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Fluorescent Lights:
Why can't you buy them anymore?

Fluorescent Lights are now illegal to Manufacture.

In a significant move towards environmental sustainability, the UK government banned the manufacture of traditional fluorescent lights, including T5 and T8 tubes, starting in September 2023. This decision is part of a broader effort to reduce hazardous waste and promote the use of more energy-efficient lighting solutions.

What are the reasons for the ban?

Environmental Impact

One of the primary reasons for the ban is the environmental impact of fluorescent lights. These lights contain mercury, a toxic substance that can be harmful to both human health and the environment. When fluorescent lights are improperly disposed of, mercury can leach into the soil and water, posing a significant risk to ecosystems and public health.

Energy Efficiency

Fluorescent lights are also less energy-efficient compared to modern alternatives like LED lights. By transitioning to LED lighting, the UK aims to reduce its carbon footprint and save energy. LED lights consume significantly less power and have a longer lifespan, making them a more sustainable choice for both residential and commercial use.

Economic Benefits

The shift to LED lighting is not only beneficial for the environment but also for consumers’ wallets. LED lights are more cost-effective in the long run due to their lower energy consumption and longer lifespan. The government estimates that this transition could save British consumers up to 80% a year on their energy bills.

Regulatory Compliance

The ban aligns with updated regulations aiming to limit the use of hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. By banning the production of fluorescent lights, the UK is taking a step towards promoting safer, more sustainable lighting options.

How does this affect schools?

In September 2023, the UK government made a decisive move to ban the sale of traditional fluorescent lights, including T5 and T8 tubes. This is part of a broader initiative to reduce hazardous waste and promote the use of more energy-efficient lighting solutions and means you will have to buy more energy efficient alternatives from now on.

Impact on students

  • Health Issues: Fluorescent lights can cause headaches, eye strain, and migraines due to their flickering nature. This flicker can be too rapid to be consciously noticed but can still cause discomfort and impair visual tasks

  • Concentration and Performance: The flickering and poor lighting quality of fluorescent lights can interfere with students’ concentration and performance. Studies have shown that students in classrooms with fluorescent lighting may experience decreased concentration and productivity.

     

  • Mood and Behaviour: Fluorescent lighting can negatively impact students’ mood and behaviour. The cool-white tint of these lights can lead to feelings of discomfort and anxiety, especially after prolonged exposure.

     

  • Sleep Patterns: Fluorescent lights can disrupt students’ natural circadian rhythms eventually leading to sleep problems. Poor sleep can result in attention issues and reduced alertness during the day. LED’s help promote the production of melatonin, a natural sleep hormone.

Impact on academic environment

  • Teacher and Staff Well-being: Just like students, teachers and staff can also experience headaches, eye strain, and discomfort from fluorescent lighting. This can affect their ability to perform their duties effectively.

  • Overall Productivity: Poor lighting can lead to a decrease in overall productivity in the school environment. Both students and staff may find it harder to focus and complete tasks efficiently under inadequate lighting conditions.

  • Energy Efficiency: While fluorescent lights are more energy-efficient than some older lighting options, they are still less efficient compared to modern LED lights. Transitioning to LED lighting can help schools save on energy costs and reduce their environmental impact.

     

Switching to LED lights can address these issues by providing a more stable and comfortable lighting environment, improving both health and productivity in schools.

Click below to find out more about the best alternative for Fluorescent Lights

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Our method has been tested

"We are overall extremely impressed with the service provided by Superior Eco Lighting. The consultancy and design process at the start was very useful, informative and gave us realistic projections of our potential savings based on electricity savings and cutting maintenance costs."
Stuart CanningSite Manager at Westeron Primary School
Westerton Primary Acadmey
"The team was very professional. They worked in school overnight and all areas were cleaned, ready for use the next morning. We would certainly recommend Superior Eco Lighting Systems Ltd."
Caroline GilbertFinance Director at Park Hall Infant Academy
Park Hall
"Project planning was top notch giving start and end dates. The quality of the work was to the highest standard. The installation team were brilliant, working to a high standard and working around our school times. I would highly recommend Superior Eco Lighting to any other company as they made the whole process smooth and very professional."
Craig HoggSite Manager at Blackgates Primary Academy
Craig Hogg
"Kyle Goldthorpe and Richard Wormald completed this work and were a credit to your company in every way. They were punctual, hard working and efficient in addition to being friendly and flexible. Above all they respected the context of the environment they were in and were responsive to the needs of the school, its staff members and young children."
Lynette SelbieTavistock Primary & Nursery School
Tavistock Primary School
"Just to say a big thank you to Superior Eco Lighting, for a great job, the comments we have received have been nothing but positive. The lighting has really made a difference in making the school look modern and bright. The team that did the job were highly professional in delivery and worked long hours to complete on time. The whole package of financial arrangement and project delivery was first class."
Dave PickinSite Manager at Excalibur Primary School
Dave Pickin
"Massive thank you to Adam and the the whole installation team at Superior Eco. They've recently fitted LED lighting to our whole school and have done above and beyond for us to get the works completed to a tight deadline and at times that suited us, we were kept informed of how things were progressing throughout and school was immaculately clean and tidy after every part of the install. We can't recommend enough! Thanks so much!"
MEGAN CORLEYSt John the Evangelist Catholic Primary School
MEGAN CORLEY
"From the first visit by Liam, to the quality assurance meeting at the end of the process, Superior Eco have proven themselves to be a quality company that both supports schools to lower their electricity costs and to have a positive impact on the environment. The company goes out of their way to meet all of the needs of schools, whether that is presenting information to governors, working throughout the night during term time or addressing any snaps promptly and efficiently. We would fully recommend this company to any school looking to reduce their overall energy bills."
Pam EdgeBrackenwood infant school
Pam Edge
Your guys here were very efficient and clean, and the large project was carried out quickly with the minimum of fuss. Having the option for 600+ lights to be installed overnight, therefore minimising pupil disruption was a big plus for us. The lights are well fitted and the after sales has been great too. Would definitely recommend Superior Eco Lighting for another school.
James ShawGreenbank Primary school
James Shaw
"We are very happy with the results and with your team. I can honestly say that the team are a credit to your company; they worked exceptionally hard and left the school clean, the way they found it. The lights are great and a lot cooler in the rooms."
Caroline Malcolmpool hayes primary school
Caroline Malcolm
Superior Eco Lighting were very professional right from the first meeting. The quote was very competitive, but it was their professionalism, efficiency and friendliness that made us choose them in the end. The engineers met me as I finished for the day at 5:30pm and worked through the night and left when I came into work at 6:30am. The school was left clean and tidy as though they had never been there! The engineers and the office kept me informed every step of the way until the job was complete and the 7-year guarantee handed over. The school is totally transformed, and everyone loves how much lighter everywhere is. I love the lights and am especially looking forward to all the electricity savings to the budget.
Lisa Giffinlum head primary School
Lisa Giffin

For information on any of our products or services, contact us on: 01422 378 318

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Address: Ground Floor, Long Mill, Stainland Road, Greetland, Halifax, West Yorkshire, HX4 8AD

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