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Retail Lighting Sparkle with LED

Traditional lighting using halogens, metal halides and even compact fluorescent globes cause high air-conditioning heat loads, continual globe replacement and high energy costs. In addition many retail outlets look the same. High intensity lighting is often sought to stand out from the crowd, making the problems above worse. Fortunately LED lighting offers the retail industry a win-win situation.

Solid state lighting or light emitting diodes LED has reached a maturity that addresses all of the problems associated with traditional lighting, plus no mercury waste disposal; a problem with compact fluorescent globes (CFL). That will receive more and more adverse publicity). To the retail lighting designer LED lighting offers  more scope to brand an outlet and really make it stand out from the crowd, without resorting to high lumen intensity (now capped by the new building codes).

The nature of LED lighting requires a different approach to lighting design and not just allocating one globe per metre of retail space with a white colour. Incandescent globes and halogens only convert 5-10% of the energy used to light. The rest is heat.  Count the number of halogens, normally 50W each, add a 20W each for the transformer, multiply by the kWhr rate and you’ll know the cost. Then add 20% of your air-conditioning costs (typical estimate) and you will have some idea of the cost of lighting.

LED lighting in contrast converts 95% of its energy to light. Its beam is highly directional; this attribute can be used to focus the light on merchandise you want to feature. The intensity of the light is achieved with low wattage, often between 10-27 watts. In contrast traditional lighting wastes light.

New Dimensions in Contemporary Lighting Design with Low Energy Technologies

Eco Living Centre’s Lighting Design Service combines innovative lighting design solutions with the latest in low energy lighting technologies including LEDs and induction lamps. Alistair Duncan, principal of Eco Living Centre says “modern lighting design employs the science of these environmentally friendly technologies and expresses them with the art of the aesthete. Good lighting design should add dynamism to a building and meet its functional requirements including health and safety.

“Contemporary design in commercial, industrial and residential buildings must meet new environmental and safety standards. Good lighting design not only enhances a building’s efficiency, using low energy lamps we can measure the savings in energy costs for lighting. Add their low heat output with reduced demand on air conditioning and less likelihood of fire; longer bulb life means reduced maintenance costs, and safe disposal as components are not toxic unlike current lighting. “Good lighting design also enhances the safety and well- being of those using the building. We know much more about how the eye works. The idea of lights in the middle of the ceiling or over lit spaces is obsolete.“New lighting technologies such as LEDs and Induction lamps require new approaches and offer more design options as well as many environmental benefits and bottom line savings”. Eco Living Centre is leading the way. Lighting design can help achieve building those important Green Stars for commercial buildings, and in the domestic situation overseas experience shows the more sustainable technologies used in a home the greater its market value.  Just Ask! Eco Living Centre can Advise and Design your lighting and Supply and Install the most advanced lighting technologies. Our One Stop Shop offers the best products and systems to suit all Energy and Water Saving needs for your commercial, industrial, public building or domestic needs.

Make over your kitchen with an energy efficient and stylish lighting system

LED lighting in the kitchen offers better, cleaner looking light to make splash-backs and bench tops sparkle. The use of LED strips ensures an even lumination, and 3W globes have a low fitting profile (less than 2.5mm) that can easily be hidden from view.  Replacing halogen lamps, these LED fittings generate little to no heat yet offer great light output and long life (>50,000 hours). Adding colour is easy for more dramatic effects as LEDs come in warm white, cool white, blue, red and green. The low wattage also achieves significant energy savings without compromising the quality of light.As the cost of energy rises, households are looking to make cheap, easy and long-term changes to their consumption habits. Perhaps one of the best ways to do this is by changing a home’s lighting. LEDs-R-Us specialise in make-over kitchen lighting systems, bringing cost savings and a more modern lighting matrix.

 In contrast to LEDs, pre-existing 35 or 50 watt halogens have been estimated to lose up to 90% of their energy as heat. Clearly this is an enormous waste of energy, as well as a fire and burn hazard for surrounding objects and surfaces. Additionally, the heat generated has the capacity to cause unexpected globe failures; indeed, manufacturers estimate that 50% of halogen globes rated at 2000 hours lifetime will fail beforehand. A noticeable difference between LEDs, halogens and incandescents are the fact that LEDs generate mono-directional light photons, in contrast to the reflected, scattered light that consumers are used to seeing spread around a room. However, the lack of dissipation in LEDs adds a more dramatic approach to kitchen design.

 

How to Best Achieve New Water and Energy Targets For Your Client

BASIX mandatory water and energy efficiency targets need not demand more of your time and resources. Eco Living Centre Pty Ltd provides a simple way to do the right thing with a wide range of products and expert advice on all aspects of water and energy efficiency. Their one-stop-service can design, specify, deliver, install and maintain the required water and energy systems.  Alistair Duncan, Managing Director of Eco Living Centre said,“With just one phone call Eco Living Centre design, specify, supply and install. We can also maintain and service after installation. We also offer a building audit assessment service at planning or built stage that can assist with the DA for new or retrofit projects. Eco Living Centre fits in with what the architect or builder needs so they can get on with what they do best. “Our professional team offers independent advice as we are not dependant on one manufacturer’s products, but can tailor products to the client’s needs and budget to ensure the project meets BASIX’ or other States’ requirements. “We provide the bridge between people who want to do the right thing by the environment, or building professionals seeking to meet the Government’s mandatory standards, but are not sure how to go about it. Our trained team can provide the right advice, and our skilled installers can ensure any system is in place quickly and cost effectively. Just one phone call and we will do the lot, or work with the professionals in stages”. Duncan said “These systems are an investment in better quality of life, kinder to the environment now and for the future, and enhance the value of any dwelling, making it appreciate in value and easier to sell. As an example we can reduce potable water usage by up to 85% and reduce heating bills by over a third. “Recent homes sales in the ACT, in areas rebuilt after the devastation of bush fires, indicate that for every star rated the home sales achieved $15,000 per star, that is $75,000 above neighbouring houses or an average 10% value premium. Not only will government’s demands increase, consumer interest and investment value will increase and differentiate one dwelling from its non compliant neighbours. “Whether it’s a round tank, a tank bladder, grey water irrigation system, solar hot water, ventilation, guttering, insulation, radiant heating, filtration, storm water harvesting etc we can quote on and service the right solution” he said. Eco Living Centre 1300 308 823 www.ecolivingcentre.com.au

The Solar Hot Water Rebate continues

Peter Garrett, Minister for the Environment, announced significant changes to the Solar Hot Water Rebate on Friday the 19th February. A new scheme was announced, Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme, for solar hot water and heat pump commencing immediately. Solar hot water rebates will drop from $1600 to $1000 and Heat Pump rebates will go from $1000 to $600 under the new scheme.

The insulation component of the Renewable Energy Bonus Scheme will be delayed until June to ensure all installers are certified. The insulation rebate will reduce from $1200 to $1000. Under the new scheme customers must pay installers up front and claim the rebate once the installation has taken place, like the solar hot water rebate.

Mr Garrett made the statement in his press release that “these changes that we are announcing today will ensure that we continue to help householders and businesses contribute to the important journey to a low carbon economy, dealing with greenhouse gas emissions by taking practical action in the households.”  

Mayors Show How Easy Sustainability Can Be

Sustainability is made easy at the new online ClimateClever Shop. www.climateclevershop.com.au will be officially launched by Mayors Pat Reilly, Ian Cross, Win Gaffney, Genia McCaffery and Susan Hoopman in the ClimateClever Display House at 11am, Wednesday 7 October in Chatswood Mall, Victoria Avenue, Chatswood.

An initiative of Willoughby City, Ku-ring-gai, Lane Cove, North Sydney and Hunters Hill Councils, the online ClimateClever Shop will help householders access quality and discounted products in one easy online location.

“The online shop makes becoming sustainable in your home easy,” said Willoughby Mayor Pat Reilly.

“It really is a one-stop-shop for residents of the five council areas providing a range of quality environmental products selected by the five councils. Residents can simply visit the one website from the comfort of their own home to compare products and prices,” he said.

“Our councils have done the research for you and selected a range of preferred suppliers of efficient and quality solar photovoltaic systems, solar hot water systems, heat pump systems, rainwater tanks and GreenPower products to save you time, stress and money. A range of options within the five product categories will be available,” said Ku-ring-gai Mayor, Ian Cross.

“The online shop will offer residents of the participating council areas a discount and explain the relevant NSW and Australian Government rebates available. The site is a virtual one-stop-shop of products that will help residents reduce their carbon footprint and save money,” said Lane Cove Mayor, Win Gaffney.

“The suppliers were assessed against a number of criteria including product efficiency and quality, service levels, discounts and financial assistance. Ten fantastic local companies were successful and I’m pleased to say they have now been endorsed by all five councils,” said North Sydney Mayor, Genia McCaffery.

“The online ClimateClever Shop provides residents of the five council areas with a hassle free way to seek information on quality products and services from our suppliers. We are all incredibly excited about the launch of this website that will help our residents make sustainable choices for their homes,” said Hunters Hill Mayor, Susan Hoopman.

For more information visit www.climateclevershop.com.au or phone your local participating council.

Changes to the Federal Government Solar Hot Water Rebate

Media Release from The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP

The Australian Government has opened up its $1,600 solar hot water rebate to people who lost their homes in the Victorian bushfires in February 2009.

Environment Minister Peter Garrett said the rebate is not usually available for people building new homes, but the Government had made an exception for homes destroyed in the fires.

“This is another leg up to help these communities as they rebuild and it will have long-term environmental benefits as well,” Mr Garrett said.

“Solar hot water can save a family up to $700 on their energy bills and help cut down their impact on climate change – it’s one of the most simple and effective ways to make your home more energy efficient.”

Mr Garrett said the special arrangements target the 2,000 homes estimated to have been destroyed in the February 2009 bushfires, as well as the 1,400 that were left uninhabitable.

The bushfire change is part of adjustments made today to the Australian Government’s solar hot water rebate. From tomorrow, the rebate on heat pump systems will be reduced from $1,600 to $1000. This provides a fairer balance between the gap householders pay for a heat pump or solar hot water system. The $1,600 rebate on solar hot water systems is unchanged.

“Today’s changes will allow even more people to access the Government’s solar hot water rebate, maximising the benefits for households and the environment,” Mr Garrett said.

“Heat pumps are typically a lot cheaper than solar hot water systems, so this change provides a fairer balance between the gap that householders have to pay.

“We’re offering $1000 back on heat pump systems which can start at around $3000, and a $1,600 rebate on solar hot water systems which start at about $4,200.

“We know there will be some people affected by the transition - people who can show they bought their heat pump prior to 5 September 2009 can apply for the higher rebate.”

The special arrangements for Victorian bushfire communities require that households:

• are rebuilding a home they lost in the fires,
• are installing a solar or heat pump hot water system that is eligible for at least 20 renewable energy certificates, and
• are also installing a rainwater tank at the property that meets the criteria for the Victorian five star building standards.

Guidelines will be available from the website at www.environment.gov.au/energyefficiency or by calling the hotline on 1800 808 571.

Phase out of greenhouse intensive hot water systems

 What is the problem?

Household greenhouse gas emissions
A residential electric hot water system produces around four tonnes of greenhouse gases each year. That’s 2.5 times more greenhouse gases than other more efficient technologies and the equivalent of running an average sized car for a year.

What is being done?

Switching to low emission hot water systems
To help the 50 per cent of Australian households that have an electric hot water system to reduce their electricity bills and Australia’s greenhouse emissions, the Australian Government has committed to:

                Working with State and Territory Governments to phase-out greenhouse intensive hot water systems commencing in 2010, and

                Offering a rebate of up to $1,600 for eligible households to install solar hot water or heat pump systems.

 What support is available to help me make the switch?
Visit www.environment.gov.au/rebates/ to find out about the $1600 rebate for solar hot water heaters. Further rebates may be available from your state, territory and local government.

How will the phase out work?
During 2010, electric hot water systems will no longer be able to be installed in:

                 • any new detached, terraced and town houses; and

                • any existing detached, terraced and town houses that have access to piped gas, except where an exemption applies.

                During 2012, electric hot water systems will no longer be able to be installed in:

                any existing detached, terraced and town houses; and

                any new flats and apartments with access to piped gas, except where an exemption applies.

 
Who will the program apply to?
The phase out will apply in all States and Territories except where the emissions intensity of the public electricity supply is low (Tasmania).

Who will be exempt from this program?
Exemptions to the program are still under investigation. These decisions will be based on identifying situations where appropriate alternative technologies are not yet available or where there are significant additional costs.
 
What alternatives are available?
Builders of new houses and households replacing an existing hot water system will be able to choose from a range of low emission alternatives to suit their home, climate and budget including:

                Heat pump

                Gas

                Solar (electric or gas boosted)

 If I have access to piped natural gas, am I limited to installing a gas hot water system?
No. You are free to choose the low emission alternative that best suits your home, your climate and your budget.

Will I have to replace my currently working electric hot water system when the program commences?
No. There will be no requirement to replace a working electric hot water system. You will only have to purchase a low emission hot water system when your current one needs to be replaced.

Will I save money on my energy bills?
Yes, depending on the technology you install. A low emission hot water system, could save a family up to $700 on electricity bills each year. The more efficient the system, the greater the savings. 

Are there big greenhouse gas savings to be made?
Yes. Hot water systems account for around 23 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions from the average home. By phasing out the most inefficient systems, this program will save over 30 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions over ten years. This is the equivalent of taking more than 750,000 cars off the road every year for ten years.

When will more information be available?
Detailed design of the program is currently underway and more information will be available throughout 2009.

How can I find out more?
Updates will be posted online at: www.environment.gov.au/settlements/energy efficiency/index.html For more suggestions on lowering your energy bills visit: www.yourhome.gov.au Search and compare appliances at: www.energyrating.gov.au

NSW Electricity Bills to Soar by 22 Per Cent

The NSW Government has brought forward a $272 million assistance package originally announced to soften the impact of its $6 billion energy privatization on consumers after a substantial price rise was confirmed yesterday.Metropolitan NSW householders will be paying up to 21.7pc more for electricity from July 1 to pay for maintenance and upgrading of power networks and an increase in wholesale purchase costs. Power bills for customers of Country Energy will be about 18percent more. The Independent Pricing and Regulatory Tribunal said that, without the price rise, power companies might not invest in new technology.“If electricity costs allowance in insufficient, some retailers may be unwilling to supply customers and incentives to invest in new generation capacity when it is needed may be inadequate,” tribunal chairman Michael Keating said.The price rise includes a national increase in network charges, which the NSW government lobbies against, determine by the federal Australian Energy Regulator this month.IPART called on the government to bring forward its $272 million assistance package, which had been promised as a sweetener for the proposed sell-off of electricity assets. “I and pleased to see that the NSW government has been successful in reducing charges and smoothing out he impact on families and businesses, leading to increases almost 3 percent lower that they would have been otherwise,” Energy Minister Ian Macdonald said. “These price increases will help maintain out energy reliability standards, and prevent mass blackouts, which happen in California, so families and businesses don not have to suffer.”Shadow Treasurer Mike Baird said the government had failed to keep prices down.“After IPART’s draft determination in March this year Energy Minister Ian Macdonald huffed and puffed about eh in crease being too high and promise to amend the prices, “he said.“Well he has failed and once again it is the people of NSW who will be paying the price.”Retailers Energy Australia, Integral Energy and Country Energy will be sold under the government’s rehashed energy privatization plan, with the trading function of generators and hew development site for power stations.It is understood the government favours a structure to allow a new entrant to build a vertically integrated power company from the ground up. The Rees government will release more detail about the structure and timing of the sale after completing a final round of market consultations with potential domestic bidders.AGL and Origin Energy are considered front-runners to buy the assets, although Finance Minister Joe Tripodi has said bidders consulted during a recent overseas trip indicated they were keen to participate. Australian Financial Review Thursday 21 May 2009.

DECC - Hot Water System rebate up take report

The most important consideration when choosing a hot water system is the size. To maximise emission and running cost savings, the system should be large enough to provide hot water to meet the household’s needs. A system that is too big costs more to buy and run and will generate more greenhouse gas emissions. Hot water professionals can advise on the appropriate size of a system for the household. Installing water efficient fixtures, such as showerheads and taps and insulating hot water pipes to prevent heat loss will maximize the efficiency of all hot water systems. Householders switching to electric-boosted solar hot water systems can also save more in running costs by switching to an off-peak tariff, which has the added benefit of reducing peak demand.

Solar hot water systems provide the greatest emission savings and account for 60 per cent of the hot water systems installed in NSW in 2007–2008 with the help of the rebate. Switching from an electric hot water system to a solar hot water system saves an average of 3.0 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions a year. Switching from electric to a heat pump system saves 2.4 tonnes and switching to gas saves 2.9 tonnes a year. Figure 1 shows the breakdown of hot water system rebate uptake by system type.

AS adapted from Department of Environment and Climate Change Annual Report 2007 - 2008

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Latest Headlines

• Retail Lighting Sparkle with LED
• New Dimensions in Contemporary Lighting Design with Low Energy Technologies
• Make over your kitchen with an energy efficient and stylish lighting system
• How to Best Achieve New Water and Energy Targets For Your Client
• The Solar Hot Water Rebate continues
• 422
• Mayors Show How Easy Sustainability Can Be
• Changes to the Federal Government Solar Hot Water Rebate
• Phase out of greenhouse intensive hot water systems
• NSW Electricity Bills to Soar by 22 Per Cent

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