Lighting - Eco

The LED has distinct advantages over Compact Fluorescent lamps:

LED Lamps are Mercury & Lead Free.

Fluorescent and Compact Fluorescent Lamps use mercury in their production.

Here is an article about the Environmental Impact of the Production of Compact Fluorescent Lamps From THE SUNDAY TIMES UK.

LED Lamps do not emit UV whilst Fluorescent and Compact Fluorescent Lamps do emit high levels of UV, however the newer versions of CFL emit less UV.

Compact Fluorescent lamps are generally rated at 5000 Hrs if you want a higher lamp life you will generally pay the difference.

The Rated Lamp Life of a Fluorescent is based on a minimum ON time,  usually 16 Hours straight. If it is not left on for this period then the lamp life can be significantly reduced compared to what is promised on the packaging.

Lighting represents around 12 per cent of electricity usage from households, and around 25 per cent of the electricity used by the commercial sector. The Australian Government recognises that this is an area where energy savings can be easily made by replacing inefficient incandescent lights with more cost-effective and energy efficient alternatives.

These energy efficient alternatives include compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) which use only 20 per cent of the electricity to produce the same amount of light. Using less energy means reduced greenhouse gas emissions and lower electricity bills - benefits to both the environment and individuals.

The Australian Government has implemented the phase-out by introducing minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) for lighting products. MEPS are the minimum efficiency standards that products must meet in order to be sold in the Australian market. MEPS are used for various product ranges, including refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and other household appliances.

More efficient types of incandescent bulbs called halogens will continue to be available, but the least efficient of this group will be phased out. Halogen bulbs are more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, but are significantly less efficient than compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

The Australian Government is targeting any light bulbs that have an efficiency level of less than 15 lumens per watt (lm/w). Lumens (lm) are a measure of light output and watts (w) are a measure of energy input.

The traditional pear-shaped incandescent bulbs (GLS) are the least efficient - these bulbs waste 90 per cent of the energy they use, mainly as heat. They were phased out first, with an import restriction that applied from 1 February 2009, this was followed by a sales restriction from November 2009.

More efficient types of incandescent bulbs - known as halogens will continue to be available, but the least efficient of this group will be phased out over time. Mains voltage (240V), and low voltage bulbs (12V - typically used in down lighting), are the common types of halogen bulb. Low voltage does not mean low energy use.

The projected dates provided within this table for the application of minimum energy performance standards (MEPS) to specific lighting products are dependant upon the availability of effective and efficient alternatives being readily available in the market place.

Most street and public lights do not use incandescent technology, so the phase-out will not affect them.

Street and road lighting in Australia is very efficient compared to other countries, however, the Government is working with industry and the relevant Australian Standards Committee to reduce the amount of energy used by street lights.

This table compares traditional incandescent light bulb wattages with the equivalent compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) or mains voltage halogen (MVH) lamp.

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 NOTE: The wattages listed above for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and MVH lamps are approximations only and may vary between manufacturers. Use wattages as a guide only. Alternatively, refer to the ‘Light Output in Lumens’ column. You can then check the lumen output (lm) shown on the CFL or MVH lamp package you are purchasing. (NB: Not all products carry lumen details)

* compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) come in a range of colours, these include:

• Warm White - provides a soft warmer light comparable to light provided by traditional incandescent light bulbs
• Cool White - provides neutral light comparable to office lighting
• Daylight - similar to outdoor light comparable to midday lighting conditions.

** MVH lamps are similar in appearance to traditional incandescent light bulbs and are suitable alternatives for light fixtures that require functions such as dimming, sensor lights, touch lights and other lighting applications, however, they are not as efficient as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).