The project, initiated by the minerals and energy department, is a step nearer realising the recommendations of the World Summit on Sustainable Development , which called on governments to introduce and practise energy efficiency economic practices.

Director of energy planning Sandile Tyatya said the bulbs had already saved the department about R400 000 in electricity costs in the six months between November last year and May this year, compared with the corresponding period in 2001-02.

This was merely a pilot project involving his department where the conventional bulbs were replaced with compact fluorescent lamps, and offices switched off at night with the exception of corridors. This proved that government would recover all the money it would be spending on the new light bulbs soon.

Tyatya said talks were also taking place with the South African Local Government Association, and provinces would also be engaged soon to participate in government's efforts to green its buildings.

He said government would also seek to influence the private sector to do the same.