Ecodesign: Stage lighting

In 2018, the EU reviewed its legislation on ecodesign, which deals with energy efficiency requirements for electrical devices, including lamps. For stage lighting (used in concert halls, theatres, opera houses, outdoor festivals, and other live events), special provisions are applicable.

The live performance sector obtained technical exemptions for stage lights (also called “special purpose lamps” in EU legislation), meaning that those lights would not immediately be banned from the market and can – for the time being – still be used.

Why did we need an exemption for stage lighting?

Stage lighting exceeds energy efficiency requirements set out in European ecodesign rules. It means that stage lights use more energy than allowed according to the rules. The European Commission and Member States have agreed that these lights can nevertheless be used – therefore they are exempt from some energy efficiency requirements.

Which stage lights do venues use today? And which ones tomorrow?

The main difference to be pointed out is the use of traditional halogen/tungsten lights and the use of LED, which requires a different lighting network, so different technical material.

With the exemptions in place, almost all halogen lights and luminaires can still be used. However, technicians note that some older luminaires have already been withdrawn from the market. For example, some older fluorescent luminaires.

The current exemptions give time to our sector to gradually adapt to ecodesign rules. However, it is expected that most of the lights will be replaced by more efficient LED technology.

Pearle* is co-founder and coordinator of the European Entertainment Ecodesign Coalition, which is a European-wide group of associations working in the entertainment, lighting design, live performance and film/TV sectors which includes also:

• IALD – International Association of Lighting Designers
• PLASA – The Professional Lighting and Sound Association
• VPLT – The German Entertainment Technology Association
• ALD – The Association of Lighting Designers
• OETHG – The Austrian Theatre Technology Association
• SLF – The Association of Swedish Lighting Designers