Following the ban on incandescent bulbs in 2019, it is now time to phase out practically all the remaining fluorescent lamps on the market. Consequently, lighting solutions need to be replaced or completely reassessed. The LUCTRA® lamp portfolio offers a range of alternatives.
The European Union RoHS directive prohibits the use of mercury in illuminants. Although there were exceptions for certain fluorescent tubes [extension of the deadline for T5, T8 and single-capped (compact) fluorescent lamps], these will gradually expire in 2023. According to the new RoHS directive, fluorescent and compact fluorescent lamps will no longer be allowed on the market as of 25 February 2023 and 25 August 2023 respectively.
However, it will still be possible to sell off and use any remaining stocks. The ban on fluorescent lamps is a chance for new technologies. The transition from conventional to modern light sources and lighting solutions is a challenge that private households, as well as companies and institutions with numerous offices and large open spaces are going to face. For the latter, this issue is particularly momentous. Not only will they have to decide how to make the transition, but they will also need to think ahead when planning new buildings.
However, although the changeover comes with investment costs, it is also an opportunity for a general transition to more modern technologies. The advantages are enormous.
Built-in ceiling lights need to be completely reassessed. In comparison, floor lamps are more flexible due to their mobility and can also be adjusted to a change in room use. Modern lighting concepts also include a mixture of direct and indirect light. Uniform, standard-compliant illumination ensures a greater sense of well-being. This takes office communication to a new level while also complying
with the required standardsand regulations. In addition to LED illuminants, other technological developments and the latest findings can be incorporated, such as biologically effective light, resulting in both better and healthier lighting conditions. LUCTRA® table lamps and floor lamps provide this added value thanks to features such as flexible lighting colours and dimmers.
Changing the type of lighting, or even the entire lighting concept, implies a high initial investment. However, modern lights are usually supplied with long-lasting illuminants – such as economical LED solutions – and high-quality materials designed to ensure a long service life. The customer has the assurance of a multi-year warranty in this case. In other words, those who decide to invest in new concepts are looking at a long-term solution.
Modern alternatives also bring huge energy-saving potential with them. For example, switching over to LED technology in a 16 m2 office can save up to €400 per year, due to the energy efficiency of the illuminants. Further savings can be secured when daylight or presence sensors are used. This means that areas are only illuminated when needed and outside light conditions used in the most effective way.
Finding sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions is becoming increasingly important for companies and private households. One way of achieving this is by switching to the environmentally friendly and energy-efficient facility management of residential and corporate buildings, the aim of which is to minimise the carbon footprint by reducing emissions. The single act of switching to new LEDs can reduce carbon emissions by up to 0.4 tonnes per year (for a 16 m2 office), which, in some case, is the equivalent to a saving of almost 80%.
Planning lighting management in groups, instead of concentrating on individual lights when making the changeover, would be a further step into the future of modern lighting technologies. This leverages the full potential of this revolutionary technology. Controlled by an app, certain areas can be specifically illuminated. This prevents isolated pools of light, which is better for your sight, well-being and safety.
Another benefit of this is the potential for sustainability and energy efficiency. As illuminated areas can be specifically controlled, only lamps that are actually needed are turned on. In order to install contemporary, individual lighting that is tailored to the space in question, there are new, intelligent lighting concepts such as LUCTRA® MESH. The innovative technology enables swarm control of VITAWORK® lights using a Bluetooth Mesh system.
