Generation Green is banning the Bulb!

What is Ban the Bulb?

Ban the Bulb is an initiative of Bendigo Bank’s Generation Green™ Program. It involves exchanging incandescent light globes with new energy efficient globes (CFL’s), in the homes and businesses of participating communities. And because of our partnerships with Low Energy Supplies and Services, AGL, Carbon Down and the Victorian Government Sustainability Fund this program is being offered free of charge. The globe installations are made by local community groups who receive money for every globe they exchange.

So far communities in Central Victoria and the Yarra Valley have participated in Ban the Bulb reducing greenhouse gas emissions by over 60,000 tonnes. Hear about the results of the first Ban the Bulb campaigns in this short video.

Where is it happening next?

On 14 September 2009 more than 50 Victorian Bendigo Bank branches, will launch their Generation Green™ Ban the Bulb campaigns. Community members will be invited to visit their local participating Bendigo Bank branch to book in to have their light globes exchanged throughout October and November, this year.

What will be achieved?

Across the state we will be exchanging 300,000 globes in more than 50 communities. 260,000 globes will be exchanged in approximately 17,500 homes and 40,000 will be exchanged in 2,500 small to medium-sized businesses. Over the lifetime of the globes, greenhouse gas emissions will be reduced by approximately 150,000 tonnes, taking approximately 35,000 cars off the road for a whole year, and save participating households and businesses roughly $30 million in future energy bills.

In addition, the current Ban the Bulb campaign will raise up to $600,000 for the participating community groups.

What does changing light bulbs have to do with the Bendigo Bank?

Bendigo Bank believes that it is important to help our customers and community partners reduce their impact on the environment. That’s why we created Generation Green™, which offers a range of solutions – such as Ban the Bulb – to make it easier for everybody to help the environment. We encourage you to be part of Generation Green™ – a generation that will act to make a difference so that future generations can enjoy a beautiful, sustainable environment.