The Fifth Conference of Parties (COP5) of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, composed of representatives from 147 countries, agreed to phase out all forms of mercury-containing fluorescent lighting technology. This global decision includes the phase-out of linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs), which stand as the largest source of mercury pollution in the lighting sector.  LFLs are commonly found in offices, residential, and commercial buildings, and these toxic devices can be bought in common hardware stores or online shopping platforms. LFLs also represent a substantial source of energy-related greenhouse gas emissions.

The COP5 resolution marked a crucial step in eliminating mercury pollution by halting the manufacture, export, and import of mercury-containing lamps and lighting devices.

The Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST), in partnership with Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Philippines and Climate Action Network Southeast Asia (CANSEA), held a webinar titled #MakeMercuryHistory in the Lighting Sector on November 24, 2023, to provide a platform for discussions between energy stakeholders on how to advance sustainable and mercury-free lighting amid the COP5 resolution. The webinar was attended by representatives from the academe, local government units, electric cooperatives, and civil society organizations.

Here are some webinar highlights and remarks from our distinguished panel of experts:

  • The International Energy Agency estimates that around US$24.5 trillion in investments are needed to push energy efficiency by 2040. “What the world needs right now is putting the money behind the forced obsolescence of mercury-based lighting and other low-efficiency appliances and lighting products. It’s very easy to put up standards, to regulate the markets, but nobody’s putting up the money to wash away obsolete technologies from the end-use markets,” said Alexander Ablaza, President of the Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance (PE2). PE2 is an alliance of energy industries and service companies, technology providers, financiers, foreign chambers, and large energy end-users.
  • Alex also mentionesd that around US$892 billion in investments for Southeast Asia and US$243 billion in the Philippines are needed to mainstream energy efficiency by 2040.
  • Rachel Kamande, Global Campaign Lead of the Clean Lighting Coalition, shared the history of work towards the elimination of mer of the Minamata Convention. Kamande mentioned that all Parties to the Convention should establish a legal framework that would meet the adopted phase-out period for fluorescent lamps. The framework shall activate the obligations governing the manufacturing, import, and export of the covered fluorescent lamps.
  • Asia currently holds a dominant position in both LED manufacturing and export markets with the Southeast Asian market surpassing US$3 billion in 2022, said Mr. Nithi Nesadurai, CANSEA Regional Coordinator. Nithi underscored the importance of strengthening regional efforts through harmonization, emphasizing the anticipated rise of LED lighting companies in Southeast Asia between 2023 and 2032.
  • Safer alternatives, notably LED retrofits, represent a groundbreaking advancement in addressing the environmental and health concerns associated with traditional, mercury-containing lamps. LED retrofits offer a sustainable solution for replacing inefficient lighting sources like fluorescent tube lamps, general service lamps, and pin-based CFLs. These retrofit solutions provide a more energy-efficient and durable lighting option, yielding long-term economic benefits while concurrently minimizing the carbon footprint.
  • Existing regulations to control toxic mercury were also highlighted during the webinar. Mercury importation, distribution, and use in the Philippines are controlled under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Administrative Order 2019-20, titled “Revised Chemical Control Order on Mercury and Mercury Compounds. However, the said Order needs amendment to reflect the new phase-out period set by the Minamata Convention for compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) by 2025 and LFLs by 2027. The DENR should update the said Order to align the local phase-out period for mercury lamps with the timeline set by the international agreement.
  • Webinar participants expressed the difficulties faced by local government units in the safe management of fluorescent lamp wastes due to the limited number of accredited treatment, storage, and disposal (TSD) facilities in the country that can handle mercury-containing devices. The DENR, including the Department of Energy (DOE) and lighting companies, should work together to facilitate the development of robust infrastructures and systems for the collection, storage, and safe management of fluorescent lamp wastes. Both the DENR and DOE should also establish regulations mandating the proper disposal and recycling of fluorescent lamps from commercial establishments and large end-users.
  • Public awareness campaigns and educational programs should be enhanced to inform the public and residential owners of the importance of appropriate disposal and management methods for mercury-containing lamps.
  • Additionally, the government can incentivize the adoption of mercury-free lighting technologies, such as LEDs, by offering subsidies or tax incentives to businesses and households.

The imperative to eliminate fluorescent lamps in the Philippines mirrors the global urgency to end mercury pollution. International agreements must be effectively localized, accompanied by the provision of adequate financing to facilitate a seamless transition. With the increased availability and accessibility of LED technology, there exists an opportune moment to phase out mercury-based lighting. Local prioritization of policies and programs is crucial for the effective management of mercury-containing lamps and the accelerated promotion of LED adoption across the country.