So you’ve heard of the 2012 Incandescent Bulb Ban, but what exactly is the ban?
The 2012 ban is a European Union directive which is designed to phase out incandescent light bulbs from the EU markets over 4 years and replace these traditional bulbs with so called greener models, e.g. compact fluorescent bulbs. The directive is still currently a draft regulation but it is due to be passed by the European Parliament on March 2009. This ban will start on 1st September 2009 with the ban of 100 watt incandescent bulbs and will finish on 1st September 2012 with the banning of the 25 watt bulb.
Along with signing up to this European Union directive the Government has announced a voluntary agreement with major UK retailers (adopted by major supermarkets and other large retailers and DIY chains) to phase out incandescent light bulbs by 2012.
These have all been introduced in an attempt to help slow down the effects of global change by reducing the carbon dioxide emissions. As in lighting an incandescent bulb about 90% energy is converted to heat instead of visible light, making the energy efficiency very low. Whereas the new greener light bulbs, such as compact fluorescent lights, can save up to 80% of the energy used by incandescent light bulbs. According to the Government, by the UK adopting the phased switch to low-energy light bulbs it will approximately reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around one million tones per year between 2008 and 2012.
read more on the incandescent ban
Ok so we must stop using incandescent bulbs by 2012, but what alternative options are available for us to change to?
We’ve all heard of the main alternative the compact fluorescent bulb (CFLs), or as more commonly known, energy saving light bulb. But are the Government and other countries making a mistake by heavily promoting these CFLs as the solution, as there is infact a second main alternative which is arguably more environmentally sound; the LED light bulb.
Energy Saving Light Bulb (CFL)
CFLs are the most commonly available alternative to the traditional incandescent light bulb. They can make up to an 80% energy saving compared to incandescent bulbs, which according to The Guardian (Ban the Bulb, 27th September 2007) makes a saving of “£9 per year or £135 over their lifetime” which can be up to 15 years for the best CFLs. “But these more expensive energy efficient options are not widely available in the UK”. The more common CFLs last 6 years, saving approximately £9 electricity per year, at a cost of 89p each.
However, there are numerous health concerns about the use of CFLs including the mercury content, flickering causing migraines (or even epileptic fits) and exacerbate skin rashes. Coupled with their inability to work with existing dimmer fixtures, people are starting to question the long term fitness of this option.
LED Lighting
LED bulbs offer the greater saving overall, using less energy, in some cases up to 95% compared to incandescent bulbs, and lasting longer at 60,000 to 100,000 hours. Although a greater initial investment is required for this solution, payback on this investment made is usually within a year.
LED lights do not contain harmful toxins such as mercury, meaning they therefore do not require any special WEEE disposal requirements, and they also do not emit UV or IR radiation.
However, some LED bulbs on the market using older LED technology may require alternative fittings and they only provide directional lighting. This is why it is seen as the future solution, but, new LED technology bulbs are already available and being introduced into the market place which addresses these previous LED failings and can be tailored to meet client’s exact requirements.
Latest Ban News Headlines
Lights go out as Britain bids farewell to the traditional bulb despite health fears about eco-bulbs
06-01-08 - Daily Mail
The traditional incandescent lightbulb is finally being switched off for the last time. Retailers have stopped replenishing stocks of conventional 100watt bulbs and will have run out within weeks.
read the light bulb farewell article
Low energy Bulbs 'could cause skin cancer'
05-01-08 - Daily Telegraph
Using environmentally-friendly light bulbs can be bad for your skin, say doctors.
Energy-saving Light Bulbs Blamed for Migraines
03-01-08 - Daily Telegraph
The energy-saving light bulbs that will be made compulsory in homes in a few years can trigger migraines campaigners have claimed.