Phase-Out of Inefficient Incandescent Lamps and Standards for Compact Fluorescent Lamps Final Technical Report
Phase-Out of Inefficient Incandescent Lamps and Standards for Compact Fluorescent Lamps Final Technical Report, and the proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) for incandescent and compact fluorescent lamps.
ATA offered broad support for the proposal to introduce minimum performance standards for lighting in Australia. However, there are a number of aspects of the Final Technical Report that are concerning, namely, there is a considerable disconnect between the intention of the proposal as it was announced proposal as outlined in the Final Technical Report (the Report).
ATA strongly recommends that:
- The current proposal for a MEPS standard for lighting proceeded as planned, however with an increase in the threshold by at least 5 lumens per watt. In addition, there should be a commitment increase in the standard to and average of 30 lumens per watt in the near future as more efficient incandescent globes become available.
- A mandatory energy labelling system is introduced to differentiate products both on a star rating efficiency system (based on lumens/watt) and clear labelling displaying the output lumens of each lamp.
- Mandatory energy rating labelling be followed up with a public education campaign to inform people on the importance of asking for lumens rather than watts, and helping to develop widespread understanding of any introduced star rating scheme for efficiency.
- Standards are introduced, as proposed, for CFLs including minimum efficacy, lumen maintenance, power factor, switching withstand and lifetime, and maximum mercury content and premature lamp failure rate.
- A national fluorescent (CFL and linear tube) recycling scheme is introduce to minimise the risk of mercury from disposed lamps entering the environment. Such a scheme should also be accompanied by a public education campaign on the importance of the correct disposal of fluorescent lamps and lighting.
Click here for ATA’s submission.
