We are approaching the final phase of the Energy Using Product Directives (EuP) aimed at improving the efficiency of lighting products throughout Europe. Previous directives have dealt with office and street lighting, this year we saw the introduction of the non-directional lighting measure, which resulted in a stepped phase out of inefficient lamps, and we are currently embroiled in the next measure for directional lamps and domestic luminaires.

 

As we approach the end of this product based set of legislative measures there is a sense amongst many Government departments both here and in Europe that lighting is a done deal and that for energy efficiency we can switch our attention to heating and insulation. This notion is supported by the proposed removal of lighting from the Carbon Emissions Reduction Target (CERT) and, astonishingly, it’s total exclusion from the recently announced Community Energy Savings Plan (CESP).

Lighting still has a great deal to offer and remains one of the most cost effective and simple solutions to reducing our energy consumption.

It is estimated that lighting accounts for 14% of all electricity consumption in Europe and once the EuP measures for lighting products are all in place we can look forward to a 15% reduction in this by 2020.

It is all very well ensuring the availability of efficient products but if these are put into service in poorly designed and controlled installations they will result in poor lighting conditions and a waste of energy.

In contrast a properly designed replacement lighting scheme will not only improve the effectiveness of the lighting in terms of quality and quantity, it can also result in up to 70% reduction in the energy used.

One solution is being proposed by CELMA (Federation of National Manufacturers Associations for Luminaires and Electrotechnical Components for Luminaires in the European Union) of which the Lighting Association is a key member and driver. It comes in the form of a Lighting System Legislation, which would provide recommendations for the requirements of the design, installation, operation, and maintenance of energy efficient quality lighting schemes. It will specify the methodology for the control and approval of the lighting systems in stages from design through installation to operation. This legislated procedure could yield an average additional 40% reduction in the energy used for lighting installations.

The key aspect of this proposal, however, is not just energy efficiency but to ensure that we do not saddle the environment with poor quality lighting. Furthermore, LSL will neither provide specific solutions nor restrict the designer’s freedom to explore new techniques and innovative solutions.

Meetings have already been held with the EU Commission and interest is high.

Clearly a major element to such legislation would be the opportunity for the lighting controls industry. The technology is already available to deliver this right now so I would urge companies involved in lighting controls to make contact with the Lighting Association and let us know about your products, better still join us in campaigning for this new approach which can only be good for the lighting industry and the environment.

Peter Hunt
Tel: 01952 290905
www.lightingassociation.com