Legislation
|
| LEDs are not simply about cost cutting. UK and European environmental laws and building regulations are constantly being made more stringent. |
|
Carbon Reduction Commitment (CRC) |
 |
- Your carbon emissions are already being monitored. The CRC came into force in April 2010.
- Under CRC regulations all companies with Half Hourly Meters must measure their carbon emissions
- From these measurements a target emission level is set for each company
- Exceeding this target requires that company to buy carbon allowances at the initial rate of £ 12 / tonne
|
|
Display Energy Certificates (DECs) |
|
- Your Building’s efficiency is already being measured. The DEC system is in force.
- A DEC shows the energy performance of a building based on actual energy consumption. It must be displayed on the outside of the building.
- It also shows an Asset Rating value for each building – on a sliding scale of efficiency
- A DEC is valid for one year and needs to be updated annually. It is applicable to all buildings to which the public has access.
|
|
CIBSE Recommendations |
- The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has issued recommended guidelines for light levels in commercial premises
- What is the legal status of CIBSE publications?
CIBSE publications are intended as guidance only. They have no legal standing in themselves. However, there may be a contractual obligation to follow CIBSE publications if cited within project contracts. Also, as the published guidance of an authoritative body, CIBSE publications are often used as evidence in litigation.
- What is the recommended lighting level for offices?
The CIBSE Code for Lighting recommends a maintained illuminance of 500 lux for general offices (e.g. writing, typing, reading, data processing, etc.) and for CAD work stations and conference/meetings rooms. Where the main task is less demanding, e.g. filing, a lower level of 300 lux is recommended.
- For further information, please visit the CIBSE website: www.cibse.org
|
|
Building Regulations - Part L Building Regulations - Conservation of Fuel and Power |
- Part L is specific to dwellings. It controls the insulation values of building elements, the allowable area of windows, doors and other openings, air permeability of the structure, the heating efficiency of boilers and the insulation and controls for heating appliances and systems together with hot water storage and lighting efficiency. It also sets requirements for SAP and Carbon Index ratings for dwellings. Further regulations also require the advertising of these ratings.
|
|
|
|
European Phase Out |
Under EU Regulations, inefficient lighting is being phased out gradually over the coming years. The following table sets out the phase-out process.
|
Phasing out of Traditional Incandescent Light Bulbs Defining Dates
Governments have passed measures to phase out incandescent light bulbs. In some jurisdictions this has been done through legislation, while in others through voluntary measures. The aim is to encourage use of more energy efficient lighting alternatives, such as compact fluorescent lamp (CFLs) and LED lamps. |
|
|
|
Energy Saving Recommended (ESR) |
|
|
• The Energy Saving Trust in UK has an approval process called ESR (Energy Savings Recommended), depicted by this symbol
• For LEDs to gain ESR status they need to meet the following performance criteria:
- LED lamps: 45 lm/W, power factor 0.7+, min rated life of 15,000 hours, colour rendition of 80 Ra
- LED luminaires: 45 lm/W, power factor 0.9+, min rated life of 25,000 hours, colour rendition of 70 Ra
• These criteria are currently being reviewed. Please see: www.energysavingtrust.org.uk |
|
Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECA) |
- The Carbon Trust in UK has identified a number of different technologies which attract Enhanced Capital Allowances.
- These technologies are set out on the ETL (Enhanced Technologies List)
- ECAs are a straightforward way for a business to improve its cash flow through accelerated tax relief. The scheme encourages businesses to invest in energy saving plant or machinery specified in the ETL to help reduce carbon emissions, which contribute to climate change. The Energy Technology List (ETL) is a register of products that may be eligible for 100% tax relief under the Enhanced Capital Allowance (ECA) scheme for energy saving technologies. The Carbon Trust manages the list and promotes the ECA scheme on behalf of government.
- LED white lighting is listed on the ETL and therefore any installation involving this technology in UK is eligible for ECA tax assistance. To be considered energy-efficient LEDs must meet the following criteria: Minimum of 46 lm/W, power factor 0.7+, 80 Ra and be installed for specified purposes either internally or externally.
- These criteria are currently being reviewed. Please see: www.eca.gov.uk
|
| |
|
