According to recent media reports, the European Union plans to ban all old-style incandescent lamps by 2012, in order to save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. While the European Union is expected to formally adopt the ban in March 2010, it could actually take effect in as early as September 2009. There is no doubt that those lighting jobs in this country will also be affected by the ban.

Specifically, the ban will set minimum energy-efficiency and functionality parameters for those lamps that are typically used in homes, such as incandescent, halogen and compact fluorescent lamps. While consumers are urged to cease using these old-style lamps, manufacturers are required to adapt their productions and switch to making lighting products that are highly efficient and functional. In this process, those with lighting jobs are expected to make good use of their professional knowledge and skills in helping their residential, commercial and industrial clients make the most practical decisions.

In the words of Andris Piebalgs, European Union?s Commissioner for Energy: ?This groundbreaking measure delivers a clear message about the EU?s commitment to reach its energy-efficiency and climate-protection targets. By replacing last-century lamps with better-performing technologies, European homes will keep the same quality of lighting, while saving energy, carbon dioxide and cash.??? This precisely matches the goal of those with jobs in lighting, which is to provide consumers with high-quality, cost-efficient and eco-friendly lighting products.

Taking vital issues such as aesthetics and health concerns into account, consumers have plenty of alternatives. For example, those with lighting jobs would know that long-life compact fluorescent lamps provide the highest energy savings, using up to 75 percent less energy than incandescent lamps. Another option is halogen lamps, which produce the same quality light as incandescent bulbs do, but save up to 50 percent of energy.

Finally, switching to compact fluorescent lamps will typically save ?20 to ?50 per household per year, which should inject between ?5 billion and ?10 billion back into the economy. Those with jobs in lighting are urged to take note of this benefit as they help consumers phase out old-style lamps.