Success Stories

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Philadelphia Housing Authority Changes a Light

In October of 2006 the Philadelphia Housing Authority took initiative to make its energy efficiency programs more successful— and, at the same time, change the world— by participating in the “Change a Light, Change the World” Campaign. The campaign, launched jointly by the Department of Energy, the Environmental Protection Agency, and the Department of Housing and Urban Development, has already convinced millions of Americans to change the traditional incandescent light bulbs in their homes to more energy efficient compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Likewise it has presented the opportunity for Philadelphia to successfully and affordably pursue energy efficient policies.

Pledging to change every single bulb in its properties to an ENERGY STAR CFL, the Philadelphia agency took on a great responsibility; currently the fourth largest public housing authority, they manages an estimated 20,000 units housing tens of thousands of residents. By changing from incandescent lights to CFLs, Philadelphia will save millions of dollars over the next few years in reduced energy costs. And as its website states, the Philadelphia Housing Authority is indeed setting an “example…for other governmental agencies and the general public.”

The organization’s initiative has not gone unnoticed; in 2006 HUD Deputy Regional Director Brenda Laroche stated that HUD is “especially proud of the Philadelphia Housing Authority and its efforts to make its public housing units energy efficient.” HAs, utility companies, and other regional players can look to the example of the Philadelphia Housing Authority to see how they too can successfully rally behind the “Change a Light, Change the World” campaign.