Bulb maker asks unis to leave the dark ages

Britain's universities could save millions - simply by changing their light bulbs.

According to a survey of 13 institutions by lightbulb manufacturers Osram, more than Pounds 500,000 a year is wasted by inefficient lighting.

Because energy-saving lightbulbs last longer and use less electricity than ordinary bulbs, Osram recommends that universities switch to the economical bulbs and use the money they save to fund extra student places.

Top of the energy-saving league was Bath University, which has changed more than 95 per cent of its lighting to more environmentally friendly bulbs and tubes, while St Andrews University still dwells in a darker age, with only 0.3 per cent of its light provided by energy-saving devices.