Green Forum • 20 February, 2024 at 2:00 AM
Leroy Merlin Romania will cease the sale of halogen bulbs, offering exclusively LED products, starting from May 2024. The use of energy from renewable sources, decarbonization of the product range, and consumption optimization are among the sustainability objectives of the company.
The decision aligns with the objectives of providing customers with durable, sustainable, and energy-efficient products at low prices every day.
According to Leroy Merlin representatives, LED bulbs, fixtures, and spotlights consume approximately 10 times less electricity than halogen ones, with a durability of up to 25,000 hours compared to halogen bulbs which last about 2,000 hours. Additionally, the use of LED bulbs can contribute up to 80% to reducing utility bills and carbon footprint, with a healthier chemical composition and increased energy efficiency.
Moreover, in the case of halogen bulbs, over 85% of the energy they emit is converted into heat rather than light, compared to 10% for LED bulbs. This aspect contributes to additional heating system demands and consequently increases energy consumption, negatively impacting bills.
"With certainty, LED technology is the best option, both in terms of energy efficiency and durability or carbon footprint. Before presenting concrete solutions to our customers, we ensure that we can offer them our example. Thus, in addition to investments in green energy and photovoltaic panels installed in Leroy Merlin stores, we reduced energy consumption by approximately 15% in 2023. We achieved this by reducing nighttime parking lighting, installing motion sensors in lighting areas, and introducing LED lighting in stores, warehouses, and company headquarters. We firmly believe that change starts with us and that every action we take must include a sustainability component if we want the change to have a positive impact on all fronts," said Mihaela Voinea, Sustainable Development Leader at Leroy Merlin Romania.
This sustainability initiative joins a series of actions aimed at meeting the objectives of the Paris Agreement, to which all EU member states have adhered and to which both the Adeo Group and Leroy Merlin have committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 50% by 2035 and achieving climate neutrality by 2050.