by Michael Smith (Veshengro)
No, it's not as serious as it may sound. We are not running out of electricity for London – as yet.
The London Assembly's Environment Committee are launching an investigation into the reasons lights are left on in workplaces overnight in London. In most instances, as far as I see it, the reason should be blatantly obvious; laziness.
It is estimated that lighting up the capital's offices and shops accounts for eight per cent of all London's carbon emissions, equivalent to 3.52 million tons a year.
The Carbon Trust estimates that 25-30% of an organization’s electricity costs come from lighting. Using energy efficient lighting can cut these costs by a third. And even more can be cut if people would just remember to turn the building off after they leave. A reminder poster may need to be created to the effect of “would the last person to leave please turn off the building”.
The Carbon Trust also calculates that lighting bills could be cut by 15 percent by only using lights when and where they are genuinely required.
The Environment Committee will consult with businesses and examine at the reasons lights are left on and how to promote energy-saving policies.
Environment Committee chair, Darren Johnson, AM, said: "When you are out in London at night, you will see buildings all across the capital with their lights blazing. Is this necessary?
"Turning off lights saves energy and money. So we want to understand why so many workplaces leave lights on overnight.
"We also want to see if there is more that the GLA and the Mayor could be doing to enable and encourage workplace lights to be switched off when they aren't needed."
In addition to discussing the issue with businesses, the Committee is seeking the views of the public. The Committee will hold a public meeting in December and publish a report in early 2011.
One only needs to see government buildings, for it is not just industry that causes this problem. The lights are on, the computers are running and, well, no one is home. And we see even worse. Empty school buildings with lights burning day and night so that a potential burglar cannot sue the authorities should he suffer an accident when breaking in in the dark. I always thought that every self-respecting burglar would carry a flashlight.
Why we need to have a costly investigation in the reasons for leaving the lights on beats me too. It is obvious, as I said, why it is and it requires education not investigation. Another job for the boys?
You can find out more about the investigation by clicking here.
© 2010
