Smart meters explained and a new minimal maintenance downlight - April VoltiNEWS 1

Dear Reader,

On April 22, 2011 the world will celebrate Earth Day, a day intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth's natural environment. In recognition of this global annual event and its aim to reduce our carbon footprints, this week's newsletter focuses on energy efficiency and related technologies.

The subjects of energy efficiency and the benefits of reducing carbon dioxide emissions are explored in some detail during the free webinar: “LED Lighting & Technology”. Voltimum invite you to attend this FREE webinar on Thursday 14 April 2011 – find out more and register for the webinar.

The government has announced that smart meters will be rolled out to all domestic and small business energy users by 2020 and to all larger businesses within the next five years, but some of the industry is still left with questions about these up-and-coming devices. These questions include what are smart meters and how will they create opportunities for contractors? And also what effect will the IEE Wiring Regulations (BS 7671:2008) have on the installation of smart electricity meters?

Commercial environments must balance the use of technology with environmental responsibility and ensure that the energy used is not wasted. Along with switching off systems that are not in use, cable containment plays an importnant role in energy efficiency, as cooler cables cut energy consumption. Read an article from Cablofil that discusses the independent tests carried out to demonstrate the relative cooling and energy efficiency benefits of varying types of cable containment.

Why not learn more about using thermography for assessing energy loss in buildings? Fluke are presenting half day seminars in April. These free seminars are for all energy assessors, HVAC engineers and technicians and Insulation installers.