LIGHT QUALITY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY IN EU LEGISLATION

摘要

This paper explores the way that light qualityrnhas been dealt with in European legislationrnprimarily focussed on environmentalrnaspects, including energy efficiency.rnIt first presents the scope and thernframework of the Ecodesign Directivern(2009/125/EC), as well as relevant steps ofrnthe preparatory process to the adoption ofrnthe two existing ecodesign implementingrnmeasures on lighting products (Regulationsrn244/2009 and 245/2009). It goes onrnanalysing the provisions of the Directive thatrnlead to the implementing measures havingrnan impact on the quality of light of the lampsrnwithin scope. It is demonstrated that a directrnimpact on light quality is exercised throughrnperformance requirements, aiming to ensurernthat the technologies meant to replace otherrntechnologies phased out by the measurernprovide a nearly equivalent service to thernuser. Equivalence in service can bernapproached objectively or subjectively, andrnthe measured light quality may be differentrnfrom the perceived light quality, which mayrnfurther vary depending on the context (somernlamps performing well in the majority of thernapplications may disappoint when placedrninto certain special luminaires). The productrninformation requirements of the Regulationsrnhave a more indirect impact on light qualityrnby informing the designers, installers andrnend users on aspects of the product’srnperformance and advising them on thernproper use of the product.rnThe paper concludes that within a givenrnlighting product category, changes of lightrnquality that result from a technologicalrnswitch brought by the lighting ecodesignrnregulations can be properly counterbalancedrnby the fast progress achieved in productrndesign and through the provision of thernappropriate information to the end-users.rnApart from being a large step for thernenvironment and a cost-saver, energyrnsaving lighting products also offer newrnfeatures and a wider choice to the endusers,rnas well as opportunities for innovativerndesign.