The fact that South Africans are embracing an energy-efficient and planet-conscious lifestyle has been highlighted by the more than 570 entries received from both professional and amateur designers for the 2012 Eskom Energy Efficient Lighting Design Competition.
 
With the introduction of the competition to secondary schools for the first time this year, through and extensive lobbying programme,  Eskom has seen an increase in the number of entries from all corners of South Africa before the cut-off on Friday, August 31.  Winners will share the R214 000 prize money on offer and also honoured with the prestigious Sparks Trophy.
 
Highlighting opportunities for energy efficient lamps and technologies in the residential market, the biennial competition has helped stimulate wider-spread acceptance of green lighting designs and systems, making it an important part of Eskom’s ongoing programmes to instill a culture of energy and resource consciousness among South Africans.

Andrew Etzinger, Senior General Manager of Integrated Demand Management (IDM) at Eskom says: “The lighting design competition continues to stimulate transformation in the market, motivating lighting designers, architects and interior designers, as well as amateur designers, to use energy efficient lighting in their portfolios, encouraging the residential market to think energy efficiently and inspiring consumers to adopt innovative and green lighting concepts.”
 
A round of regional judging commenced on Tuesday, September 11 in Durban and will culminate in the national finals being judged in Johannesburg on Friday, October 5, 2012.
 
The competition is supported by Philips, the Radiant Group, LED Lighting SA, Voltex, Eurolux, ARB Electrical, OSRAM, the Department of Energy, the eta Awards, 49M, NEEA, NMISA, SESSA, IESSA, Technology Innovation Agency, the South African Institute of the Interior Design Professionals, Miss Earth, Electricity and Control, Sparks Electrical News, Vector, Lighting in Design and VISI magazine.
 
Find out more on the Eskom Energy Efficient Lighting Design Competition 2012 official website!