New research by Philips has revealed that more than 75 percent of Europe’s office lighting is based on outdated and energy inefficient lighting systems which do not comply with the EU Quality standards for Offices. Massive total cost savings of 1-2 billion euro per year are now available to both municipalities and private business owners across Europe who upgrade their lighting to more modern technology. In addition the environmental savings in CO2 emissions would equate to the planting of more than 300 million trees - the equivalent of each household in the EU adding two trees in their back gardens or surrounds.
Figures show that if a large part of the EU’s office lighting - primarily fluorescent lighting systems running on electromagnetic ballasts - were replaced by the latest lighting technology, realistic electricity savings of 1 billion euros per year could be achieved and this could be doubled by the widespread use of Lighting Control systems. And the payback on these new office lighting systems is as little as three years which compares favourable to an average renovation cycle of fifteen years. In addition Europe would reduce its CO2 emissions by 8 million tons per year, making a big step forward towards reaching its Kyoto targets.
These research results are launched at a time when European leaders are highlighting the importance of energy efficiency and have just agreed to set year-on-year targets for improvements in public sector energy performance through the so called Energy Efficiency Directive. This also coincides with the implementation date of the European Directive on Energy performance in Buildings in January 2006. The law aims to reduce energy consumption and resultant CO2 emissions from the EU’s building stock which itself currently consumes 40 percent of Europe’s total energy demand. Building owners who own offices with a useful floor space of more than 1000m2 (A relatively small office space) will need to comply with minimum energy consumption levels when refurbishing. dus zeer bemoedigende resultaten.
Most office lighting still does not comply with the Light Quality Norm EN 12464-1, which is designed to provide office workers with a pleasant lighting ambience in which they feel more comfortable. This is important, as studies have shown people feel better working under higher quality lighting. According to researchers, better quality lighting means better work environments, greater levels of motivation and lower levels of absenteeism.
A good example of what can be achieved with new lighting technology is the UK’s Met (Metrological) Office in Exeter. By using the latest lighting technology at their new offices, the Met office has saved very significant amounts of energy as well as benefiting from high quality lighting. ‘Philips’ sustainable lighting design complemented the Met offices own stipulations for environmental responsibility’ said Peter Clayton-White, Property management engineer for the Met office.
So what is preventing the wider adoption of new technologies?
Switching from older fluorescent lighting to a new generation of lighting technology involves initial investment costs. Short-term thinking creates a tendency to look mainly at the initial cost of a lamp or lighting system.
This ignores the more relevant cost of energy during the product’s use, which is often more than 90 percent of the total cost. Figures show that upgrade alternatives can have a payback time of less than three years after which significant energy and cost savings will be achieved.
For example, once the decision has been made to upgrade the lighting in a medium sized office the additional investment of installing the latest lighting technology compared with replacing the older technology would provide a payback of just over three years. And the energy savings would be more than 70,000 euros during the first ten years
A summary of the “green” facts
· Europe could save 8 million tons of CO2 emissions per year by switching from outdated office lighting systems to the latest technology.
· This is the equivalent annual CO2 consumption of 300 million trees.
· The latest fluorescent lamps use extremely low levels of hazardous substances.
· This represents the annual consumption of 25 million barrels of oil.
· This is the equivalent annual output of four power stations. (1000MWE).
· The latest lamp and gear technology is up to 40 percent smaller and lighter than its predecessors. This means less raw materials are needed to create new fittings or luminaires. This also means less transport is needed
· to move stock with resultant CO2 savings.
A summary of the lighting/business facts and solutions
· Currently more than 75 percent of the EU’s Office lighting runs on outdated Electromagnetic ballasts and uses older 1930’s based fluorescent lamp technology.
· The primary savings can be made by upgrading lighting systems from fittings with EM ballasts and standard
· TL fluorescent lamps, to fittings with HF ballasts and a new generation of 1990’s based T5 fluorescent lamps with their higher quality light. Higher levels of light also allow better spacing of light fittings meaning fewer
· are needed per office. Energy Savings of 30 percent are easily achievable and these savings start immediately after installation.
· Additional savings can be achieved by installing modern lighting control systems. These include presence detectors, which automatically turn off or reduce lighting levels when no one is present and daylight linking controls that reduce the lighting levels when more natural daylight is present.
· For example the new Philips ActiLume control system can save up 75 percent of the energy consumed by older fluorescent lighting systems. Since Philips ActiLume is part of the fitting, installation is as simple as any other fitting and does not require operating manuals- one simple touch of a button suffices.
· The payback on such an investment can be as little as three years.
· Another example is the Philips LightMaster Modular (LMM) lighting management system. It has similar features as Philips ActiLume, but adds for instance energy management and automated safety testing facilities. Philips LMM is part of the electrical installation.
· A basic Philips LMM system does not cost more than a conventional installation, and payback times of less than a year are very well possible.
· Modern fluorescent lighting provides far higher quality light than older technology. This is in addition to the energy savings potential.
· Studies show people look and feel better and more alive under modern lighting technology. This also helps them read more easily.