Lighting in a loft conversion

In most homes, lighting accounts for between 10 per cent and 15 per cent of the electricity bill, and so contributes significantly to carbon emissions.

Building regulations in the UK require that new accommodation (including loft conversions) has some light fittings that will only accept energy efficient lamps. At least one new room in three should have such fittings.

• There are two types of energy efficient lamps – fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).

• Modern CFLs offer good lighting effects. A wide range is available, including spot lamps, candle lamps and coloured lamps of every description.

• Energy efficient lighting is more cost-effective the longer it is in use. It should be considered for any room where the lighting is used for more than four hours each day.

• Installing energy efficient lighting in a loft conversion can produce savings of over £50 per lamp over the life of each lamp, even though it is initially more expensive.

Lighting should be designed according to the use of the room. Properly designed energy efficient lighting can improve the 'feel' of a room as well as saving energy.

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) manages a labelling scheme for products of proven energy efficiency.The scheme currently covers a range of lighting fixtures and fittings.These products carry the Energy Efficiency Recommended label. Currently endorsed products can be found at www.est.org.uk/myhome.