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RELEASE: Immediate, October 16, 2002
CONTACT: Colleen Quinn, NYSERDA
518-862-1090 Ext. 3359
State Energy Authority and Cornell University Announce
"The Great Halogen Trade-In"
Ithaca Fire Marshall Demonstrates Fire Hazard of
Halogen Lamps
ITHACA, NY - The New York State Energy Research and Development
Authority (NYSERDA) in partnership with Cornell University announced
today "The Great Halogen Trade-In." Rick Gerardi, Program
Director of NYSERDA's Residential Energy Affordability Program will
be joined by Ithaca Fire Marshall Ray Wheaton who will demonstrate
the fire hazards of halogen lamps. Also joining them are Abigail Krich,
President of Kyoto Now!, and representatives from other groups involved
with the trade-in program at Cornell University's Ho Plaza from 12:30
p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 16.
Halogen torchiere floor lamps are a serious fire hazard and have
been banned in all Cornell residence halls for years. A few years
ago, a sorority in the area had a significant fire caused by one of
these lamps, igniting paper that had been hung from it. One in six
colleges and universities in the country have had a fire caused by
these lamps. However, because these are generally the cheapest and
brightest lamps available, many students and community members continue
to use them.
The purpose of the "Great Halogen Trade-in" is to raise
student and staff awareness of the safety hazards associated with
halogen torchieres and to encourage them if they own a halogen to
exchange their halogen torchiere for a safer, more energy-efficient,
Energy Star®-labeled
compact fluorescent model.
Energy Star®-labeled
torchieres meet stringent safety and reliability guidelines established
by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). They operate at a lower
temperature than conventional lamps, saving students and the college
money and energy, due to their increased efficiency. Halogen fixtures
have been known to burn up to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit - hot enough
to ignite cloth, wood, plastic, or paper in a matter of seconds. By
contrast, Energy Star®-labeled
compact fluorescent lamps burn at a much cooler 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
"The Great Halogen Trade-In" program is offering a fluorescent
version of the halogen lamp at a discounted price. Throughout the
month of October, anyone with valid Cornell identification can bring
in a halogen torchiere floor lamp to The Cornell Store or Campus Copy
& Supply (Appel Commons) for a 70% discount on a new, safe, and
energy-efficient fluorescent torchiere floor lamp. If someone does
not have a Cornell identification or a halogen torchiere lamp to trade
in, they can still purchase a lamp through this one-time offer for
only $29.95 (retail value is $50).
"This initiative is very important for many reasons, but most
important is student safety and the benefits of reduced energy costs,"
said William M. Flynn, President of NYSERDA. "The demonstration
today should offer an idea to students of how dangerous these seemingly
normal halogen lamps really are. Using a fluorescent torchiere in
place of a halogen one is a smart move and a safe one at that. I hope
other colleges and universities take similar steps to promote more
efficient and safer lighting on their campuses as Cornell has"
"The partnership between Cornell and NYSERDA benefits everyone
because it is making the campus safer and more energy efficient. With
the halogen light trade-in, the community saves energy and money at
the same time without sacrificing the comfort of reading under a bright
light," says Hunter Rawlings, president of Cornell.
"It has been exciting for me to see so many people coming together
to collaborate on this project," said Abigail Krich, President
of Kyoto Now! "The Great Halogen Trade-In" is a collaborative
effort of the Kyoto Task Team and NYSERDA. Both organizations strive
to reduce energy consumption and thus carbon dioxide emissions."
The task team also received the support of many other groups, such
as Cornell Campus Life and the Cornell Grounds Department. The two
participating stores are handling the logistics of the sale, trade-in,
and recycling - they are also offering a low price for the fluorescent
torchieres.
Though the halogen torchieres have been banned in residence halls
for years, it has never been enforced. Beginning November 1, 2002,
this ban will be strictly enforced, making "The Great Halogen
Trade-In" an appealing opportunity for those with contraband
lamps in the residence halls.
Off campus students and community members should be excited about
this opportunity to lower their electricity bills. If someone uses
their lamp about seven hours a day, the cost of making the trade in
will be paid back in electricity savings in less than three months!
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