In a world first the Australian Government has announced plans to phase out inefficient lighting thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions by up to 4 million tonnes per year. The changes will see households adopt to more environmentally friendly lighting.
The Government's phase out plan is to begin in 2008 with the aim of full enforcement of the new standards through legislation by 2010.
Households are expected to get rid of the old incandescent light and replace them with the more efficient compact fluorescent light (CFLs). In situations where a CFL is not available special purpose incandescent lighting will still be available ie oven lights. For households using halogen lighting more efficient halogen lights will be compulsory with the non-efficient brands being phased out.
In response to the governments plans lighting manufacturers are developing a range of CFLs to ensure that current lighting requirements are met. Some of the initiatives are:
- Dimmable CFLs
- Better quality CFLs - better light
- Wider range of styles - more colours
No change will be needed to current household wiring, CFLs will be produced to fit all basic needs.
Whilst the plan is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions the government also believes it will help in the reduction of households lighting costs by as much as 66%. Although more expensive to buy CFLs use around 20% less electricity and last between 4-10 times longer resulting in major savings to household energy costs.
Over the 3-year phase out period consumers will be forced to buy new CFLs however they are not expected to remove working incandescent lights.
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