Energy efficient light bulbs - Now that is a bright idea!

In my article, UK to miss CO2 emissions target way back in May 2006 I suggested that one measure would be to introduce a 5% environment tax on normal light bulbs. As you may have seen in this weeks news the EU are thinking about going further by introducing an outright ban by 2009. This follows in the footsteps of the Australian government who have put forward similar proposals.

This proposal is one part of a bigger raft of proposals to cut Carbon Dioxide emissions. The central commitment is a 20% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions by 2020 or a 30% reduction if other countries such as the US commit to the target as well. The proposals are a good solid mix of everything, commitments to renewables, energy efficiency, grid issues, better regulation, robust energy reviews and greater EU partnership work.

The ordinary light bulbs days are numbered and not before time. The phasing out of incandescent light bulbs was always going to be a necessary evil. Although cheap we must move on from such in-efficient technology. As the energy efficient bulbs begin to take over they will get cheaper and the variety will increase. By the time the measure is passed into law we will wonder why we had not done it sooner.

Certainly in my house I am down to the light bulbs which are currently difficult to source from high street shops but as they burn out I am committed to replacing even these with new energy efficient bulbs.

On a final note the Independent article has some great quotes from EU ministers.

"I assume the light bulbs in the presidential palace are energy-saving but I don't know - I'm not in charge of that really."

-Lech Kaczynski, President of Poland.

What you mean no one says to the president, "Mr President, Bad news a light bulb need changing, what do we do?".

"Not quite bright enough so sometimes when I'm looking for something that's dropped on the carpet I have a bit of a problem"

-Angela Merkel, Chancellor of Germany
talking about her gloomy flat.

Could she not just buy a bulb with a higher wattage?

And finally for the last word, I will leave it to a green MEP to explain why we should go ahead and say goodbye to the light bulb.

"Banning old fashioned light bulbs across the EU would cut carbon emissions by about 20 million tonnes a year - and save 5 - 8 bn euros a year in domestic fuel bills."

- Caroline Lucas, Green MEP.

Sources:

EU agrees renewable energy target (BBC)

Europe sees the light over energy-saving bulbs (Independent)

Blair hails 'bold' EU deal to slash carbon emissions and boost renewable power.(Independent)