiency guru Amory Lovins, has designed programs for large and small companies that have dramatically reduced energy use and saved billions of dollars. Converting coal at a U.S. power plant into energy that lights an incandescent light bulb is only three percent efficient, RMI research shows. Coal plants waste 70 percent of the energy they generate as heat, transmission
Re: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not
More. MK DuPree wrote: Ahhh, Cricket, you have hit your finger on the nail with your head...stop wanting and you will not waste. Rufus - Original Message - From: Ken Riznyk [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org mailto:biofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 10:50 PM Subject: Re: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not I try not to waste, but I still want. I'm not that enamored with compact fluorescents. I've had a half-dozen of them burnout in less than a year even though they are supposed to last five years. They are not as bright as they claim. The information on the package will say equivalent to 100 watt incandescent bulb. That's a laugh. On top of that, like all fluorescents they gradually get dimmer with age. My low flow shower head disperses the water so much that by the time it reaches my body it is cool, so I have to crank up the hot water. I don't know if I'm saving very much. I've added insulation to my attic but didn't notice any change in my electric bill. - Original Message From: Keith Addison [EMAIL PROTECTED] mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org mailto:biofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 9:55:13 AM Subject: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1023-05.htm Published on Monday, October 23, 2006 by Inter Press Service Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not by Stephen Leahy Soaring worldwide demand for energy is driving climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions dangerously higher, and even as investments grow in new clean energy sources, existing technologies to reduce energy use are being neglected. Energy remains crucial to economic development in a world where over 1.6 billion people have no access to electricity. While the media and government focus has been on greener and cleaner ways to generate power through renewable sources like biofuels, wind, solar and hydrogen, experts say that major improvements in energy efficiency could dramatically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, save money and provide the breathing space needed to improve and develop new energy sources. Scientists estimate that to avoid dangerous climate change (generally viewed as a two-degree rise in global temperatures), world greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by about 60 percent from today's levels by 2050. At the same time, world energy demand is projected to increase by over 50 percent between now and 2030, and that will raise energy-related carbon dioxide emissions 52 percent higher than they are today, reported the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its 2005 World Energy Outlook, considered the definitive report on global energy. That energy path is unsustainable, warns the IEA, which is calling for major changes. The need to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions means a drastic overhaul of how we produce energy, said Christopher Flavin, president of the Worldwatch Institute, a U.S. environmental group. We are facing the biggest economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution, Flavin told IPS. Few people have been able to get their heads around the scope and breadth of the changes, he said. Alternative ways of generating energy with little or no carbon emissions, improvements in energy efficiency and using less energy overall will all be needed on a massive scale. That is beginning to happen in terms of wind, solar and biofuel energy, which are growing at double-digit rates and now generate close to 10 percent of the world's energy, said Flavin. However, energy efficiency in North America and elsewhere has been on the back burner since the oil crisis of the 1970s. The European Union is an exception, where even centuries-old apartment buildings are lit by low-energy compact fluorescents equipped with motion detectors or timers so they only turn on when needed. By contrast, lights are on 24 hours in hallways and stairways as well as offices and stores across North America. This fall, EU countries, already twice as energy efficient as the U.S. or Canada, announced an action plan to reduce their energy needs by another 20 percent by 2020. It is easier and cheaper to improve energy efficiency than produce more energy, said Nathan Glasgow, a senior consultant at the Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Institute. The opportunities to improve energy efficiency are nearly endless, Glasgow said in an interview. The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), headed by energy efficiency guru Amory Lovins, has designed programs for large and small companies that have dramatically reduced energy use and saved billions of dollars. Converting coal at a U.S. power plant into energy that lights an incandescent
Re: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not
Hi Ken,On 10/26/06, Ken Riznyk [EMAIL PROTECTED] wrote: I try not to waste, but I still want.I'm not that enamored with compact fluorescents.I've had a half-dozen of them burnout in less than a year even though they are supposed to last five years. They are not as bright as they claim. The information on the package will say equivalent to 100 watt incandescent bulb. That's a laugh. On top of that, like all fluorescents they gradually get dimmer with age. What kind are you buying? There are very cheap, crappy ones and then there are Sylvania and Philips. I have never had one burn out in my house...I still have the first CFL I bought in the late 90's out in the porch fixture. It's not great, but the new ones are really improved. How often do you flip them on and off? For lights that get flipped a LOT, CFL's are not always the best bet. They take 5-10 minutes to reach full lumen output. You do have to look at the lumen output of the lamp against your desired light level. Also, CFL's are more sensitive to quality power source. Brownout and voltage flicker can cause the ballasts to burn out prematurely. You can check it with a standard voltage meter at the light sockets or plugs. My low flow shower head disperses the water so much that by the time it reaches my body it is cool, so I have to crank up the hot water. I don't know if I'm saving very much. I've added insulation to my attic but didn't notice any change in my electric bill. Showerheads involve so much personal preference, that it is hard to get general acceptance of low-flow showerheads. The best strategy I've heard is to take note of the ones in hotel rooms, and when you find one you like, write down the type and go buy it. There are attic insulation calculators here:http://www.martindalecenter.com/Calculators1A_5_Co_FJ.html#HOMER-THERMAL Lots of variables there...- Original Message From: Keith Addison [EMAIL PROTECTED]To: biofuel@sustainablelists.orgSent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 9:55:13 AMSubject: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1023-05.htmPublished on Monday, October 23, 2006 by Inter Press ServiceAnswer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not by Stephen LeahySoaring worldwide demand for energy is driving climate-alteringgreenhouse gas emissions dangerously higher, and even as investmentsgrow in new clean energy sources, existing technologies to reduce energy use are being neglected.Energy remains crucial to economic development in a world where over1.6 billion people have no access to electricity. While the media andgovernment focus has been on greener and cleaner ways to generate power through renewable sources like biofuels, wind, solar andhydrogen, experts say that major improvements in energy efficiencycould dramatically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, save moneyand provide the breathing space needed to improve and develop new energy sources.Scientists estimate that to avoid dangerous climate change (generallyviewed as a two-degree rise in global temperatures), world greenhousegas emissions need to be reduced by about 60 percent from today's levels by 2050.At the same time, world energy demand is projected to increase byover 50 percent between now and 2030, and that will raiseenergy-related carbon dioxide emissions 52 percent higher than they are today, reported the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its 2005World Energy Outlook, considered the definitive report on globalenergy.That energy path is unsustainable, warns the IEA, which is calling for major changes.The need to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions means adrastic overhaul of how we produce energy, said Christopher Flavin,president of the Worldwatch Institute, a U.S. environmental group.We are facing the biggest economic transformation since theIndustrial Revolution, Flavin told IPS.Few people have been able to get their heads around the scope and breadth of the changes, he said.Alternative ways of generating energy with little or no carbonemissions, improvements in energy efficiency and using less energyoverall will all be needed on a massive scale. That is beginning to happen in terms of wind, solar and biofuel energy, which are growingat double-digit rates and now generate close to 10 percent of theworld's energy, said Flavin.However, energy efficiency in North America and elsewhere has been on the back burner since the oil crisis of the 1970s.The European Union is an exception, where even centuries-oldapartment buildings are lit by low-energy compact fluorescentsequipped with motion detectors or timers so they only turn on when needed. By contrast, lights are on 24 hours in hallways and stairwaysas well as offices and stores across North America.This fall, EU countries, already twice as energy efficient as theU.S. or Canada, announced an action plan to reduce their energy needs by another 20 percent by 2020.It is easier and cheaper to improve energy efficiency than producemore energy, said
Re: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not
Paul S Cantrell wrote: What kind are you buying? There are very cheap, crappy ones and then there are Sylvania and Philips. I have never had one burn out in my house... We bought some very expensive 28 watt Panasonic full spectrum bulbs for our kitchen when we built our house. Two of them burned out within a year or so, and I've been unable to find a replacement source for them. After a LONG and frustrating search, I abandoned the Panasonics and went to a different brand. Also, we've had several small CFL's burn out in ceiling fixtures in our boy's rooms. On the other hand, I also have a handful of CFL's bought back in the early 1990's that are still going strong! Showerheads involve so much personal preference, that it is hard to get general acceptance of low-flow showerheads. The best strategy I've heard is to take note of the ones in hotel rooms, and when you find one you like, write down the type and go buy it. I use the lowest flow showerhead on the market. My response to the initial post is that if water is dispersed and I have to turn it up in order to feel warm, big deal . . . The water heater is set at a given temperature anyway. If I crank the hot water to feel warm, I'm simply using less COLD water to blend in for the desired temperature. Turn the water heater down and crank the valve up. More heat is wasted while that big tank of water is just sitting there, waiting for use, than is used in an eight minute hot shower with an ultra low-flow head. robert luis rabello The Edge of Justice Adventure for Your Mind http://www.newadventure.ca Ranger Supercharger Project Page http://www.members.shaw.ca/rabello/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not
The early (heavy) CFLs were a non-semiconductor design, which took some time to come to full output. The newer electronic ones may use a higher frequency, which increases efficiency. They definitely start much faster. I have had failures on some electronic ones, due to transients on our power line. We are on the end of a spur line, at night the voltage can go well above specs. This could also be related to the batch of bad electrolytic capacitors that were around a few years ago. The scenario goes: up in the middle of the night to service the bladder, turn the light on poof! As I said, I havent had this issue for well over 12 months now. We also have the problem of 240v power, where most equipment is designed for 220v. This stresses components, if the voltage goes high, there is not as much margin. regards Doug On Saturday 28 October 2006 10:56, robert and benita rabello wrote: Paul S Cantrell wrote: What kind are you buying? There are very cheap, crappy ones and then there are Sylvania and Philips. I have never had one burn out in my house... We bought some very expensive 28 watt Panasonic full spectrum bulbs for our kitchen when we built our house. Two of them burned out within a year or so, and I've been unable to find a replacement source for them. After a LONG and frustrating search, I abandoned the Panasonics and went to a different brand. Also, we've had several small CFL's burn out in ceiling fixtures in our boy's rooms. On the other hand, I also have a handful of CFL's bought back in the early 1990's that are still going strong! Showerheads involve so much personal preference, that it is hard to get general acceptance of low-flow showerheads. The best strategy I've heard is to take note of the ones in hotel rooms, and when you find one you like, write down the type and go buy it. I use the lowest flow showerhead on the market. My response to the initial post is that if water is dispersed and I have to turn it up in order to feel warm, big deal . . . The water heater is set at a given temperature anyway. If I crank the hot water to feel warm, I'm simply using less COLD water to blend in for the desired temperature. Turn the water heater down and crank the valve up. More heat is wasted while that big tank of water is just sitting there, waiting for use, than is used in an eight minute hot shower with an ultra low-flow head. robert luis rabello The Edge of Justice Adventure for Your Mind http://www.newadventure.ca Ranger Supercharger Project Page http://www.members.shaw.ca/rabello/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/ ___ Biofuel mailing list Biofuel@sustainablelists.org http://sustainablelists.org/mailman/listinfo/biofuel_sustainablelists.org Biofuel at Journey to Forever: http://journeytoforever.org/biofuel.html Search the combined Biofuel and Biofuels-biz list archives (50,000 messages): http://www.mail-archive.com/biofuel@sustainablelists.org/
Re: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not
I try not to waste, but I still want. I'm not that enamored with compact fluorescents. I've had a half-dozen of them burnout in less than a year even though they are supposed to last five years. They are not as bright as they claim. The information on the package will say equivalent to 100 watt incandescent bulb. That's a laugh. On top of that, like all fluorescents they gradually get dimmer with age. My low flow shower head disperses the water so much that by the time it reaches my body it is cool, so I have to crank up the hot water. I don't know if I'm saving very much. I've added insulation to my attic but didn't notice any change in my electric bill. - Original Message From: Keith Addison [EMAIL PROTECTED] To: biofuel@sustainablelists.org Sent: Thursday, October 26, 2006 9:55:13 AM Subject: [Biofuel] Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not http://www.commondreams.org/headlines06/1023-05.htm Published on Monday, October 23, 2006 by Inter Press Service Answer to Energy Crisis? Waste Not, Want Not by Stephen Leahy Soaring worldwide demand for energy is driving climate-altering greenhouse gas emissions dangerously higher, and even as investments grow in new clean energy sources, existing technologies to reduce energy use are being neglected. Energy remains crucial to economic development in a world where over 1.6 billion people have no access to electricity. While the media and government focus has been on greener and cleaner ways to generate power through renewable sources like biofuels, wind, solar and hydrogen, experts say that major improvements in energy efficiency could dramatically reduce emissions of greenhouse gases, save money and provide the breathing space needed to improve and develop new energy sources. Scientists estimate that to avoid dangerous climate change (generally viewed as a two-degree rise in global temperatures), world greenhouse gas emissions need to be reduced by about 60 percent from today's levels by 2050. At the same time, world energy demand is projected to increase by over 50 percent between now and 2030, and that will raise energy-related carbon dioxide emissions 52 percent higher than they are today, reported the International Energy Agency (IEA) in its 2005 World Energy Outlook, considered the definitive report on global energy. That energy path is unsustainable, warns the IEA, which is calling for major changes. The need to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions means a drastic overhaul of how we produce energy, said Christopher Flavin, president of the Worldwatch Institute, a U.S. environmental group. We are facing the biggest economic transformation since the Industrial Revolution, Flavin told IPS. Few people have been able to get their heads around the scope and breadth of the changes, he said. Alternative ways of generating energy with little or no carbon emissions, improvements in energy efficiency and using less energy overall will all be needed on a massive scale. That is beginning to happen in terms of wind, solar and biofuel energy, which are growing at double-digit rates and now generate close to 10 percent of the world's energy, said Flavin. However, energy efficiency in North America and elsewhere has been on the back burner since the oil crisis of the 1970s. The European Union is an exception, where even centuries-old apartment buildings are lit by low-energy compact fluorescents equipped with motion detectors or timers so they only turn on when needed. By contrast, lights are on 24 hours in hallways and stairways as well as offices and stores across North America. This fall, EU countries, already twice as energy efficient as the U.S. or Canada, announced an action plan to reduce their energy needs by another 20 percent by 2020. It is easier and cheaper to improve energy efficiency than produce more energy, said Nathan Glasgow, a senior consultant at the Colorado-based Rocky Mountain Institute. The opportunities to improve energy efficiency are nearly endless, Glasgow said in an interview. The Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI), headed by energy efficiency guru Amory Lovins, has designed programs for large and small companies that have dramatically reduced energy use and saved billions of dollars. Converting coal at a U.S. power plant into energy that lights an incandescent light bulb is only three percent efficient, RMI research shows. Coal plants waste 70 percent of the energy they generate as heat, transmission lines lose another 10 percent, and so on. Wasted heat from U.S. coal plants amounts to 20 percent more energy than Japan uses for everything, Lovins has written. Such inefficiencies add up to hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. and more than one trillion dollars a year globally. But governments prefer to focus on building new power plants or investing in new energy technologies like hydrogen fuel cells despite the fact that the tools to make
