Neon lights, compact lamps and other fluorescent tubes may be energy efficient, but they will be gradually banned and phased out by 2023 because of the mercury they contain. This will also be the case for certain low-energy lamps that also contain mercury. As far as neon lights are concerned, it is more precisely the T5 and T8 linear fluorescent lamps that will be banned in Switzerland and in the European Union. Their manufacture and import will also be prohibited.
Neon lights are everywhere!
Neon lights are found in shops, workshops, storage halls, schools, stables and sports halls. They are also found in private homes: garages, kitchen hoods, bathroom cabinets. Depending on the age of the installation, it is possible to replace mercury-containing neon lights with LED lights. Unfortunately, this does not always work. It all depends on the type of ballast:
- ferromagnetic ballast all good!
- electronic ballast : be careful !
Electricity consumption for neon lighting can represent up to 80% for small and medium sized businesses such as offices, shops, exhibitions.
Regarding the replacement or purchase of new neon lights, what we advise you to do is to call an energy efficiency auditor who will guide you in the right products, will calculate the Subsidies available and the most appropriate models to guarantee the comfort of your employees, all with a neutral and independent approach.
Visit Expertise and Services Industriels de Genève
Is your company located in the Canton of Geneva and is it served by the Service Industriels de Genève? The SIG, through the Eco21 - SME programme, offers you up to CHF 8,100 to support the implementation of actions.
Appointment with an∙e expert∙e
During an appointment with an engineer∙e, expert∙e in energy will identify energy and financial savings actions, easy and quick to implement, considering the specificities of your company.
Receipt of an action plan
Following the expert's visit, you will receive a personalized action plan prioritizing the energy performance actions you can undertake. For the main energy uses, a detailed and quantified analysis will be carried out and concrete solutions will be proposed.
Realization of optimization actions
Finally, the expert∙e will accompany you in the implementation of energy performance actions and help you benefit from the corresponding financial aid.
Financial support is provided by SuisseEnergie, the Canton of Vaud and Geneva, as well as the Services Industriels de Lausanne et de Genève. Thanks to the measures adopted, you will see your energy bills reduced. It is also a good lever in terms of brand image for the company: you can communicate on your commitment to the energy transition and sustainable development.
Contact us to request a quote or for advice, we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Reference: RTS ARTICLE of May 13, 2022
