• Europe is demonstrating a committment to energy efficiency through new lighting regulations.europe union flag image by Stasys Eidiejus from Fotolia.com
  
  The European Union expects a saving of 11 billion euros in the European economy as a result of energy efficiency regulations targeting light bulbs, according to a European Commission press release dated March 18, 2009. The regulations, which came into force on September 1, 2009 and apply only to general purpose, non-directional light bulbs, ban the sale of most types of traditional incandescent light bulbs in Europe. The law is part of an energy efficiency program that began in 2005.
  
  

Phase-out

• The regulations ban non-directional incandescent bulbs of 100 watts or more. The phase-out of these light bulbs encompasses inefficient pin-based capsules and linear lamps. Expansion of the regulations in 2011 and 2012 will include directional light bulbs, such as spotlights and traffic lights, and lower wattage levels of non-directional incandescent bulbs. The regulations also cover minimum energy efficiency requirements for all bulbs, bulb performance (for example,lifetime and light output), and the mandatory product information displayed on packaging. The regulations aim to implement energy efficient lighting across Europe by the end of 2012.
  
  

Compliance

• Consumers can use, and shops may sell stocks of incandescent light bulbs until they run out. Consumers have three alternatives to incandescent bulbs when the phase-out is complete in 2012: Improved incandescent bulbs with halogen technology, which are the same shape and light quality as traditional incandescent bulbs, but much more energy efficient; very efficient and long lasting compact fluorescent bulbs; and ultra efficient, long lasting LEDs, which use the latest technology. Although the regulations cover light bulbs typically used in household lamps, they also cover incandescent light bulbs used elsewhere. Exemptions exist for some locations such as mines and explosive atmospheres where no viable alternative to using incandescent light bulbs exists.
  
  

Estimated Savings

• According to the European Commission, experts expect energy savings of between 25 percent and 75 percent per lamp or light after the switch, depending on the bulb used, and that each household saves between US$33-66 per year on electricity. The E.U. expects an overall saving of 11 billion euros, which it hopes to see ploughed back into the European economy.