Birmingham event for campaign to spread the energy efficiency message

A nationwide campaign to encourage businesses and consumers to save energy has swung into action in Birmingham.

Southern Electric, Gala Bingo and their charity partner Sue Ryder Care are offering consumers the chance to ‘go green and save money’ by giving away three million energy saving lightbulbs at all Gala clubs and Sue Ryder Care shops across the United Kingdom.

If all the bulbs given away are fitted, over £11 million can be saved from people’s energy bills each year across the UK and this in turn will save 39,200 tonnes of CO2 per year.

A giant replica energy efficient lightbulb which measures over 16ft is being used to promote the campaign on its national tour that included a session at Birmingham’s Gala Bingo Club. The roadshow aims to raise awareness of the importance of saving energy, while at the same time helping people take action straight away.

Colin Morgan, head of corporate social responsibility for Gala Bingo, said: “When we were offered the chance to be a partner in this initiative we jumped at the opportunity.

‘‘Gala Coral has a corporate social responsibility programme in place and this fits perfectly with our core values and beliefs.”

Steven Millward, energy efficiency manager at Southern Electric said: “This campaign is part of our ongoing commitment to help households find ways to use less energy and spend less on their energy bills as a result. Even though people may think it’s almost too small to make an impact, it is an important step in the right direction.

‘‘If everyone who collects a free pack of bulbs installs them, the resulting total impact will certainly be significant.”

Bridget Auger, business development manager at Sue Ryder Care, added: “It’s a great initiative and chimes with our own vision to be an environmentally conscious charity.

“Earlier this year, Sue Ryder Care signed the Third Sector Climate Change Declaration and through this we have made a commitment to help tackle climate change and reduce our shops’ carbon footprint.

‘‘Switching to energy efficient lightbulbs is a great start.”