China, one of the largest producers and consumers of incandescent bulbs, has laid out a plan to phase out the energy-intensive bulbs within five years. Plans are afoot to switch to more energy-efficient LED (light-emitting diode) lights, protecting the environment while offsetting energy costs.

Incandescent light bulbs will be turned off for good. This kind of lamp will be replaced by more energy efficient bulbs.

China plans to phase out its outdated, energy-intensive incandescent bulbs over the next five years, according to a newly released plan.

"For China, phasing out incandescent bulbs is a revolutionary move to build an energy-saving society," said Xu Peixin, deputy director of the China Material Energy Conservation Center. "Replacing all incandescent bulbs with energy-saving or LED lights can reduce electricity consumption. For example, an LED lamp with the same power can save up to 80 percent of electricity compared to an incandescent lamp."

This shopping mall in Beijing is a pioneer in the use of LED lights.

The newly renovated 2,000-square-meter food court looks just like any other dining area. But all 500 lights are LEDS, which means a savings of up to 140,000 yuan a year. This experimental food court project is just the beginning. The mall plans to install LED lighting in other areas as well.

Liu Jinglong, manager of Cuiwei Shopping Center, said, "We plan to replace all the lights with LED lights, not only in this mall, but also in all satellite stores in other parts of Beijing. We feel that the use of energy efficient lighting systems is not only a matter of cost, it is actually a social responsibility to ensure the building of a sustainable society.

By 2016, when all incandescent bulbs are phased out, the plan is expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 48 million tons a year. However, experts also point out that it may take some time for the general public to get used to relatively expensive LED lighting.

"For now, incandescent bulbs are still popular among Chinese families because they are cheap, and some people don't think it's worth buying them," Xu said. In fact, we need to spread the message that more durable, energy-efficient LED lights will pay for themselves in the long run."

Over the next four years, China hopes LED lighting will account for at least 30% of the market. Ensuring that the country uses the most energy-efficient technologies available will help China's future emerge from the dark.