In his weekly e-newsletter to be published today, President Chen Shui-bian (
Noting the recent hot weather in Taiwan, with temperatures soaring as high as 36?C over several consecutive days, Chen acknowledged it is "a delight and a pleasure to be able to rush indoors, instantly turn on the air conditioning and enjoy the cool air!"
However, doing so simultaneously in every household would result in aggravating the level of greenhouse-gas emissions and cause night-time temperatures to be even warmer, Chen wrote.
The president went on to note that everyone probably thinks the Presidential Office must have its air-conditioning turned on all the time and that it must be the most comfortable place on a hot summer day.
"But such is not the case," he wrote.
On the contrary, in an effort to conserve energy, the Presidential Office has taken numerous measures to conserve energy, just like the rest of the public, Chen said.
Chen said that the measures taken include a policy which room temperatures are kept at no lower than 26?C and the central air conditioning is only activated when the room temperate reaches 28?C or above.
Additionally, notices have been posted next to elevators encouraging people to take the stairs instead.
"Other practices also apply to A-bian as well," said the president, referring to himself by his nickname.
"Except when taking part in events or engaging in occasions such as receiving visitors, which call for a formal dress code with suit and tie, I myself will try to change to a more casual outfit. In the meanwhile, I will encourage my bodyguards and other Presidential Office colleagues to do so as well," Chen added.
The president's remarks echoed Vice President Annette Lu's (呂秀蓮) promotion of Taiwan "island wear" shirts and Premier Frank Hsieh's (謝長廷) recent call for a casual dress codeto reduce the use of air conditioners and thus save electricity.
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