Switch to low energy lighting now, says leading retailer
24th March 2009

The Hon Peter Garrett AM MP, Minister for the Environment, Heritage and the Arts launched the federal government’s Change the Globe initiative at Beacon Lighting’s Belrose store this morning.

The Beacon store is the first in Australia to receive the new range of point-of-sale materials which are designed to inform and encourage customers to switch to low energy lighting ahead of the ban on the sale of incandescent globes in November 2009.

“While retailers will be banned from selling incandescent GLS light globes in November, Australians should switch to low energy lighting alternatives now. There’s no need to wait,” said Glen Robinson, Beacon Lighting’s general manager – merchandise.

Mr Robinson noted that while a large number of Australians had already made the switch, many have not. “Many Australians still don’t understand which low energy globes to choose and they are concerned that low energy products will provide inferior quality lighting. The federal government’s Change the Globe initiative will certainly encourage those customers to make an informed decision to purchase low energy equivalents,” Mr Robinson added.

Sales of CFL light products at Beacon Lighting have almost tripled since February 2007 when the then government announced an action to phase out inefficient light bulbs by 2009/10. In the past nine months since the federal government announced final details of the phase out, sales have grown by over 30 per cent.

“Low energy lighting products have certainly been a strong growth category,” noted Mr Robinson. “These products are by no means inferior to high energy equivalents and the energy and subsequent cost savings are a huge incentive.”

Mr Robinson added that while CFLs are currently the most readily available low energy lighting alternative, they are not mandated by the government and more efficient forms of lighting such as LEDs continue to become available as technology develops.

Beacon Lighting has been proactively involved in the push for Australians to switch to low energy lighting in recent years. The company had converted all in-store lighting to low energy globes by February 2008 and has provided extensive staff training on low energy lighting in order to help customers make informed purchases. Beacon is also participating in Flashback, a trial CFL recycling program initiated by the Lighting Council of Australia and
Sustainability Victoria.

Following the import ban on incandescent GLS globes in November last year, Beacon has ceased ordering wholesale stock of the globes, instead encouraging customers to purchase low energy equivalents ahead of the final ban.

Anyone with questions about switching to low energy lighting should contact their local Beacon Lighting store where sales associates can provide expert advice on low energy lighting products and designs. Call 131 595 for the nearest store or visit www.beaconlighting.com.au.

Beacon Lighting Beacon Lighting is an Australian owned and operated company that has been providing household lighting products since 1974. Beacon is a major lighting retailer in Australia, with 60 stores in all capital cities and regional centres. The company is taking a lead role in the change towards energy saving solutions, including sourcing cutting-edge energy efficient lighting, the latest in LED technology, energy monitors, ceiling fans and solar. Beacon also offers an energy lighting audit service where the company's accredited lighting consultants design a total energy saving lighting plan for the customer (a small fee applies). Beacon Lighting is a member of the Lighting Council of Australia.
 

 

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National Nine News, 24/03/2009

 

Glen Robinson, General Manager - Merchandise
Glen Robinson is Beacon Lighting's primary buyer, overseeing the product selection process which includes the review of new, local and imported product submissions, product pricing and other related issues. Glen maintains an up-to-date knowledge of the lighting industry including global lighting trends, regularly travelling overseas to source from the latest innovations and technology.
Phone: 03 9368 1000
Mobile: 0411 647 874

For images of the launch, please contact Angela Bishop, BishopCunliffe on 0414 392 181