A ban on halogen spotlights, which can waste 10 times more energy than LEDs, came into force across Europe on 31 August. A broader ban on halogen bulbs will become operational in 2018. Those bulbs currently in stores can be sold, but no new orders can be placed. The first bulbs to be affected will be the GU10 spotlights and the PAR30 floodlights. Low-voltage spotlights and bulbs with an energy label of B or higher will not be included in the ban. In a statement, IKEA’s head of sustainability said: “Ikea’s goal is to reduce our carbon footprint by at least 30% from 2010 levels within five years. A 50W Osram halogen spotlight for a kitchen or bathroom currently retails at around £1.50 per bulb, considerably cheaper than a £4.99 high quality LED. Which? stated that switching to LEDs could cut electricity bills by 90%.
A ban on halogen spotlights, which can waste 10 times more energy than LEDs, came into force across Europe on 31 August. A broader ban on halogen bulbs will become operational in 2018. Those bulbs currently in stores can be sold, but no new orders can be placed. The first bulbs to be affected will be the GU10 spotlights and the PAR30 floodlights. Low-voltage spotlights and bulbs with an energy label of B or higher will not be included in the ban. In a statement, IKEA’s head of sustainability said: “Ikea’s goal is to reduce our carbon footprint by at least 30% from 2010 levels within five years. Which? stated that switching to LEDs could cut electricity bills by 90%.