Understanding ecological lighting standards

Why lighting-specific ecological standards?

For decades, the energy efficiency of light sources has been neglected in favor of the sole criterion of purchase cost. The incandescent lamp, invented in the 19th century, converted less than 5% of the electricity consumed into visible light, the rest being dissipated as heat. The widespread use of halogen and then fluorescent lamps has certainly improved the situation, but not enough to meet today's challenges.

The European Union was a pioneer in establishing a binding regulatory framework for the lighting sector. This framework is based on several complementary pillars: eco-design of products, energy labeling, restrictions on certain hazardous substances and end-of-life management of equipment. These regulations are gradually being aligned with the climate objectives of the European Green Deal, which aims to make the continent carbon neutral by 2050.

The Ecodesign Directive (ErP): Europe's regulatory foundation

What is the ErP Directive?

The ErP (Energy related Products) Directive, officially Directive 2009/125/EC, is the founding text of European regulations on the eco-design of energy-related products. It does not directly lay down technical requirements, but defines a framework enabling the European Commission to adopt sector-specific implementing regulations, binding in all member states. For readers outside the European Union: this directive applies to all 27 EU member states, plus several associated countries such as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.

For the lighting sector, the most important implementing regulations are :

• The Regulation (EU) 2019/2020, which has been in force in stages since September 2021, setting ecodesign requirements for separate light sources and control gear.

• The Regulation (EU) 2019/2015, on energy labeling of the same products.

The concrete requirements of the 2019/2020 regulation

This regulation replaces several earlier texts and applies to virtually all light sources for the general and professional markets. It introduces requirements on several criteria.

Minimum luminous efficacy is expressed in lumens per watt (lm/W). It varies according to source type and use. From September 2023, the thresholds have been significantly raised: for example, non-directional general-purpose lamps must reach a minimum of 85 lm/W to remain on the market. In practice, only modern LED and OLED technologies can comfortably exceed these thresholds.

The minimum color rendering index (CRI) is set at 80 for general-purpose sources. CRI measures the ability of a light source to faithfully reproduce the colors of illuminated objects, on a scale from 0 to 100. A CRI of 80 guarantees suitable reproduction in most residential and tertiary contexts.

Minimum life is regulated: LED lamps must demonstrate a laboratory life (L70B50) of at least 6,000 hours for directional sources and 10,000 hours for non-directional sources. The code L70B50 means that 50% of the lamps tested still maintain 70% of their initial luminous flux at the end of the period in question.

The power factor of devices (drivers) is also controlled to limit disturbances on the power grid.

Mandatory product information must be provided on the packaging and online, including luminous flux, watt consumption, color temperature, CRI, lifetime and the possible presence of mercury.

The end of halogens in Europe

One of the most visible consequences of the 2019/2020 regulation has been the ban on the marketing of general-purpose halogen lamps since September 1, 2021 in Europe. This decision follows a long transition that began in 2009 with incandescent lamps. Halogens, which consume on average 30 to 40% less energy than conventional incandescents, were still very energy-hungry compared with equivalent LEDs.

There are still a few exceptions: specialized halogen lamps (theater projectors, ovens, medical lamps, etc.), which are used in the most demanding applications.) are not affected by this ban, as their specific technical characteristics do not yet find a satisfactory alternative on the market.

Energy labels: reading and understanding the new classes

The overhaul of the energy label in 2021

Since September 1, 2021, a new energy labeling scale has come into force for lamps and light sources, in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2019/2015. This overhaul was necessary because most products had fallen into the A++ and A+++ classes of the old label, making it unreadable for consumers.

The new scale simply runs from A to G, without the letters "+". It has been deliberately recalibrated to be more stringent: a lamp rated A++ under the old system may be rated C or D under the new one. The aim is to leave room at the top of the ladder for tomorrow's products, while encouraging manufacturers to innovate.

How do you calculate a lamp's energy class?

The energy class of a light source is determined by its luminous efficacy (in lm/W) and, for directional lamps, by a specific energy consumption index. In practice :

• The best LEDs on the market achieve A or B classes.

• The majority of current LEDs are in B or C.

• Halogen lamps still in stock (clearance sales authorized while supplies last) are generally rated E or F.

For integrated lighting equipment (luminaires with non-replaceable sources), the efficiency of the entire system is taken into account.

The RoHS directive: limiting hazardous substances

Presentation of the RoHS directive

The RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances) directive, now in its revised version (directive 2011/65/EU, known as RoHS 2), restricts the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment (EEE), which includes lighting products. Substances targeted include lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium and certain brominated flame retardants.

The issue of mercury in fluorescent lamps

Mercury is particularly present in fluorescent lamps (fluorescent tubes, compact fluorescent lamps or CFLs). This heavy metal is essential for the electric discharge that generates the ultraviolet radiation transformed into visible light by the fluorescent coating. The RoHS directive sets maximum mercury levels for these sources, which have been progressively reduced with each regulatory revision.

LED lamps, on the other hand, contain no mercury, which is one of their major environmental advantages over discharge sources, in addition to their superior energy efficiency.

The WEEE Directive: managing the end-of-life of lighting equipment

What is the WEEE Directive?

The WEEE directive (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment), Directive 2012/19/EU, requires producers and importers of lighting equipment to finance and organize the collection and recycling of their end-of-life products. For international readers: in France, this sector is coordinated by government-approved eco-organizations, including Récylum (now part of Ecosystem), which collect and process used lamps deposited at dedicated collection points.

Why recycle used lamps?

Fluorescent lamps contain mercury and must be disposed of at specialized collection points, never in household waste or broken in a confined space. LED lamps, although mercury-free, contain valuable components (rare earths, copper, aluminum) whose recovery contributes to the circular economy and reduced dependence on raw materials.

In France, collection points are available at many electrical goods distributors, DIY superstores and municipal waste collection centers. The "one for one" take-back obligation applies: all sellers are required to take back one used lamp free of charge for each new lamp purchased.

REACH and lighting products

The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation, which came into force in 2007 and is regularly updated, governs the production and use of chemical substances within the European Union. It requires manufacturers to declare substances of concern in their products, including luminaires and light sources.

In the lighting sector, REACH concerns the plastics used in luminaire shells, reflector coatings, and the glues and resins used in the manufacture of LED modules. Distributors have a duty to inform their professional customers about the presence of SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) in the products they market.

Photometric performance and light quality standards

In addition to ecodesign requirements, several harmonized standards define measurement methods and quality criteria for LED light sources. These standards are drawn up by international standards bodies such as the ECI (International Electrotechnical Commission) and European ones such as CENELEC.

The main technical standards for LEDs

• IEC 62612: performance requirements for general-purpose self-ballasted LED lamps.

• IEC 62717: performance requirements for LED modules.

• IEC 62722: performance measurement methods for LED luminaires.

• EN 55015: limits and methods for measuring radio disturbance from electric lighting equipment.

Flicker and health risks

The issue of LED source flicker is becoming increasingly regulated. Rapid flickering, even imperceptible to the naked eye, can cause visual fatigue, headaches and, in some cases, trigger seizures in people with epilepsy. Regulation (EU) 2019/2020 introduces limits on flicker (SVM, Stroboscopic Visibility Measure) and the stroboscopic effect of light sources, requirements applicable from September 2021.

The risk of blue light

The IEC 62471 standard (Photobiological safety of lamps and lamp systems) classifies light sources according to the risk they pose to the eye and skin, particularly due to emission in the blue spectrum. LEDs with high color temperatures (above 5,000 K) have a higher proportion of blue light. For sensitive applications (children's lighting, night-time use), we recommend "warm white" LEDs with color temperatures below 3,000 K.

Thermal regulations and lighting in new buildings

RE 2020 in France

In France, the RE 2020 (Réglementation Environnementale 2020) came into force for new buildings on January 1, 2022. For foreign readers: RE 2020 is the French thermal and environmental regulation applicable to new residential and tertiary buildings. It is the successor to RT 2012, and marks a major step forward by integrating not only the building's energy consumption during operation, but also the carbon footprint of its construction (life cycle analysis or LCA).

As far as lighting is concerned, RE 2020 imposes requirements on primary energy consumption, which includes artificial lighting in tertiary buildings. It encourages the use of lighting management systems (presence detectors, automatic dimming according to available natural light) and the integration of high luminous efficiency sources.

ADEME and the promotion of best practices

The ADEME (Agence de la Transition Écologique) is a French public establishment under the supervision of the ministries in charge of ecology and higher education. For foreign readers: ADEME is the French equivalent of a national environment and energy agency, comparable to ANEEL in Brazil, IDAE in Spain or OFCE in Switzerland. It regularly publishes practical guides and factsheets for professionals and home users on energy-efficient lighting, choosing LED lamps, certifications and managing lighting waste.

Complementary certifications and labels

In addition to mandatory regulations, a number of voluntary labels enable buyers to identify lighting products that are particularly efficient or environmentally friendly.

Energy Star label (United States)

Although American in origin, the Energy Star label is sometimes referenced for LED products marketed in Europe. It certifies minimum luminous efficacy, guaranteed lifetime and measured light quality (CRI, flux variation, color uniformity). It's a useful reference for import purchases or projects with an international dimension.

ENEC+ certification

In Europe, ENEC+ certification goes beyond the mandatory CE marking, certifying that the luminaire complies with standards for electrical safety (ENEC) and photometric performance (LM-80, TM-21 for LED durability). It is issued by notified certification bodies and is a guarantee of reliability for professional buyers.

The "Quality Lighting" label and national eco-labels

Several European countries have developed their own complementary reference systems. In France, schemes such as the CEE (Certificats d'Économies d'Énergie) program provide financial incentives for professionals and private individuals to replace their lighting equipment with high-efficiency solutions. These certificates, obtained after replacement of installations, enable partial financing of the work. For foreign readers: the CEE mechanism is a French energy policy tool which obliges energy suppliers to promote energy efficiency among their customers, on pain of penalties. Similar schemes exist in Italy (Certificati Bianchi) and the UK (Energy Company Obligation).

What these standards mean in concrete terms for buyers and professionals

For electricians and installers, mastering current ecological standards has become an essential skill. Offering ErP-compliant and correctly labeled luminaires is a legal obligation. In the event of non-compliance, products may be withdrawn from the market and administrative penalties imposed.

For a building manager or purchasing manager, these standards provide a clear framework for comparing offers and selecting sustainable, economical and environmentally-friendly products. Switching to LEDs compliant with the 2019/2020 regulations can generally reduce lighting bills by 50-80% compared to a fleet of halogen or fluorescent lamps, while improving the quality of light and reducing the frequency of replacements.

For consumers, these standards mean more efficient light bulbs, clearer energy labels and the gradual disappearance of the least efficient products from the shelves.

Conclusion

Ecological standards for lighting today form a coherent and ambitious whole, covering the entire life cycle of products: from their design (ErP directive, regulation 2019/2020) to their marketing (energy labeling), via their chemical composition (RoHS, REACH) and their end-of-life treatment (WEEE). These regulations have profoundly transformed the lighting market in Europe, accelerating the adoption of LED technologies and driving out the least efficient sources.

Keeping abreast of these regulatory changes is a major challenge for all players in the electrical industry. Texts evolve regularly - new requirements on the durability and repairability of luminaires are expected in the next few years - and adapting upstream is the best way to anticipate constraints and seize market opportunities.