Fagerhult and the environment
Good lighting reduces the greenhouse effect
Fagerhult can contribute towards reducing the carbon dioxide discharge through promoting the development and introduction of new, energy efficient lighting technology. The cleanest kilowatt-hour is the one that never needs to be produced!
What are greenhouse gases?
The greenhouse effect is, in essence, the increased warming of the earth. The effect is caused by the discharge of gases into the atmosphere, for example, carbon dioxide, freon and methane. The gases let through sun rays, but bind the heat in the same ways as the glass in a greenhouse. Variations between hotter and colder climate periods are natural, but during the last century the climate has become warmer on account of man’s influence. It is primarily the combustion of fossil fuels, oil, coal and gas that intensifies the greenhouse effect. Climate changes can be mitigated by restricting the use of energy and finding alternative production methods. The Kyoto agreement came into force in 2005 and involved the industrial world undertaking to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. The member states of the EU shall reduce emissions with 8% by 2010. In connection with the climate conference in Bali in 2007 the undertaking agreed through the Kyoto protocol was extended. It was then decided that emissions from the industrial countries are to decrease by 25% to 40% by 2020.
Energy converted to carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is seen as the most problematic greenhouse gas, on account of it occurring in such large quantities. Carbon dioxide is formed with all combustion and the greatest quantities are caused by fossil fuels such as oil, coal and gas. Carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced through the use of alternative energy such as the sun, wind and water or biofuel. Biofuel is considered to be a renewable energy source. An equivalent amount of carbon dioxide, which forms during combustion, binds in the organisms that have the space to grow instead. A tree which is converted to energy should therefore be replaced by a new tree. The amount of carbon dioxide which is bound varies depending on the tree species and conditions. However, approximately 800 kg of carbon dioxide per tree is not unusual in connection with climate equalizing tree planting projects in the southern hemisphere.
Energy efficient lighting reduces emissions
It is the operation of a lighting system, rather than the production, that creates the greatest carbon dioxide emissions. A luminaire in operation for 20 years is in use for an average of 50,000 hours. If the luminaire has a degree of efficiency of 70% during this period it will consume 2469 kWh. This corresponds to 1272 kg of carbon dioxide based on the western European energy mix. A luminaire with an efficiency of 90% consumes less energy, 1976 kWh, and with that emissions can be reduced to 1017 kg of carbon dioxide. In both instances the energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions are possible to reduce by a further 57% through the use of sensor control with daylight, constant light and presence control preventing luminaires from being lit when they are not needed.