Energy Classes | Technical Guide

Lighting Guide | Energy Classes

What Are Energy Classes?

Energy classes are a European measure aimed at classifying various lighting sources, including bulbs and fixtures, based on their energy consumption. Each light source comes with a label indicating its energy class using letters, with 'A' being the most energy-efficient rating.

The energy label of a LED bulb or fixture

The old energy label, which was in use until March 2023, categorized lighting sources like fluorescent tubes, energy-saving bulbs, and LED lamps which typically fell under energy class A (some LEDs even reached A++).

However, the new energy label, effective since September 1, 2021, is specific to LED sources. It ranks their luminous efficiency in lumens per watt (Lumen/Watt), classifying them from A to G. As a result, LED sources may now receive ratings other than 'A,' with only a few achieving a 'C' rating. This new label encourages innovation in LED technology.

Keep in mind that energy class labels are based on the luminous flux emitted by the light source (or bulb) and not the luminaire (light fixture) itself. Luminaire materials can impact the luminous efficiency, with some absorption occurring. This means that visible (direct) light sources are generally more efficient but may cause glare.

Additionally, energy class ratings do not consider the LED's lifespan. Some drivers can boost luminous flux, but this may lead to faster LED wear and shorter overall life.

What does it say about the ecological impact?

While energy class labels primarily indicate the energy efficiency of a light source, they don't provide a comprehensive assessment of the ecological impact of a bulb. The energy class focuses on how effectively a bulb converts electricity into visible light, which directly affects energy consumption and, consequently, your electricity bill. When considering the ecological impact of a bulb, it's essential to look beyond its energy class.

Factors to consider include the bulb's lifespan, the materials used in its construction, its recyclability, the manufacturing process, packaging, the presence of hazardous substances (like mercury), and the energy source used during production. Additionally, you may want to explore bulbs manufactured with renewable energy sources for a lower environmental footprint.