Australian Govlink Issue 2 2018 | Page 42

40 LIGHTING Lighting Australia Richard J Mulcahy CEO, Lighting Council Australia T here is a quiet revolution happening in the lighting industry. Aspects of our built environment—our homes, offices and public spaces—are changing dramatically and lighting is providing the central infrastructure for additional technology that will dramatically change the way we live. Nationwide, local governments, private businesses and homeowners are installing smart controls and lighting systems that are energy efficient and have tangible positive benefits for human health and wellbeing. The lighting industry is embracing this opportunity, however, there are some considerable challenges ahead. GOVLINK » ISSUE 2 2018 The recent tragic events in London where 80 people lost their lives because of a fire suspected as being related to non-compliant building cladding has brought the issue of safety in construction into sharp relief. An increasing number of lighting manufacturers and electrical contractors are citing the presence of non-compliant lighting products in the Australian commercial and residential markets. In one Australian state, about 2,000 electrical events were reported in just one year. Lighting Council Australia is embarking on a programme comprising of seminars for electrical contractors and members to be better able to