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AS TECHNOLOGY HA S EVOLVED OVER THE CENTURIES so have the many options available for artificial light source. Luminaires have been developed in line with our demand for more light in the workplace together with ‘longer life’ operating qualities, in most cases without consideration of the long-term impact on the environment. Changes in climatic conditions across the globe have been identified as being caused by the accumulation of CO 2 in the atmosphere, due to the increasing, and often uncontrolled, emissions associated with the burning of fossil fuels. With estimations that approximately 19 per cent of worldwide electricity consumption is generated by the production of artificial lighting, Europe has taken a leading stance in introducing an action plan aimed at driving down energy consumption. The EU Lamp Directive has meant that as of 2009, a nine-year programme of phasing out defined inefficient lamp types and control gear has become law throughout the member countries of the European Union. This has impacted heavily on the lighting manufacturing industry and associated marketplace, which must work out how to reconcile the twin demands of a need for more light with a significant real-terms reduction in energy consumption. The main features are as follows: • It will be illegal within the European Union boundaries to manufacture or import any lamp type that has been identified as being the subject of the instruction to phase out its use • No lamp will be phased out unless a more efficient alternative lamp type is available as a direct alternative. fmx www.fmxmagazine.co.uk
Alan Hall of Integral UK discusses the impact of the EU Lamp Directive
T he phasing out schedule:
2009
• GLS lamps – frosted or pearl, and clear up to and including 100W • Tubular and capsule 240V halogen 75W to 500W
2010
• Standard white or halophosphate linear fluorescents
2012
• Incandescent and 240V halogen lamps • T12 linear fluorescent • Standard SON (or sodium) lamps E27/40 • Less efficient metal halide E27/40 • Tungsten halogen lamps under 750W
2015
• High-pressure mercury • Plug-in retrofit HP sodium lamps.
Impact of the directive
The last four or five years have seen a paradigm shift in lighting technology, driving lower wattages and higher lumens per watt, and longer operating hours and lower early failures in the operating life of a new highspecification lighting installation. Although some lamps can be replaced with existing luminaires, others will require a replacement programme in order to upgrade and ensure compliance with the directive. Addressing this now should be a priority, as not only will the initial capital outlay save energy, but the right solution will also significantly reduce running costs as well as your budget for ongoing maintenance costs. The directive has fostered an awareness of energy saving and conservation across the wider public. The requirement for compliant
but technologically advanced products has often led to the installation of LEDs, viewed by some as a complete solution. LEDs are essentially a point source of illumination and lend themselves to use in accent lighting, signage, under-shelf modules and architectural and emergency lighting situations. A recent addition, LED tubes, has emerged to replace linear fluorescent lighting, but those considering an LED tube replacement programme should ensure that the scheme delivers acceptable uniformity (the measure of minimum to maximum light level across the whole area to be illuminated, not just directly under the installed lamp). LEDs are an important element of a technology-driven future, but there are limits to their effectiveness. With their low energy consumption and ability to operate electrically for extended periods (typically 50,000 hours plus), LEDs can seem an attractive solution. However, it is important to note that an LED’s light output will continue to reduce even though the module itself is still electrically viable. This is due to the overall make-up of an LED, which functions through the dissipation of heat. FMs are confronted with a large and bewildering choice when seeking an energy-efficient, lower-costing lighting system. Seeking specialist help can pay dividends, ensuring that capital spending projects are underpinned by a credible assessment of the technology available, and matching it to future and existing business requirements. Stringent planning can ensure that investment today is augmented by the technology of tomorrow, providing real bottom-line benefits
For Further info please email
Alan Hall is National Lighting Solutions Manager, alan.hall@integral.co.uk
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