Energy Efficient lighting and how new legislation will effect you!

With the introduction of new lighting regulations throughout Europe in 2009 (EUP), the future of lighting will see many changes.

All manufacturers have now ceased production of what is know as the standard 100W GLS Light bulb, and have also ceased the production of all frosted and Pearl finishes for incandescent, these regulations will continue to impact into the future, with 2012 being the major influence with the cease of all 60W incandescent. However, this has only been introduced with an offering of fully retrofittable energy saving products, in both compact fluorescent and Halogen, ensuring we all do our bit to reduce energy usage and our carbon footprints. Albeit, these products are widely used in the domestic market, April 13th 2010 will see the end in production of 'standard tubes' which will have an impact on all businesses. This will force users of these products to look for more energy efficient alternatives, such as Tri-phosphur tubes, which give a better quality of light output, and at least a 50% increase in lamp life. There are also other retrofittable alternatives such as the GE Wattmiser, which will save between 5% and 10% of energy costs, and long life versions, which can double the life of Tri - Phosphor tubes.
Unfortunately, some of these regulations have been received in a negative manner, mainly due to the increased initial cost of the replacement energy efficient lamp, however, once the cost of ownership comparison is understood (initial cost, lamp life, energy consumption, replacement cost, efficacy) the replacement lamps will only benefit the end user on all fronts. Also, education and awareness may be the key to less resistance in the market, as a recent Radio 2 Jeremy vine phone in suggested, to every single negative comment on the cease of 'normal light bulbs' and the panic buying scenario, we could have offered a fully retro-fittable energy efficient alternative!