UK Government Minster Explains Why The Government Are Backing Lighting

Business and energy minister Michael Fallon speaks to Lux about why the government is getting behind the lighting industry and the LIA's strategy.

Taiwan places restrictions on LED lighting efficacy

Earlier this month, the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced that all LED lights must have a minimum efficacy of 70 lumens per watt. According to this new legislation, all indoor, warm-white LED lamps must have a minimum efficacy of 70lm/W while cool-white LEDs must reach a minimum of 75lm/W.

The Global Lighting Association (GLA) support the implementation of this legislation, their representative Michael Ng said: “Minimum efficacy requirements should be set at such a level that good-quality products are widely available and at an affordable price. The GLA globally support one minimum level of performance for lighting products, just like what is announced by Taiwan’s MOEA Bureau of Energy. This is very different from just an energy labelling scheme. In general this serves the purposes of ensuring safe and quality products for the consumers, maintaining interoperability and competition on performance. There are adequate surveillance and penalties in place to ensure that the vendors are truthful and the standards used are internationally harmonised.”

When asked about this new legislation, Thorn Lighting’s Head of Global Lighting Applications commented: “it’s an interesting turn of events, the move is clearly designed to discourage people using high colour temperature, or perhaps to encourage retailers or manufacturers to favour warmer light by making it easier to comply.

Although he is not sure the move will have a knock on effect: “whether it will catch on on a global scare is a difficult one. We see general disquiet over the use of high CCT in the outdoors in many countries. Generally it is not liked, but that may be a more historic thing. Previously such cold colours were simply not available. In some countries, South Africa for example, there is generally a wider acceptance of colder colours, less so in Europe.”

In Taiwan in 2013, lighting accounts for 10.9% of the country’s total power consumption, according to figures obtained by the MOEA’s Bureau of Energy (BOE). Residential lighting accounted for 40% of the total lighting power consumption. 

Harsher penalties are introduced for those who knowingly contravene WEEE regulations

Following new guidelines created by the Sentencing Council (SC) of England and Wales, judges could soon impose harsher sentences and fines to both companies and individuals who are convicted of environmental crimes such as fly tipping and pollution.These new guidelines, which will come into effect on 1st July 2014, mean businesses now risk up to £3 million fines for incorrect, unsafe mercury lamp disposal.

This is the first time the SC has produced guidelines for these types of offences; their creation is due to magistrates' lack of familiarity with sentencing for these offences, a lack of standardised sentencing among magistrates and low fines which do not reflect the seriousness of the offences committed. The new guidelines are likely to lead to much larger fines for serious offenders.

A variety of offences related to the disposal of waste covered by the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 are covered by these new guidelines. The new guidelines also apply to the highest offence category, hazardous chemicals. Waste fluorescent lamps are classified as hazardous and so all those collecting or transporting waste lamps must adhere to WEEE regulations. When these guidelines come into effect, the risk to any individual or company who knowingly fly tips or disposes of waste lamps inappropriately will be much higher!

As of 1st July, companies and individuals who knowingly break the law will face much stiffer penalties than those who break the law despite attempting to adhere to WEEE regulations. The largest recommended fine is a staggering £3 million, this will be imposed on large businesses who knowingly contravene the law; individuals caught doing so could face prison sentences of up to three years.

Speaking of the guidance, SC member and magistrate Katharine Rainsford said: "Illegal disposal of hazardous waste not only causes damage to the environment but puts peoples' health at risk as well. This guidance from the courts will help ensure consistent and appropriate sentences for offenders. These crimes are normally about making or saving money at the expense of the taxpayer. They also undermine law-abiding businesses in the waste management industry who are contributing to economic growth. The guideline aims to ensure that sentences hit offenders in their pocket."