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.

“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 The idea of lights in the middle of the ceiling or over lit spaces is obsolete.“New lighting technologies such as LEDs and Induction lamps require new approaches and offer more design options as well as many environmental benefits and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.

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.”  

Save Money by Saving Energy

Eco Living Centre is at the forefront of remains at the forefront of practical sustainability with technologies which deliver high performance, low energy options, high safety standards, long life and hence low maintenance. Now induction lamps are revolutionising lighting for commercial and industrial applications, and are set to replace metal halides, fluorescent and high pressure sodium lamps.

Installations overseas to date and now here include lights for streets, tunnels, hospitals, airports, infrastructure (bridges, railways, dams etc), exhibitions, offices, factories, warehouses’ high and low bay areas, supermarkets, shopping malls, car parks etc, and in areas with hazardous operations such as explosives, mines and petroleum sites. There are also induction lamp options for homes and gardens.

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.

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.

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.

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