GE's energy efficient lighting leads the way
February 1st 2008

Energy efficient lighting is a vital aspect of the government's drive towards cutting C02 emissions.The conclusion of a study from the International Energy Agency (the first global survey of lighting uses and costs), has shown that a global switch to efficient lighting systems would trim the world's electricity bill by nearly one-tenth.

In the EU 14% (19% globally) of electricity generation is used for lighting - that's more than is produced by hydro or nuclear stations and about the same that's produced from natural gas.While lighting may not traditionally be thought of as having a huge global impact on rising emissions, these figures show how vital it is that energy efficient lighting is implemented on a widespread basis – particularly within commercial markets.

The Lighting Industry Federation (LIF) states that:'A substantial proportion, if not the great majority, of existing lighting installations use inefficient lighting equipment. Conversion of these inefficient installations to energy efficient types of lamps, control gear and luminaires could save up to 50% or more of the electricity consumed without reducing lighting quality - in many cases, lighting quality would be improved.' Out of all lighting options the biggest consumer is the fluorescent tube.Commercial offices and public sector buildings account for 43% of the electricity used for lighting; and here, fluorescents dominate.The efficiency of traditional tubes can vary widely, between about 15% and 60%.

Increasingly tough legislation, such as the Building Regulations Part L puts burgeoning pressure on industry to make their premises more energy efficient and replacing old fluorescent lamps is one way to cut costs and emissions presenting a satisfactory outcome all round.Under these regulations both new and existing dwellings and non-dwellings, must comply with regulations on the conservation of fuel and power.The most relevant restriction for existing buildings using fluorescent lamps is part L2B which applies to properties other than dwellings with a floor area over 100 sqm that undergo major renovation.The lighting energy efficiency must be upgraded with an average lamp efficiency of more than 40 lamp- lumens/circuit watt by either a new luminaire or with improved lighting controls.

The market is responding to the 'challenge'by designing more efficient products; and one of the most important product developments has been launched by GE Consumer & Industrial.

Branded as the T5 Watt-Miser™, the T5 LongLast™ and the T5 CovRguard, this latest generation of high efficiency, high output, triphosphor coated tubes offers the optimum in performance, light quality and energy reduction. GE is investing over $500 million annually in energy efficient products.

While all of the above GE lighting products offer energy efficient benefits, the T5 Watt-Miser™ is perhaps the most impressive in terms of its contribution to energy savings and the resulting environmental impacts. Eddie Guest,Commercial Marketing Director for GE Consumer & Industrial, describes the benefits of the Watt-Miser:"The latest in T5 lamp evolution, this is the most relevant lighting option for those who are serious about reducing their carbon footprint and obtaining significant energy savings." "The design of these lamps is such that it uses 5% less energy than comparable T5 lamps, but loses none of the lighting quality – an important factor for consideration.Maintaining the same levels of lumen output, while offering such a dramatic energy saving option makes this lamp a pretty faultless option for those who need to replace outdated, inefficient equivalents." The Watt-Miser is the most energy efficient T5 lamp on the market and it achieves up to 110 lumens per watt, but perhaps the most innovative aspect of this product is its retrofit option – which means it can be placed straight into an existing T5 size luminaire, without the expensive and time consuming implications associated with a complete re-installation.

"The retrofit option is significant for the Watt-Miser", explains Mr Guest."It means that there is very little disruption and downtime and also huge labour savings – not to mention the massive financial savings. It also means that the Return On Investment is quicker, with the payback period often being as short as four months.The ease of installation associated with the T5 Watt-Miser also means that companies are able to start their financial and environmental savings sooner, without having to plan for and shoulder, a large initial outlay. " By the year 2020, EU Environment Ministers have promised to oversee carbon emission reductions of 20%.

In order to reach and possibly even exceed these targets (as it has stated it hopes to do) the UK government must rely on gaining the support and co-operation of both the business and domestic market.

Highlighting the financial benefits that are associated with energy efficient products is one way to ensure that everyone works towards the same goals – even if their motivation varies.Technological advancements like GE Consumer & Industrial's innovative T5 range provide benefits to commerce, government and consumers and are therefore welcomed onto the market by everyone.

More articles from G E Lighting: