Energy Consumption Concerns American Homeowners

Wilkesboro, NC - As Energy Efficiency Month approaches, a new national survey reveals 90 percent of Americans would personally take action to prevent the over-consumption of energy, if they knew what they could do. Energy and home efficiency experts assert the possibilities are staring homeowners right in the face. "When people question what their role is with regard to energy consumption, they don't need to look any further than their everyday living essentials," said Michael Chenard, director of environmental affairs for Lowe's. "It's the light you turn on when you get up, that hot morning shower, the old refrigerator they don't want to replace and the ever-running furnace and air conditioner." This study of male and female homeowners age 25 and older across the country was conducted Sept. 5-14 by Ipsos-Public Affairs, a North American based Division of the Ipsos Group, a leading global public opinion and market research organization. Motivation and Awareness When it comes to motivation, survey respondents report being almost equally motivated by saving the environment (54 percent) and money (46 percent). It is what to do beyond the motivation that may leave some puzzled. This is where the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Department of Energy's ENERGY STAR174 program comes into play. For instance, 42 percent of Americans say they have never purchased an ENERGY STAR qualified product. This means many people are not yet aware that the government-backed ENERGY STAR program serves as a guide to products that meet a high-energy efficiency standard and highlights home products that actually save energy and money. While Americans might not be aware of practical energy-saving methods and products, the survey shows the desire to save energy and money is within the American consciousness. In fact, 61 percent of Americans are more concerned about energy consumption than other environmental issues such as smog, water pollution and conservation. Additionally, 82 percent say if they could save on their annual energy bills by using a specialized product, they would do so. Light The Way Lighting accounts for between five and 10 percent of the average U.S. homeowner's electricity bill. Energy experts say technology improvements make much of that expense unnecessary. For instance, technological developments in the past decade could result in cutting lighting costs by 30 to 60 percent while simultaneously reducing environmental strains. One of the most significant advancements in lighting products is the compact fluorescent lamp (CFL). CFLs can replace incandescent bulbs that are roughly three to four times their wattage, saving up to 75 percent of the initial lighting energy. "Many homeowners may not be aware that CFLs represent one of the best and simplest energy efficiency investments they can make," said Tracie Kacmarcik, marketing manager for OSRAM SYLVANIA's Consumer Products channel. "Some people shy away from the initial costs, but don't realize that CFLs last an astounding 10 to 13 times longer than the traditional incandescent light. In essence, you more than recoup the costs of the bulbs by virtue of not having to purchase replacement bulbs as often." The Appliance Drain Another everyday essential is appliances. While 39 percent of homeowners rank energy efficiency as the most important purchasing factor when it comes to appliances, many hold on to outdated appliances costing them and the environment. They might be interested to learn that an ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator uses less energy than a 75-watt bulb, saving more than $35 a year compared to a 10-year old model. Government energy officials believe the initial cost of a high-energy appliance may scare off some Americans. However, 91 percent of homeowners surveyed say they would be willing to pay more for an appliance if it would save them money down the road. Home Energy Audit Many American homeowners may not be paying close attention to those monthly utility bills, but they add up. The following chart provides a breakdown of average annual household utility expenditures that could be reduced by following more energy efficient practices. Experts recommend conducting an energy audit to determine money and energy expenditures. They believe such audits help change behaviors and buying habits that contribute to energy waste. For more information, please contact: Chris Deeney Vice-President Ipsos-Public Affairs 312.665.0551 About Lowe's With fiscal year 2002 sales of $26.5 billion, Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a FORTUNE 100 company that serves approximately nine million customers a week at more than 900 home improvement stores in 45 states. In 2003, FORTUNE named Lowe's America's Most Admired Specialty Retailer. Based in Wilkesboro, N.C., the 57-year old company is the second-largest home improvement retailer in the world. For more information, visit www.lowes.com. About OSRAM SYLVANIA Headquartered in Danvers, Mass., OSRAM SYLVANIA is the North American operation of OSRAM GmbH. Together with our parent company, we are the second-largest lighting and materials enterprise in the world, serving customers in more than 140 countries. We manufacture and market a wide range of lighting products, including automotive, electronic and magnetic ballasts, and precision materials and components for industrial and commercial users, original equipment manufacturers and consumers, sold primarily under the SYLVANIA brand name, but also under the OSRAM brand. OSRAM SYLVANIA also offers lighting systems installation and maintenance services. For further information, visit www.sylvania.com. About Ipsos-Public Affairs Ipsos-Public Affairs is a non-partisan, objective public affairs research organization made up of Democratic and Republican campaign and political polling veterans. It was established in August 2001 in Washington D.C., and is headed by veteran pollster Thomas Riehle, who has more than 15 years of experience as a political pollster in Washington. The division conducts strategic research initiatives for a diverse number of U.S. and international organizations. Typically, the division's studies are based on opinion research, not only public opinion, but often elite stakeholder, corporate and media opinion. Ipsos-Public Affairs is a member of the Ipsos Group, a leading global survey-based market research group. To learn more, visit: www.ipsos-pa.com. About Ipsos Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research group, with revenues of 538.5 million euros in 2002. It offers a full suite of research services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies in advertising, marketing, public opinion and customer loyalty research, as well as forecasting and modeling. Member companies also offer a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services. To learn more, visit: www.ipsos.com. Ipsos is listed on the Euronext Paris Premier Marchй, and is part of the SBF 120 and Next Prime Indices as well as eligible to the Deferred Settlement System (SRD). 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