Case Study (160 Kb PDF)

Summary

The day before the World Environment Day (Urban Power) on June, 4th 2005, AGEAS Salerno has organized in public areas (piazzas) in collaboration with the Province of Salerno Environment Department, the event "Light up Saving" in 3 different cities of the province (Pontecagnano Faiano - in the industrial area in the North € Sala Consilina in the rural area in the South - and Vallo della Lucania near the Coast tourist area). Energy saving light bulbs were distributed for a symbolic contribution of Euro 1,00/bulb. The proceeds were transferred to a charitable institution for children in Africa. The aim of the event was to sensitize citizens to save energy (considering that residential energy consumption weight heavily - about 40%) and promote renewables. The economic sponsors were from one hand the private sector: the credit institute BCC Monte Pruno di Roscigno and from the other hand the public sector: the Environment Department of the Province of Salerno. Minor moral sponsors were:

• the Chamber of Commerce of Salerno,
• the Industry Association of Salerno,
• Legambiente Campania,
• WWF
• Parco Nazionale del Cilento e Vallo di Diano (Public Territory Organisation)
• Agenda 21

To underline the transverse importance of energy saving and renewables, secondary schools were in the piazzas with realized work in the field of renewables. A press campaign was organized and pamphlets were distributed during the manifestation. A large interest of people underlined that energy saving is, of course, of public interest, but often, due to economic aspects (prohibitive price of saving bulbs) and prejudice, not taken into enough consideration.

Results

The scheme cost € 8.000,00 of which was funded by the credit institute by 25%, by the Environ Department of the Province of Salerno by 50% and by AGEAS Salerno of the rest of 25%. The results obtained were as follows:

1. 2000 bulbs of 20 W sold out in 2 hours;
2. savings of around € 152,00 for the life span of a bulb (Euro 304.000,00);
3. energy saving of around 80 kWh/year, considering 1000 hours/year, bulb of 20W (160.000 kWh/year);
4. 40 kg/year of CO₂ emissions avoided (80.000 kg/year);
5. extremely attractive returns on investment: 6 months.

More than 3000 contacts were made in 2 hours. The target reached was from the housewife to the university professor, from the representative of the association of consumer to the major of the town.