The Energy Saving Trust (EST) will lead a large scale UK field-trial to improve consumer confidence in light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and other low energy lighting technologies after EST UK Pulse research found consumers are in the dark about their cost and energy saving benefits.
LED lighting is one of the most cost effective energy saving technologies currently available to homeowners but 38 per cent were not able to name LEDs as a form of lighting technology.
A third (33 per cent) of consumers who had heard of the technology did not use LEDs in their own home, 30 per cent said the bulbs were too expensive while another third (33 per cent) said they did use them but in only a few fittings. Only seven per cent of LED users reported a negative experience.
Lighting accounts for six per cent of a household energy bill and three per cent of household energy consumption but consumer awareness of the cost saving benefits of LEDs is low even though there are substantial savings to be earned from switching to the energy saving bulbs.
Top Tip: A typical kitchen might have ten 50W halogen spotlights installed. Replacing these with LED spotlights rated at 6.6W could save as much as £61 per year.
James Russill, technical development manager at the Energy Saving Trust, says: ‘As our homes improve the opportunities change. We need householders to engage with their energy use and invest in LED technology – one of the simplest and most cost-effective measures people can take to reduce their energy bills.
‘Evidence gathered by an EST field trial will provide numerous benefits to help the lighting industry achieve its business objectives. We need to persuade more householders to consider upfront financial investment in the technology and take an interest in the way they use it.’
The large scale field trial is the first of its kind in the UK and will provide supporting partners with unique insight about homeowner usage patterns and understanding of the technology.
Benefits to lighting industry partners:
· Greater understanding of lighting products – robust in-situ performance data will allow the creation of accurate insight based on real life operation.
· Improved R&D – greater understanding of how lighting products operate in-situ and consumer’s satisfaction with them.
· Improved consumer confidence – verification of the performance of new lighting products, in an EST branded report, will help build consumer confidence.
Who could benefit from the Webinar?
All organisations within the lighting industry, specifically manufacturers and retailers.
Webinar registration details:
Getting consumers switched on to energy efficient lighting. Please follow the link and register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register
