23/07/2004

NI population switch off to save the world

Almost four thousand people from across Northern Ireland have formally signed an Environment Day Pledge which took place earlier this year.

The Northern Ireland Environmental Information Centre said the support shown across the province may seem small but, taken together, could make considerable positive impact for the local environment.

Neil Alldred, Director of the Environmental Information Centre Northern Ireland, said: “People were astonished to discover that computers and televisions on standby can use up to 85% of the energy they use while they are running at full capacity.

“This was just one of 10 simple measures we suggested to help people help the environment and reap economic benefits into the bargain and we were delighted at the positive responses. While switching off televisions and computers was welcomed as our top tip others, such as turning off the tap when cleaning teeth, followed close behind and a great many people told us that they would be adopting more than one of our suggested changes.”

More than 1,700 people also signed up to be a Northern Ireland Electricity Eco Energy customer. By doing this, they have reduced CO2 emissions by two tonnes per year – a total of 3562 tonnes over the next 12 months. NIE Eco Energy costs the same as standard electricity, but is produced from renewable sources.

Northern Ireland Electricity Eco Energy sponsored the Environment Day campaign this year by offering a free energy efficient lightbulb to those who made a pledge.

(MB)

Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

09 April 2024
Police Attacked By Young People In West Belfast
The PSNI have condemned the assault of four police officers when they were attacked by young people in West Belfast. At around 6:50pm on Saturday, 06 April, police received a report in relation to community concerns that a large group of young people had congregated in Falls Park and that alcohol was being consumed by children.
26 July 2005
WWF welcomes all-island renewable energy plans
WWF Northern Ireland has welcomed plans by the British and Irish Government's to secure cost effective, environmentally friendly power sources for the future of Ireland, north and south.
08 October 2003
UK Energy Minister launches new initiative in Belfast
A new initiative to encourage the development of renewable energy in Northern Ireland is being launched today in Belfast by UK Energy Minister, Stephen Timms.
03 September 2009
Wind Is 'Foundation' Of Renewable Sector
Wind energy could form the bedrock for achieving Northern Ireland's renewable energy targets, the Environment Minister has said. Speaker at the Irish Wind Energy Association Workshop in Belfast, Edwin Poots reaffirmed his support for the wind industry and all other renewable energy technologies.
09 July 2003
Consumer Council calls for action on energy costs
The General Consumer Council today called for action to cut energy costs in the province following the publication of consultation on the government’s New Energy Strategy for Northern Ireland. The Chairman of the Consumer Council, Steve Costello, said that the single biggest issue facing energy consumers was the "high price" of services.