Set green example in Games,says Ministry

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE),a division of the ministry of Power,has written to the committee urging it to “showcase” India as leader in energy efficiency. It has also specifically asked the committee to procure appliances with a five-star energy rating only.

“We believe equipment and appliances still need to be procured for Games venues and the housing complexes. The time for intervention is now,and the Games should be the way of setting an example,” a senior official of BEE said.

Under the National Action Plan on Climate Change (conceived two years ago),setting up energy-efficient systems falls under methods of mitigating climate change — and mandatory labelling of electric appliances is one of the first targets under the plan. While work on this has already begun,several other policies are still in the conception stage.

The Ministry of Environment and Forests held a meeting with the BEE and the Games officials last week to chart a strategy to achieve targets and showcase India’s climate-friendly policies through the Commonwealth Games.

While energy efficiency labelling — more stars signify that more energy is saved — is now mandatory for tubelights,frost-free refrigerators,air-conditioners and transformers,the same rules will soon be imposed on washing machines as well. “We are still in the process of bringing more products and appliances under the ambit of energy labelling.

The Games (committee),meanwhile,should certainly invest in ensuring that most appliances are energy-efficient,” the official said.

Star attraction in US

Georgia in the United States started a programme on February 12 offering rebates to Georgian citizens who turn in their old appliances for new,star-rated appliances. The funding is through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for appliance rebates. And while the programme will only last till funds do,the aim is to generate interest in energy saving appliances.