From today, 100 watt and frosted incandescent (or old-style) light bulbs will be phased out and replaced with energy-efficient alternatives such as compact fluorescent lamps. A number of chains, including B&Q, Sainsbury’s and Tesco, are already part of a voluntary initiative to phase out traditional bulbs and the new legislation now makes the switch over official.
The phase out towards energy efficient light bulbs is expected to save one million tonnes og C02 per year by 2020.
Environment Minister Dan Norris comments in a press release: “This is great news for people who will pay less in electricity and even better news for the planet, as this will amount to 1 million tonnes of saved CO2 per year by 2020. We can no longer rely on light bulbs which waste 95 per cent of their energy as heat.”
Energy efficient bulbs come in every size, shape and design, with dimmable versions and bayonet and screw fittings. The technology has developed quickly in recent years as low energy bulbs have been taken up by the public. Disposal issues are also being addressed.
.
