News | Sunday, 30 November 2008

PRINT THIS ARTICLE

Prime Minister leads by example on energy-saving bulbs

James Debono
While the Office of the Prime Minister is leading the country by example by replacing 67% of its light bulbs and 55% of all tube installations with energy-saving devices, other ministries are either secretive on their energy-saving deeds are not showing the same zeal.
As a reflection of the PM’s enthusiasm for energy conservation, Castille is now being illuminated by energy-saving devices.
The 1,000 Watt halogen floodlighting previously utilised to illuminate the Castille façade has also been replaced with a 250 Watt metal halide installation.
Four photovoltaic solar systems have been perched atop departments and entities which fall under the responsibility of the Prime Minister. These include two separate systems at the AFM Barracks, a solar system at the government press in Marsa and another system at the Malta Environment and Planning Authority.
Yet MEPA could not provide the percentage of energy-saving bulbs in its offices when asked by MaltaToday.
So far the zeal for energy-saving devices shown by finance minister Tonio Fenech in his budget speech is not reflected by statistics coming from his own ministry. At present only between 10% to 15% of bulbs installed in the ministry of finance are energy-saving.
But the number is expected to substantially increase once the present refurbishment in the finance department in South Street is completed.
A spokesperson for the ministry added that extensive investment is required for a full changeover to energy efficient lighting since the ministry is one of Malta’s largest. “Moreover, the main building is currently undergoing extensive renovation – and energy efficient lighting is being given significant consideration in the new layout.”
As part of the refurbishing, timed lighting was also introduced in toilets and corridors and there are plans to extend this to other parts of the building.
But the spokesperson also pointed out that certain chandeliers in the ministry are relatively old and unless one invests a lot of money to change the bulb-holders, they are not suitable for energy-saving lighting.
The ministry has also installed three photovoltaic systems at the VAT department, Hal Far groupage terminal and the Consumer and Competition Division respectively. These PV systems offset 20% of the energy consumption of these three locations.
All kitchenettes within the ministry were equipped with a reverse osmosis system for drinking water to reduced plastic waste.
The Ministry for Foreign Affairs claims that it has installed energy-saving bulbs “in most of its offices” but has refrained from quantifying the number of energy-saving bulbs. It also plans to introduce “intelligent” lighting systems” that regulate artificial lighting according to natural lighting switch-off when no one is in that part of the building.
The Ministry for Social Policy is still in the process of purchasing energy-saving lighting and fittings which will be installed for newly refurbished areas. A photovoltaic unit has been installed at Palazzo Ferreria.
‘Save water, close the tap’ notices have been fixed near all water taps at Palazzo Ferreria. While at the department for Industrial and Employment Relations, stickers with messages to switch off lighting have also been stuck to switches. In the Employment Training Corporation, memos have also been sent to staff to refrain from using lighting when and where not necessary as well as to close doors when air conditioners are being used.
No reply on energy-saving measures were given by the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs, the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs and the Ministry for Infrastructure, Transport and Communications.

jdebono@mediatoday.com.mt

Any comments?
If you wish your comments to be published in our Letters pages please click button below.
Please write a contact number and a postal address where you may be contacted.