BRITAIN: OUT WITH THE BAD BULBS!

Britain requires home sales to be accompanied by Home Information Packets (HIPs), which include Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs) and an Environmental Impact Rating (EIR) (see graphics below). How’s that for letting the market impact home efficiency?

The Brown government expects the change to CFLs to save emissions equivalent to the output of a coal-fired power plant.

Britain to switch off energy-guzzling light bulbs
September 27, 2007 (AFP via Yahoo News)
and
UK to switch off high-energy globes
September 28, 2007 (Sydney Morning Herald)

WHO
Britain (Hilary Benn, Environment Secretary; Gordon Brown, Prime Minister )

Click to enlarge picture. Buy and use to help your world.

WHAT
The government will lead a voluntary drive to end the availability of incandescent light bulbs in favor of energy-efficient compact florescent light bulbs (CFLs).

WHEN
The plan was announced September 27. 150-watt incandescents will stop being sold in January 2008. 100-watt bulbs will be unavailable after January 2009. 60-watt bulbs will be gone after January 2010. The phase-out of incandescent bulbs is scheduled to be complete by 2012.

WHERE
The incandescent bulbs will be removed from retail shelves one size at a time.

WHY
- Incandescent bulbs will be removed from European Union markets by manufacturers by 2015.
- Retailers have met the announcement with enthusiasm and indicated they will cooperate.
- Prime Minister Brown has a well-known, long-standing commitment to environmental and energy issues.
- The average British home has 23-24 light bulbs.
- Both in Britian and the EU leaders are urging consumers to take further energy efficiency measures such as installing new window and door linings, insulation and thermostat controls.

Wouldn't it be great to get a report like this on a house you were thinking of buying? (click to enlarge)

QUOTES
- British Environment Secretary Hilary Benn: "Britain is leading the way in getting rid of energy-guzzling light bulbs and helping consumers reduce their carbon footprint…Choosing energy-saving light bulbs can help tackle climate change, and also cut household bills, with each bulb saving up to 60 pounds (85 euros, 120 dollars) over its lifetime…"