CIE Components in Electronics
Almost half aren’t planning to switch to LED in next 12 months, despite upcoming halogen ban
British companies are failing to adequately prepare for the upcoming halogen light bulb ban in 2018, as 41 per cent are choosing not to switch to the alternative LED lighting in the next 12 months. This is according to new research from online electrical retailer reichelt.
Hurdles when switching to LED
According to the research, conducted across 200 employees in the UK, many have revealed that their companies are still hesitant to switch to the more energy-efficient and long-term cost-effective option of LED lighting.
The biggest barriers to making the switch cited by participants include:
- It’s too expensive – 24 per cent
- Concern over lighting temperature – 18 per cent
- They don’t see the benefits of switching – 12 per cent
- It’s too much effort – 12 per cent
This highlights a lack of understanding of the benefits of LED lighting vs. conventional bulbs.
“Whilst LED lighting has historically been more expensive, technology advancements have made bulbs much more affordable. In addition, the long-term cost savings vastly outweigh the upfront costs. Companies need to start considering and installing alternate options to halogen bulbs before the ban comes into force,” explains Holger Engelbrecht, product manager, reichelt elektronik.
Cost savings are often underestimated
Of the companies that are currently using LED lighting (49 per cent use LEDs in all office areas), 18 per cent of respondents believe they are saving 21-30 per cent since switching from conventional lighting.
Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) of participants who are yet to use LEDs largely underestimate the savings that can be made, thinking that only 6-10 percent can be saved off their current bill. Some expect no savings at all. In fact, they consume 80 per cent less electricity than incandescent bulbs, drastically cutting electricity bills.
It’s important to get office lighting right
It’s widely known that lighting in the workplace can affect productivity, and is therefore extremely important to many employees. 64 per cent say it is very important, across all age groups. As such, 89 per cent of companies take action to ensure that lighting is suitable for their employees in the workplace.
