How does the ALC promote quality CFLs?

The ALC promotes quality product through its industry-driven system for qualifying and ranking CFL quality, based on an accepted set of performance criteria and levels, a corresponding product marking system, and its online database for reporting and tracking of these quality products. It is envisioned that the ALC’s product quality rankings will eventually become de facto quality standards for consumers, regulators, and bulk purchasers in Asia, with three quality levels indicating “good,” “better,” and “best.”

Suppliers can qualify their quality CFLs with the ALC using an online registration system. Registered CFLs will carry the markings of their qualifying levels, and will be listed in the ALC on line product database, which is accessible to consumers, regulators, utilities, bulk purchasers, and other users of CFLs.

Is the ALC trying to create Asia only standards? 

ALC does not intend to recreate lighting standards. The ALC’s three-tier system has been developed to work cooperatively with other lighting quality standard initiatives. 

• The “Best” tier is currently based on the UK Energy Savings Trust 6 standard and will migrate to the EUP CFL standard once this standard is finalized. 
• The “Better” tier is based on the Efficient Lighting Initiative (ELI) standard and arrangements are in place for a close ongoing working relationship with ELI. 
• The “Good” tier represents an initial realistic entry-level performance standard for developing countries in the Asia region that provides quality, efficiency, and performance.
• This ALC system is voluntary, transparent, publically reviewed, consistent with the standards of International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), and is based on the IEC safety and performance test standards (60968 and 60969).

Why is the ALC needed?

A report released in 2007 by the USAID ECO-Asia Clean Development and Climate Program found that as many as half the compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) produced in Asia are substandard – producing less light or burning out more quickly than advertised. Many lighting stakeholders are concerned that consumer dissatisfaction with shoddy CFLs will threaten the spectacular growth of energy saving CFLs in Asia, as well as consumer perception of energy efficient products.

As a regional link to global initiatives for quality and efficient lighting, the ALC offers a path to higher quality and efficient lighting in Asia and will also encourage the production of quality lighting products in Asia for supply to the rest of the world.

Who funds the ALC? 

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Australia supported the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) called the “Manila Compact” which is an agreement between CFL suppliers to develop a quality identification system for integrated Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFLs) in Asia. The funding was provided under the umbrella of the Asia-Pacific Partnership on Clean Development and Climate (APP), as part of the joint efforts to promote energy-efficient lighting in Asia.

The MOU, signed in June 2008 by lighting companies, manufacturers, lighting councils and associations as well as supporting organizations, led to a new agreement called the Asia CFL Quality Charter, in which lighting suppliers in Asia agreed to develop performance levels to rate CFL quality, establish a system for product marking, and set-up a regional database for suppliers and consumers to identify which CFLs meet quality standards. It was decided by the participants of the Quality Charter that an independent, non-profit organization – the ALC – is needed to implement these systems.

The organization is intended to be self-funded through its technical and marketing activities. The initial start-up support for the organization is provided by industry members, with additional support for coordination and promotion from the US AID/ECO-Asia Clean Development and Climate Program, and the Australian Government.

What type of lighting is covered?

The ALC is currently focusing on integrated CFLs available on the Asian market. ALC intends to conduct research on applicable and cost-effective areas for LEDs in Asia, and will form a Technical Working Group to examine the issue of harmonizing LEDs standards in 2010 if warranted.

Is the ALC owned by manufacturers?

The Asia Lighting Compact (ALC) is an independent, non-profit organization formed through a joint public-private initiative. ALC’s membership roll draws on stakeholders in the lighting industry, including: manufacturers of lighting products, national associations of manufacturers of lighting products, government energy, efficiency, and standards setting agencies, testing laboratories, research institutions, professional societies, and bulk purchasers of lighting products. The governing board of ALC is formed from this group of stakeholders.

Who can become a member of ALC? 

ALC’s membership is open to all stakeholders in the lighting industry, including: manufacturers of lighting products, national associations of manufacturers of lighting products, government energy, efficiency, and standards setting agencies, testing laboratories, research institutions, professional societies, and bulk purchasers of lighting products.

Who has access to information about products registered on the ALC Registry?

The ALC Registry is open to the public, and is accessible to consumers, regulators, utilities, bulk purchasers, and other users of CFLs. However, the Registry’s main purpose is to provide information to ALC members and other interested parties who purchase, can influence the purchase of, or specify large quantities of lighting products for commercial or institutional applications. Examples of these users include large retailers, efficiency programs (bulk purchasers), agencies, or institutions, as well as multilateral lending agencies.

Is the ALC a trade association?

ALC is a membership-based organization.  The ALC has some very key, important differences from a trade organization:

• ALC is an independent, non-profit organization formed through a joint public-private initiative.
• ALC’s membership roll draws on manufacturers, national associations, as well as government energy, efficiency, and standards setting agencies, testing laboratories, research institutions, professional societies, and bulk purchasers of lighting products.
• The governing board of ALC is formed from this group of stakeholders, not just manufacturers.

How much does it cost to participate in the ALC standards working group?

Participation in ALC’s standard working groups is by invitation, and participants are generally drawn from, or nominated by, ALC members. The composition of any particular ALC Technical Working Group is intended to represent the various ALC stakeholder groups and their views, as well as others, as appropriate. There is no cost to participate in a TWG, however, participants may have to fund their own participation costs, such as phone, travel, lodging, etc.

How will quality of lamps registered on the database be checked?

By aligning two of the ALC tiers with the existing UK EST and ELI standards, the ALC will benefit from accreditation systems that are already in place. Further ALC specific monitoring and compliance activities will be developed by the new organization and may include cooperation and data sharing with regulatory agencies within the region.