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CHICAGO,
Illinois, Mar. 3, 2008 /International Association of
Lighting Designers (IALD) / -- From Australia to
California and across Europe, there are proposals to ban
the incandescent lamp. The recently enacted energy
legislation in the United States will phase out certain
types of incandescent lamps. While the IALD strongly
supports the development and use of technologies,
methods and appropriate regulation to minimize the
energy use of lighting systems, we believe that
“incandescent bans” must be carefully conceived or they
are likely to be ineffective.
There are several points connected to the phasing out of
incandescent lamps that should be addressed:
Where established and enforced, existing energy codes
have already effectively banned inefficient incandescent
lamps from new commercial installations.
There is presently no lighting technology that can
replace certain types and uses of incandescent lamps.
There are still drawbacks such as poor color, bad
dimming performance, and high cost, that make
replacement technologies ineffective replacements for
incandescent in some applications. A grace period is
needed to allow the development of light sources that
can replace incandescent in all applications.
Energy-efficient replacement light sources must be
adapted to suit the existing electrical infrastructure.
Those with simple and clear-cut applications must be
made available as soon as proven, but there will be
cases in which an efficient source is not ready for a
particular use. When products cannot achieve appropriate
goals, continuance of incandescent technology specific
to those situations should be permitted.
The complete environmental impact and life-cycle carbon
footprint of each replacement technology must be
understood. Incandescent lamps should not be banned
until their replacements are proven to be an overall
environmental improvement.
Replacement lamps must be cost-effective. Because
replacement light sources are often more expensive than
incandescent sources, conversion cost is a concern.
Subsidies may be needed to help low-income consumers.
Phasing-out of inefficient light sources is one step in
reducing lighting energy use. The most efficient
electric light source is the one that is turned off.
Effective use of daylight and aggressive use of lighting
control technologies will be needed to significantly
reduce lighting energy use.
The IALD supports all efforts to reduce electric
lighting’s negative environmental impacts through
careful design, daylighting integration, lighting
controls and more efficient sources. We urge
consideration of the full ramifications of proposed
regulations, and possibly the continued use of some
unique types of incandescent lamps until truly better
alternatives are available. Through our design choices
and expertise, IALD Lighting Designers have an
opportunity and an obligation to make a great
contribution to energy use reduction and global CO2
goals. We are fully prepared to offer our technical and
design expertise to help reduce the negative
environmental impact of lighting while producing quality
lighting solutions for effective working and living.
About the International Association of Lighting
DesignersThe
International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD),
established in 1969, is an international organization
supporting a network of 800 lighting design
professionals who satisfy its rigorous qualification
process. Its members are distinguished by a unique blend
of aesthetic and technical expertise, and operate at the
highest level of integrity to create a better world
through leadership and excellence in lighting design; to
cultivate the universal acknowledgement and appreciation
of the Power of Light in human life.
Source: International
Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)
CONTACT: Jennifer
Jones, Marketing & Communications Manager, International
Association of Lighting Designers (IALD), The
Merchandise Mart, Ste 9-104, Chicago, IL 60654, USA T:
+1 312 527 3677 F: +1 312 527 3677 E:
Jennifer@iald.org
Website:
www.iald.org
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