The most energy-guzzling light bulbs in the UK will start disappearing from shop shelves early next year as part of efforts to cut CO2 emissions, says secretary of state for the environment Hilary Benn.

The voluntary initiative, which is being led by major retailers and energy suppliers, will see them replace less energy-efficient light bulbs with more efficient ones on shop shelves over the next four years.

The aim is to save up to five million tonnes of carbon dioxide a year from UK electricity generation by 2012.

Gordon Brown announced his aim for the UK to be one of the first countries to phase out inefficient light bulbs back in March, and set an ambitious target date to achieve that – the end of 2011 – ahead of possible actions by the European Union to ban the products altogether.

Benn said: “Choosing energy-saving light bulbs can help tackle climate change and cut household bills, with each bulb saving up to £60 over its lifetime.

“But there are many more energy-hungry gadgets on sale in shops that waste too much energy. That’s why I want to see today’s initiative widened.

“I want to see more retailers, manufacturers and service providers taking action to phase out the least efficient products from their ranges – for example, certain set-top boxes and TVs – and so help offer greener choices to their customers.”

Keven Verdun, chief executive officer of the Lighting Association, said: “The UK lighting suppliers strongly support the government’s ambition in this initiative.

“For many years the European lamp industry has promoted the benefits of phasing out energy-inefficient light bulbs. In June 2007, the industry presented its own proposals for EU legislation to phase out inefficient light bulbs across the whole of Europe, commencing 2009.”

In the UK £140 million a year is wasted by leaving lights on unnecessarily. This causes 900,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor