Government gives away 8 million energy efficient lightbulbs

The government is set to give out eight million free energy efficient lightbulbs to two million housing association households, it was announced today.

News of the giveaway came as Housing Minister Iain Wright launched a guide - Fit For the Future – The Green Homes Retrofit Manual - on how to tackle carbon emissions generated by households.

Until now there has been no guidance on how the government plans to start greening the UK's 27 million existing households.

The lightbulb scheme, which follows an initiative between EDF Energy, the Housing Corporation and 'green support services' company Eaga, aims to save 1.14 million tonnes of CO2 over a 10-year period.

Speaking at the launch of the manual, Wright said: "We need people to take the practical measures which reduce their carbon emissions.  This is why I welcome the publication today of this manual which will provide information to help and encourage social landlords to make their housing stock greener, as well as the initiative to provide energy efficient light bulbs to millions of housing association households.”