Frosh Students Shed Light on Energy Efficiency

More than 100 University of King's College frosh students will shed some light on energy efficiency on Saturday, Sept. 9, when they go door-to-door in some Halifax neighbourhoods.

The students will be giving away compact fluorescent light bulbs donated by the Department of Energy and the Climate Change Centre.

The project is one of the many initiatives planned for this fall by the Climate Change Centre, a Clean Nova Scotia program funded by the Department of Energy. The province is investing $60,000 to help the centre continue climate change and energy education projects and expand into new initiatives, like the frosh student light exchange. The funding is an extension of a $35,000 investment provided earlier this year to cover federal funding that was discontinued in April.

"Each and every Nova Scotian can make a difference by using energy more efficiently," said Energy Minister Bill Dooks. "This funding will help all Nova Scotians learn how we can reduce both our energy use and our greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change."

Daisy Kidston of the Climate Change Centre said the investment will help ensure Nova Scotians not only have access to information, but are able to put that information to work.

"Our goal is to get the information out there, and then enable people to make use of it," said Ms. Kidston. "This light bulb campaign is a perfect example. Some renters and homeowners may not be aware of the benefits of using compact fluorescents, but this allows them to experience it while removing the barriers. Hopefully the experience will also inspire a new generation of leaders at the university level."

This fall, the Climate Change Centre will continue its focus on public education and outreach to Nova Scotians interested in learning more about climate change, energy efficiency, and energy conservation. The organization will work with a wide variety of Nova Scotians including youth, faith groups, and senior citizens.