Ban of Fluorescent Lightbulbs: The production of fluorescent lamps was banned in Great Britain from September 2023 and banned in the EU and Northern Ireland from August 2023 due to the EU Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) Directive. – Here’s what you need to know.
From 1 September 2023, the UK government has banned the sale and installation of T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes. This marks a significant shift in how businesses operate and manage their lighting infrastructure, especially facilities managers and the retail signage industry.
Why the Ban?
The decision to phase out T5 and T8 fluorescent tubes is grounded in a broader global effort to reduce energy consumption and promote more environmentally friendly lighting solutions. While more energy efficient than incandescent tubes, fluorescent tubes still lag behind LED and other energy efficiency, lifespan, and waste reduction alternatives. By phasing out fluorescent lights, the UK is taking a step towards reducing its carbon footprint.
What the Ban of Fluorescent Lightbulbs it Means for Facilities Managers and Commercial Business
Upgrading Infrastructure: The immediate implication of this ban for facilities managers is the need to upgrade or replace existing fluorescent lighting fixtures. This could mean a significant capital expenditure in the short term. However, the long-term savings from more energy-efficient alternatives can offset these costs.
Maintenance Costs: LED lights, the primary alternative, typically have longer lifespans than fluorescent tubes. This reduces maintenance costs as LEDs don’t need to be replaced as frequently.
Energy Savings: Modern lighting alternatives consume less power. Over time, businesses can expect to see a reduction in their electricity bills, which can substantially save large commercial properties.
Environmental Compliance: As the world becomes more conscious of environmental responsibility, businesses may also benefit from marketing themselves as compliant and green, which can appeal to consumers and stakeholders.
Implications for Retail Signage
Brightness and Clarity: Retail signage is crucial for marketing, branding, and providing information. LED lights offer better brightness and clarity than fluorescents, making signs more visible and impactful.
Customisability: LEDs come with the advantage of being highly customisable. Retailers can play with colours, brightness, and dynamic lighting effects, offering more creative freedom in their signage designs.
Operational Cost: While the initial investment might be higher for LED-based signs, the operational cost, in the long run, is lower due to reduced energy consumption and maintenance.
Reliability: LEDs are less prone to flickering and more resilient in varying temperatures, which can benefit outdoor signage exposed to the elements.
While phasing out and the Ban of Fluorescent Lightbulbs T5 and T8 tubes in the UK might pose immediate challenges, especially for facilities managers and retail signage businesses, the long-term benefits far outweigh the initial inconvenience. The move is a testament to the UK’s commitment to a sustainable future, promoting energy efficiency and reduced environmental impact. Embracing this change can lead to significant economic benefits and a better brand image for businesses in the long run.
In summary, switching to LED lighting can bring numerous benefits to your office or retail site, including energy and cost savings, improved lighting quality, longer lifespan, and reduced environmental impact.
1. Energy and cost savings of up to 80% compared to traditional lighting
2. Improved lighting quality, reducing eye strain and increasing productivity
3. Longer lifespan of LED lights, reducing maintenance costs and downtime
4. Reduced carbon footprint, contributing to a more sustainable future.
Your signage says so much about your business and the services you provide. It’s often the first impression you give to your customers, visitors and broader audience, and, as such, should be expertly designed, strategically placed and in excellent condition.
At Westbury FM, we have a team to design, manufacture, install and maintain your signage nationally in line with your brand. A schedule of planned maintenance offers complete peace of mind. In addition, our sign engineers are also fully equipped nationwide to respond to and deal with emergency callouts 24/7.
Our signage team deals with all branded signage and illumination, including upgrading fluorescent to LED. They also cover sub-fascias, wayfinding, window graphics and totems.
