A floodgate of technology has finally provided a solution to reduce energy-consumption and toxin-emissions.

A three-day event, held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre  from 16 October, was appropriately named “The Green Building Convention” in which many local and international companies concerned with “green” technology showcased their products and services.

However, one company in particular stood out to the thousand delegates from across Africa — in a 9m2 stand, a local electrical distribution company, Voltex, presented a band of energy-saving in its stable, such as the Phillips Luxeon LED lamp. “What the delegates found so fascinating about this bulb is that it contains zero mercury,” explains Richard Lowe, lighting manager of Bellco Electrical, a division within Voltex.

The president of the Deirdre Imus Environmental Centre at the Hackensack University Medical Centre, explains the effects of mercury as being “...a potent neurotoxin that can damage the brain, liver, kidneys and central nervous system — young children are particularly vulnerable to mercury's toxic effects.”

What makes the Phillips LED bulbs especially relevant to the Green Building Convention is that its absolute absence of mercury means the environment will finally be free from the tons of discarded bulbs, which still carry the deadly mercury.

One of the speakers was Cape Town's very own, Mayor Patricia de Lille, who, alongside the other 35 speakers, gave special thanks to the attendees and exhibitors. “This convention has put South Africa on the map for Green Awareness,” says Shawn Roets, Voltex – Western Cape Regional Manager; adding, “and it was a great opportunity for those unaware that we stock advanced LED products, to start seeing the light from an energy-saving point of view.”

One such product of Lascon — the RCO mellow lighting — has built-in occupancy sensors. This greatly diminishes electricity costs because it prevents unnecessary usage. “We at Voltex look forward to creating more awareness around the importance of going 'green',” adds Roets, who introduced other products, such as Lascon's RCO mellow lighting in which, he explained, “creates a brighter visual environment at much lower levels of illumination.”

Energy-saving has been a topic of discussion for many years in South Africa, especially in the wake of load-shedding and Eskom's campaigns to educate the public on energy conservation. Voltex has placed much focus on saving energy and money for the average South African through its proprietary solutions, placing a greener future within reach of all.

For all your energy efficiency requirements visit the Voltex website or contact Voltex +27 21 440 7100. Photos relating to this event : www.dropbox.com