The ROI on Going Green courtesy of Green Calgary.
Ashley responds to a reader's question on "What is the return on investment (R.O.I.) for the various water and energy saving upgrades?"
Should you replace toilets or upgrade your windows? Should the 15 year old fridge or the 20 year old dishwasher be replaced?
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2010 3rd Quarter Update
In Papua New Guinea (PNG) our partner ATprojects coordinated the installation of 15 solar systems in 10 rural health centres. Thus far, 256 solar systems have been installed in 177 rural health facilities in eight provinces throughout the country.
In Costa Rica, one of our project partners, ACEM, has coordinated the installation of 100 solar home systems in communities throughout the Talamanca region. LUTW and ACEM also completed the pilot project which was evaluating three new types of solar lighting products which are made by Philips Lighting. We are also supporting the Y Service Club's solar lighting initiative in partnership with APPTA, a Costa Rican fair trade cooperative. Technicians received intensive training over a 5-day period and APPTA was provided with 110 solar home systems to be installed in the homes of their members. It is anticipated that all 110 solar home systems will be installed by the end of 2010.
LUTW staff were also busy working on plans for renewable energy projects that will take place in Peru later this year and in Guatemala and Ecuador in early 2011.
Subsidy
Program Update
Solar lighting equipment was provided to organizations at subsidized costs in the following countries for non-profit renewable energy programs:
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Tanzania
Education Program
Update
We facilitated a Renewable Energy Field Study program in Costa Rica for 11 Energy Commerce students from Texas Tech University in August. Students worked in partnership with ACEM's technicians to install 16 solar home systems.
Our Program and Technical Directors delivered a seminar on the socio-economic impact of lighting and solar technology principles: the seminar was well attended.
Event Update
We were represented at the SPIE Conference: Photonics for a Better World (San Diego, USA) and the Science and Technology Of Light Sources 12th International Symposium (Eindhoven, Holland).
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Prosperity without Growth?
Two objectives other than growth - sustainability and wellbeing - have moved up the political and policy-making agenda in recent years, challenging the overriding priority traditionally given to economic growth. Read more about it. |
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Greetings!
The summer has been an active one for us here at LUTW. We are pleased to announce that we have initiated the NGO registration process in Peru to open our first regional office. Then, as summer turned to fall we bade farewell to our Regional Manager (Ada) and Renewable Energy Technician (Rod), who left to officially start their adventure, and our activities, in Peru. We engaged in some minor restructuring over the past months. We have also installed a small solar lighting demonstration system at our Calgary office: come by to have a look if you are in the area!
On the program side of things, the project to install lighting systems in health centers throughout Papua New Guinea has continued and we have finalized the planning for the coming year with our partner ATprojects. By far the busiest country for us during this period was Costa Rica. With our local partner ACEM, we completed the testing program for three new Philips off-grid lighting products, providing valuable information on product function and viability, while benefiting 50 families in the process. Together with Texas Tech University we successfully implemented the first installment of the World Energy Project, wherein eleven students and two Professors traveled to Costa Rica for hands-on experience in the implementation of an off grid lighting project. During this same time period we also supported our partners at Y Service Clubs International who provided intensive training and 110 solar home systems to the Fair Trade Co-operative APPTA. The solar home systems will be installed in homes throughout the Talamanca region in the latter part of 2010 and into 2011.
Looking forward, the fall activities are heating up while the weather is cooling down. This year we are adding an additional component to our annual Light Up a Home for the Holidays campaign. A solar powered lighting display will be installed at our offices together with an open house series that will allow the general public to come by and learn about solar photovoltaic and LED technologies and how we use these technologies as a tool for social and economic development. We are greatly looking forward to the implementation of our inaugural projects in Peru, supporting additional installations by our partners in Costa Rica, as well as finalizing plans for projects in Guatemala and Ecuador. All in all, we are looking forward to the completion of a very successful year in 2010 and are busy planning for further success in 2011.
Michael Fark
Director
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Featured Employee: Ada Yee
Ada joins us as the Regional Office Manager based in Peru where LUTW will manage projects, funding, partnerships and relationships in the region. She has lived throughout Canada, as well as in England, South Africa, Australia, Hong Kong, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Chad  working for government, business, development, humanitarian and community service organizations. She is insatiably curious about people, culture and is trying to cram another language into her brain. Educated in economics, political science and accounting but driven by ideals, challenges and the human spirit, Ada is excited about LUTW's potential and the social, economic, health, environmental and development benefits realized through our approach. Next stop Lima! And on a completely personal note, Halloween is her favourite day of the year. |
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Regional Office Update
After months of planning, the first Regional LUTW Office staff will arrive in Peru October 2010. This marks a very important step in the strategic direction of LUTW and towards a sustainable operational model. Ada (Regional Office Manager) and Rod (Renewable Energy Tech) have been doing everything possible to arrive in Peru with a full agenda: meetings, attendance at an important conference (II FERIA INTERNACIONAL EEC 2010) and discussions already started about potential project areas. They are excited about the challenges ahead and turning the efforts of LUTW staff and supporters into reality! Funding for the Peruvian Regional office has been provided  by the Energy4everyone Foundation (e4e) and for which we are very grateful. E4E is a registered Canadian charity, established in 2009, with a goal to improve the access and the ability to consume modern energy creating prosperous futures for those living in communities in need around the world. Founded by Enbridge Inc., e4e intends on becoming a Canadian energy industry driven, governed, and resourced Foundation, highlighting the necessary role energy plays in people's day to day life. Creating proactive and collaborative partnerships with established, credible and highly innovative Organizations, such as LUTW, energy4everyone will be able to bring greater awareness to the important and positive role of energy and highlight the need for more emphasis to be placed on energy related development work. |
Project Review: Renewable Energy Field Study Program with Texas Tech University
This past August, we coordinated the Renewable
Energy Field Study Program in Costa Rica for Energy Commerce students from
Texas Tech University. The program was facilitated by LUTW
staff and program partners, ACEM and Y Service Clubs International. Students
participated in seminars, workshops and assisted local technicians with the
installation of 16 solar home systems. Below, in
the words of Terry McInturff, an instructor at Texas Tech's Energy Commerce program, is a brief description of their experience:
In line with Texas Tech's goal to
provide students with a global view of the importance of energy, eleven Energy
Commerce students traveled to Shiroles, Costa Rica, in August to participate in
the first World Energy Project solar lighting installation in the Los Cocos
community, a part of the indigenous Talamanca region. The framework of the
Project consisted of establishment of a local micro-finance institution and
installation of solar lighting in homes that are, and likely always will be,
off-grid. The reality of the experience proved to be much more. In this region
the rhythms of life are totally dictated by the hours of sunlight. The
sun rises about five a.m. and sets about six p.m. Being so near the
equator, there is little seasonal change. The sole modes of illumination are
candles and rudimentary, homemade kerosene lamps, making any evening activities
such as studying or even outdoor movement very difficult. Food is
prepared over wood fires and a significant portion of each day's labor is
dedicated to wood gathering and food preparation. In addition to extending the
day to enable evening activities such as studying, sewing, reading and
additional family time, solar lighting provides health benefits by eliminating
the harmful residue produced by burning kerosene indoors and is a sustainable
source of clean, affordable energy. You can read the full report about this international development project through this link. In the words of Texas Tech student participant Kristi
Clanton, " Experiencing firsthand the reality of the rural poor in Costa Rica was
both enlightening and humbling. After installing the LED solar lighting systems
I realize and accept the significance of effective, sustainable energy in
community development and am more aware and appreciative of my daily access to
reliable, effective energy resources. The project positively impacted many
lives, especially my own". |
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Project Profile: Shuar Community Ecuador
 The Shuar Renewable Energy Project will provide solar power for lights and radios to 34 indigenous Shuar families living in remote communities of the Ecuadorian Amazon. This project aims to improve livelihoods by enhancing education, communications and health while reducing expenses and dependence on fossil fuels. The continued training of local technicians and household heads will build lasting capacity throughout the communities to ensure the long term sustainability of the project.
We have been installing renewable energy systems in five Shuar villages since 2004, contributing to the demand for projects to be replicated in other communities. Overall, the technology has contributed to greater disposable income in the household, thereby expanding opportunities for families to spend vital resources on other priority areas. Based on assessments from the five communities where solar energy systems were installed previously, the systems have made a significant impact on the lives of families in the Shuar communities. It has been reported that the systems are well looked after, especially by the women. It has also been reported that the children have been using lighting regularly for evening study. Light Up The World is actively fund-raising to complete the next phase of the project for the Shuar Communities. We have raised $38,489 but we require $15,890 to complete the project. To bring renewable energy to this remote region please visit www.lutw.org or contact us directly at 403-266-5004. |
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Upcoming Events
Renewable Energy, Rural Development and SMEs October 11-15, 2010 in Lima Peru - The INTERNATIONAL FAIR EEC functions as a business and diffusion platform where manufacturers, producers, distributors, consultants, and business of clean technologies, energy efficient equipment, and renewable energy sources exhibit their products to consolidate the position of its brand image, to introduce their companies and products. The conference will address issues around clean technologies, renewable energy, biofuels, energy efficiency, sustainable buildings, biofuels, regional inclusive development and rural empowerment. LUTW staff from the new Peru office will be in attendance. Light Up The Office for the HolidaysThis year we will be promoting renewable energy through an outdoor solar powered light display during the holiday season. We are also holding an open house at our office from December 1st - 17th. On display will be project presentations, speaking events on selected evenings and the chance to learn more about solar energy: please come by and see us and learn more about how solar technology can be used as a tool for social and economic development. Check our website in late November for information updates and the open house schedule. Sunray Book Launch with Val FortneySunray, a new book by Valerie Fortney, traces the journey of the Goddards, and Nichola, as they make their way around the world. The Nichola Goddard Foundation supports the Light Up Papua New Guinea project which is successfully lighting up the many health care centres scattered around the country. The public launch of Sunray will be this Tuesday, October 14, at 7:30 p.m. at Vertigo Theatre, as part of the 15th annual Wordfest. Tickets are $15/$7.50 for seniors and students. Joining Valerie and moderator Monica Zurowski, is Sharon McKay, managing editor of the Calgary Herald, an author of 14 books and Governor General's award nominee. Valerie Fortney is a veteran Canadian journalist with a successful career in broadcasting, magazines, and newspapers. Light Up Papua New Guinea (LUPNG) FundraiserSally and Tim Goddard will be hosting a fund raising dinner in Charlottetown PEI on the 6th of November. For more details, please contact Sally Goddard at goddards3@gmail.com or 902-569-5665.
SPIE Photonics WestAn LUTW representative will be attending the SPIE conference on the 22nd and 23rd of January.
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Thank you for your support! Because of your commitment, we can continue our mission of improving the quality of life for people without access to
electricity.
Your backing assists us in empowering people in
need by providing access to renewable energy and lighting. You are a necessary component of our efforts to enhance health and safety, foster local
education, help to develop economic infrastructure, and protect the
environment by reducing dependence on harmful, carbon based fuels. On behalf of our partners and the
communities with whom we work, thank you!
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Sincerely,
The LUTW Team
Light Up the World
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