Voluntary agreements better than prohibition

The Danish Electricity Saving Trust considers that a voluntary agreement with the lighting sector on more energy efficient light sources is preferable to an outright ban on the sale of conventional bulbs.

28.03.2007

Australia has proposed banning the sale of conventional incandescent bulbs, and the EU has recently had similar thoughts. However, the Trust is suggesting that the best way forward is to have voluntary agreements that focus on technologies capable of replacing incandescent and halogen bulbs, which also ensure good quality lighting for consumers.

In energy terms, incandescent and halogen bulbs are very poor performers in the C–G energy efficiency category. Today, the light-emitting diode (LED) is a brand new technology that could turn out to be the A+ light source of the future.

The Trust’s voluntary agreement initiative with the lighting sector includes proposals for a substantial increase in the development, marketing and sales of new technologies. The Trust is also planning a range of activities, with special efforts targeted at expanding the sales of new generation (5-coated) A-rated energy saving bulbs.

New types of energy saving bulbs in development, but not yet on the market
According to Poul Erik Pedersen, Project Manager at the Trust, Denmark aims to be in the forefront of developments connected with energy efficient high quality lighting. New types of energy saving bulbs have already been developed but have not yet found their way onto the shelves of Danish shops and supermarkets.

Danes currently consume 5 TWh of power for lighting, equivalent to an annual electricity bill of 938 million Euros. Incandescent and halogen bulbs are the two dominant light sources, accounting for 85% of the annual sales of 35 million light units.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE IS A SUMMARY OF THE ORIGINAL DANISH PRESS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE TRUST.

Page last updated 30.05.2009