Bright idea lights the way to energy saving in Fylde
Lancashire residents have been testing energy saving light bulbs as part of a project to help combat climate change.
FLoWE
Fylde Low Waste and Energy (FLoWE) project has teamed up with Lancashire County Council to provide people living in Bolton's Croft in Fylde with a range of free energy saving light bulbs to test as part of Lancashire's first low energy household trial. The residents of Boltons Croft had their low energy light bulbs fitted between March and May 2009.
The idea behind the test came from Lancashire County Council in an effort to show people that energy saving light bulbs are becoming a viable option for more people as they now come in a variety of shapes and sizes so they not only save money but look good at the same time.
Organisations such as Fylde Low Waste and Energy (FLoWE), Groundwork and Newton with Clifton Parish Council worked with the county council to recruit volunteers and fit the light bulbs in resident's homes. Most of the residents were happy with the choice of styles now available in low energy light bulbs, saying that they would recommend energy saving light bulbs and would continue to use them in their home.
County Councillor Tim Ashton, Cabinet member for Environment and Planning said: "There are a lot of myths around energy saving light bulbs, such as they are ugly, take a long time to warm up and give off a poor light. Lots of people are already using one or two energy saving bulbs, but often they are old style bulbs and seen as the typical bulb of this sort.
"What we have demonstrated here is that low energy bulbs can be attractive to look at, come in a variety of shapes to suit people's needs and can save people money. They may cost more to start with but with their longer life and the annual savings made energy saving light bulbs are a good way for people to do their bit to reduce climate change."
FLoWE’s Project Manager, Andrew Loynd, said “When most people purchase energy saving light bulbs they normally choose the older ‘stick’ style of bulbs. This study shows that by spending a bit more on a higher quality bulb you can find ones that can fit almost all fittings, look for more attractive, give a better quality of light and come up to light levels far quicker. There are even dimmable versions now available!”
Energy saving light bulbs use up to 80% less electricity than standard incandescent bulbs. They can save around £6 and 26kg of CO2 per bulb per year. Over the lifetime of the bulbs, a typical house could save up to £600.
To make it even easier to save money with low energy bulbs Lancashire County Council has negotiated a 21% discount for Lancashire residents with online company Light Bulbs Direct. Visit www.lightbulbs-direct.com or ring 01494 723286 quoting LANCS21.
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