May 16, 2007—In a groundbreaking move, the Australian Government is taking action to phase out inefficient light bulbs. Working with its state and territory counterparts, the Australian Government will gradually phase out all inefficient light bulbs and is aiming for full enforcement of new lighting standards legislation by 2009 to 2010. Special needs areas, such as medical lighting and oven lights, will be taken into consideration.
In Australia, lighting currently represents around 25 percent of emissions from the commercial sector. The initiative is expected to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions by 4 million tons by 2012.
The government says it will also work with the world’s largest manufacturers of light bulbs, including China, to broaden the benefits beyond Australia.
Meanwhile, Ontario, Canada, recently announced it is banning the sale of inefficient light bulbs by 2012 and launching five province-wide conservation initiatives as part of the government’s commitment to build a conservation culture.
The Ministry of Energy will meet with industry, US regulators, and federal and provincial governments to develop new performance standards for lamps and to draft regulations to ban the sale of inefficient lighting by 2012 where alternatives exist in the market. In addition, as of the day of the announcement, the government will only purchase energy-efficient light bulbs for its own buildings.
