Saving the world, one day at a time.

As the day comes to an end in Vancouver, I reflect on the topic of "Climate Change" for Blog Action Day 2009. Although there has been some debate whether climate change exists, there seems to be a consensus that it does and that it is an important issue that must be dealt with sooner rather that later.

I just want to take a few minutes out of this day to thank all those people who try to make a change in this world by doing their part to save this planet every day. If you recycle, reuse, plant trees, compost, bike, take transit, carpool, volunteer or show others how we can help make our environment cleaner, "Thank YOU!".

As we look to the future, we should seek new ways of stopping and reversing climate change. We should reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and search for clean energy technologies to live in a more sustainable world. We can build a better world, a greener world by working together as a community with industry and governments.

Vancouver is lighting it up!

If you notice a few changes on the Lion Gate Bridge, don't be alarmed. The province announced today that it will begin installing high efficiency LED lighting. Great to see changes Vancouver getting "greener".

LIONS GATE BRIDGE LIGHTING REPLACEMENT

VICTORIA – Beginning tonight, motorists, residents and visitors will notice a darkened Lions Gate Bridge, while crews install a high-efficiency LED lighting system.

The current 100-watt architectural lighting, which drapes the bridge’s suspension cables, is powered by 170 mercury-vapour bulbs and has been in place since 1986. However, with its core infrastructure nearing the end of its life span, the system is becoming increasingly onerous and costly to maintain.

The new LED lighting will have the same appearance as the existing system but will cut the current power consumption by 90 per cent and drastically reduce the time spent each year replacing burned-out bulbs.

The $150,000 project is being cost-shared by both the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and BC Hydro. The new LED bulbs have a design life of 12 years and will not only last longer but the Province expects to save more than $30,000 per year in energy and maintenance.

Work to remove the existing lighting and install the new LED system will begin immediately and is expected to take up to three weeks to complete. During this time regular traffic lighting will function as usual, and traffic will not be affected.

The LED lighting retrofit supports B.C.’s Energy Plan, which encourages new technologies to “green the grid,” promote clean energy and reduce energy losses.

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