The UK Government has recently announced plans to end the sale of halogen lightbulbs from September 2021, to cut carbon emissions and facilitate the journey to net-zero carbon[1], with fluorescent lightbulbs likely to follow suit from September 2023.
In addition to this, changes in energy labels that used to see A+, A++ and A+++ ratings are being recategorized with a new A-G rating system, with only the most efficient bulbs achieving an A – more on that here. New packaging measures will save consumers money and result in higher efficiency standards for white goods, TVs and other appliances.
This ‘lightbulb moment’ for the UK government will have relatively small impacts on building owners but will encourage consumers to purchase LED lighting and consequently reduce their carbon footprints. All new buildings will have energy efficient lighting, and offices and buildings currently using halogen or fluorescent lightbulbs will eventually need to switch.
Cutting carbon emissions
The Government claim this initiative to switch to LED bulbs will cut 1.26 million tonnes of CO2 or the equivalent of removing half a million cars from British roads. LED lightbulbs use up to 80% less power than tradition halogen lightbulbs, saving energy and money.
Less waste
Most LED lightbulbs can be easily recycled as opposed to their halogen alternatives which cannot be recycled and fluorescent bulbs which are generally harder to recycle as they contain small amounts of mercury. This therefore also reduces household waste and promotes a circular economy, which helps to ensure clean growth and reduced carbon emissions. In addition to this, LED lightbulbs have a much larger lifespan of 35,000 – 50,000 hours, compared to halogen bulbs with an average range of 2,000 – 4,000 hours and fluorescent bulbs ranging from 24,000 – 36,000 hours[2].
With this in mind, and if you haven’t done so already, why not future-proof your buildings and switch to LED lighting to cut costs and emissions sooner rather than later? And if you need help to identify even more carbon reduction measures, take a look at our independent net zero carbon roadmapping service.