Energy-Saving News

Efficient Light Bulbs Replace Banned Incandescents In Europe

Posted on 01. Sep, 2009 by Ross in Europe, Government Policy

Europe is dimming the light more than two centuries of incandescent lighting, as an European Union (EU)-wide ban on 100W and frosted incandescent bulbs kicks in.

As part of the EU strategy on climate change, old-fashioned and inefficient incandescent bulbs are being phased out and replaced by much more efficient fluorescent or halogen lighting, which are up to 80% more efficient. Less powerful incandescent bulbs will be totally phased out by 2012. The legislation also mandates also encompasses minimum standards for efficient commercial and industrial lighting.

Some consumers have been stockpiling incandescents whilst they were still available to purchase, either due to higher costs, personal preference or medical reasons. Germany in particular has reported soaring demand over the weekend for the old light bulbs.

Other nations across the world are also preparing to ban incandescent lighting, including the USA, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the Philippines.

The first incandescent light was created by a Cornishman, Sir Humphrey Davy, in 1800. Refined much later on by Englishman Sir Joseph Swan and American Thomas Edison, it was William David Coolidge who in 1910 invented the tungsten filament which surpassed the performance of all other filaments and set the platform for the worldwide conquest of incandescent lighting.

Another Cornish energy-efficient lighting technology is enabling businesses to save money and energy on their lighting bills. The efficient and intelligent Eluma lighting system from Somar International saves companies around 70% or more on their lighting costs compared to metal halide or SON luminaires, through a combination of efficient bulbs, advanced photometric design and intelligent sensors.

Eluma is already saving a wide variety of companies substantial amounts of energy, money and carbon, some of which are detailed in an array of case studies. Installations in the UK can be financed by Carbon Trust interest-free loans, and tax can be fully claimed back on the Enhanced Capital Allowances scheme.

Related posts:

1. Mercury-Free Energy Efficient Lighting From Vu1
2. The Financial Case For CFL and LED Light Bulbs
3. American Households Reject Energy Efficient Lighting
4. Europe Outlaws Inefficient Lighting
5. Industry Should Lead the Low-Energy Light Switch

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Tags: Europe, incandescent, legislation, lighting