GLP joins the campaign to save stage lighting
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GLP says it would be “deeply affected” by the plans, which in their current form would impose a minimum efficiency of 85lm/W and a maximum standby power of 0.5W on all light sources from September 2020.
Udo Kuenzler, GLP MD, comments: “If this becomes law, it could mean extinction for theatres, concert venues and other sections of the performing arts since no tungsten fixtures and many LED-based entertainment fixtures don’t appear to meet these requirements.
“GLP stands for the responsible use of energy and the resources of our planet. However, it is not very helpful do this on flat-rate regulations as provided for in the current EU working paper. Therefore, we advocate that the next stage of the Ecodesign Directive should not include professional lighting technology (PELP).”
He adds: “The creative use of light cannot only be summarized in key figures. We are ready for a comprehensive commitment by all manufacturers, lighting designers, production and distribution companies, because only together can we succeed in convincing the European Commission to ratify an exception for our industry.”
The opposition to the plans has been gathering momentum in the past month, with the ALD launching the #SaveStageLighting campaign and a petition requesting an exemption for stage lighting from the proposals has been signed by over 49,000.
PLASA has also been briefing its members on the matter, and Robe Lighting CEO Josef Valchar has petitioned the Czech government and MEPs in a bid to secure the exemption.
The industry still has until 7 May to submit responses to Brussels in order to force a debate. Six trade associations - PERLE, VLPT, OECD, SOLT, PLASA, and the ALD are meeting European Commission officials on 17 May to discuss the proposals.
Kuenzler concludes: “There is no time to lose. We need to act as a united industry now to prevent these proposals from becoming enshrined in law.”
(Jim Evans)
