UK Government recruits Expert to drive Public Procurement of Ultra-efficient Lighting

Ultra efficient lighting described as any light source with an efficiency greater than 100 lumens per Watt (or approximately 7 times more efficient than the 60W incandescent bulbs often found in the home) has been targeted because of the technological readiness of alternative light sources such as Solid-State Lighting (SSL); the significant impact on achieving carbon reductions; the scale of the market opportunity; and the scope for public sector procurement to have a material impact on the market.

With over 15 years experience in both traditional lighting and Solid-State Lighting including Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs), he will be able to provide valuable guidance on the use and procurement of new lighting technologies to various public sector organizations. Geoff is currently a member of the influential think-tank, Photonics Strategy Group, created by BERR after Lord Sainsbury launched the UK Photonics Strategy in July 2006.

His current role will be to develop Forward Commitment Procurement models across central, regional and local government departments to meet the Governments commitment to lowering Greenhouse gas emissions including CO2 and to stimulate and assist the UK Solid-State Lighting supply chain to be ready for future public procurement opportunities.

Other aspects of the role will be the need to stimulate cross Government partnerships and to provide an action plan to introduce sustainable lighting within the public sector.  

Dr Archenhold, stated on his appointment, “I am delighted to be offered this unique opportunity to work with Government on such an important topic as ultra energy efficient lighting. The public sector accounts for approximately 40% of the UK’s construction industry and is a large procurer of lighting so it is important we ensure that new ultra efficient lighting technologies are adopted as soon as possible. It is clear that new lighting technologies such as LEDs offer a realm of new opportunities for the public sector to enable them to meet the Government’s carbon emission targets whilst offering excellent value for money through lower running and maintenance costs and improved environmental benefits.”

About Photonics Leadership Group:
The first recommendation of the Photonics Strategy Group/DTI report Painting a bright future was to establish a strategic body to act as the UK voice for photonics and to provide strategic direction to all UK photonics stakeholders.

The Photonics Leadership Group (PLG) was set up to serve this vital need and exists to harness the potential of photonics in the UK, and to make it central to the country’s innovation strategy.

The PLG aims to work closely with those organisations or institutions involved to share information with ease and to influence policy development at regional, national and international levels. It will promote photonics to interested parties and the public in general.