Replacing all the world’s inefficient lighting with energy efficient alternatives would
cut the global share of electricity used for lighting by 50% and lead to a 5% reduction in
total global electricity consumption. This ambitious transition would also reduce annual CO2
emissions by at least 31 billion tonnes.
The implementation focus for en.lighten is on direct policy and technical assistance to
countries that have efficient lighting policy elements in place and are ready to take rapid
action to phase out inefficient lamps. The 46 en.lighten Country Partners (representing
approximately 20% of the world’s population) already have some experience with
supporting policies and activities, such as massive distributions of compact fluorescent
lamps (CFLs). These countries seek to make permanent changes to sustain energy and
Some countries have begun to adopt minimum energy performance standards. However, most do not
yet have comprehensive monitoring, verification and enforcement schemes or collection and
recycling programs. Many countries need to strengthen their laboratory and technical testing
capabilities before they can progress to verification and enforcement. Thus, en.lighten is
facilitating training and capacity building via its private sector partners.
Reducing electrical demand decreases the amount of fossil fuels burned to produce
electricity, and may allow countries to close older power plants that rely on coal and other
fossil fuels. With a global transition to efficient lighting, over 250 large coal power
plants could be retired. During a global economic crisis, these savings could be reallocated
to social services and, infrastructure projects, including schools, hospitals and roads. It
would also allow for expansion of electrical service into underserviced areas or help to
improve electrical service in existing areas. Realizing billions of dollars in saved
electricity costs could boost economies and create green jobs. Improved access to electricity
for millions of people will lead to increased productivity, income and improvement in quality
of life for the urban poor.
A transition to energy efficient lighting encourages the sustainable use of natural resources
as it reduces the dependence on fossil fuel burning in power plants to produce electricity.
The introduction of new, energy efficient technologies encourages environmental
sustainability actions which include establishing maximum mercury content limits and
responsible end of life management that encompasses collection, and/or recycling programs for
The en.lighten initiative activities are developed in a way that can be replicated in every
country, taking into consideration local circumstances and needs. For example, the Country
Lighting Assessments are based on a model that is used for all countries but can accept input
data from any country that has its own data collection program. The National Efficient
Lighting Strategy development process works similarly: en.lighten offers an agenda, menu of
activities, and options for expert technical assistance. Each country chooses the
options that will work best to rapidly achieve their transition to efficient lighting.
The Global Efficient Lighting Partnership Programme, launched in 2011, is a voluntary
initiative for countries to work with en.lighten to achieve a coordinated national or
regional transition to efficient lighting. en.lighten, along with its international partners,
provides support to national regulators and/or regional bodies in the development of
policies, strategies and actions for the phase-out of inefficient lighting products, while
ensuring that the lighting technologies meet global minimum standards and that spent
lamps are treated in an environmentally sound manner.