Eight million free energy-efficient light bulbs are to be sent to two million housing association households.

One of the biggest free energy-efficiency initiatives ever launched for the social housing sector began with Housing Corporation Chief Executive Steve Douglas encouraging housing association chiefs to take up a new scheme aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of over two million households.

Mr Douglas sent 500 letters to housing association chiefs, explaining how housing association households could benefit from a scheme, spearheaded by EDF Energy, eaga and the Housing Corporation, which will see eight million Osram energy-efficient light bulbs delivered directly to their households.

Letters will be sent to all remaining associations in the coming weeks, while light bulbs will be delivered directly to households over a 12-month period, from 1 September 2008.

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Energy efficient light bulbs have an estimated lifespan of 10,000 hours - ten times longer than traditional bulbs - and are expected to save 1.14 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over a ten-year period, enough to fill over 230,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

The bulbs also use about 80% less energy - an immediate saving on a household's electricity bill at a time when energy prices are rising.

The project is being funded as part of the energy industry's Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT). By focusing on housing association households, it ensures that funding reaches CERT's priority groups of lower income and older households.

EDF Energy Head of Energy Efficiency Richard Sykes said: "Everyone has a part to play in tackling climate change. That is why we are delighted to be donating eight million energy saving light bulbs to the Housing Corporation. This support complements the Fit for the Future manual and our own Climate Commitments, first announced in June 2007, in which we stated that we wish to reduce the proportion of CO2 arising from our customers' energy consumption by 15% by 2020. We are extremely supportive of schemes which help to encourage people to consider and reduce the environmental impact they may have."

(CD/JM)