Legislation passed in the Carbon Credits Methodology Determination, 2015, for the Emissions Reduction Fund (ERF) released by the Federal Government notes that members of IESANZ (The Lighting Society) are now officially recognised as Qualified Persons.

An excerpt of the Determination, released on 29^th June 2015, by the Hon Greg Hunt, MP, documents that higher grade members of the IESANZ; MIES, FIES and Registered Lighting Practitioners (RLPs) are now eligible lighting professionals with regards to public and commercial lighting.

Part 3, Section 12 of the Determination confirms that a qualified person is:

(a) a Member, Fellow or Registered Lighting Practitioner of the Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia and New Zealand; or

(b) a Professional Member, Fellow or Certified Lighting Designer of the International Association of Lighting Designers.

(i) for public lighting—is based on modelling conducted in accordance with AS 1158 and signed off by a qualified person; and

(ii) for lighting other than public lighting—is based on modelling conducted using modelling software AGi32, DIALux, RELUX or equivalent commercial lighting planning program that uses IES files for photometric data, and signed off by a qualified person;

(b) a report of estimated lighting levels and quality of the project lighting system prepared by:

(i) a Registered Lighting Practitioner of the Illuminating Engineering Society of Australia and New Zealand; or

(ii) a Certified Lighting Designer of the International Association of Lighting Designers.

“The new legislation is of huge significance for members of the Society,” says president of the IESANZ Ltd. Adele Locke.

“The need to have signed off by a graded member of IESANZ Ltd, and the inclusion of the RLP additional qualification shows the importance of industry members gaining additional expertise in lighting design and upskilling. Being federally recognised as a qualified person is an extra incentive to explore new proficiencies and increase an already specialised knowledge,” adds Locke.

IESANZ Ltd offers a number of member categories, from Associate which is open to anyone interested in lighting through to MIES and FIES which recognise a members expertise and experience in lighting.  The additional qualification of RLP recognises members who specialise in lighting design and who can be relied upon to have a high level of knowledge and experience.

Whilst Associate and Technician grades are the most commonly held in the Society, the inclusion of MIES, FIES and RLP in this legislation will see numerous members take advantage of IESANZ Ltd programs which assist members to upgrade their status and see them move into the category of Qualified Persons, through the Society’s education programs.

The new legislation is indicative of the increased respect for the Society’s professional development agenda and reputation of members and valuable professionals in the art and science of lighting.

“It’s an exciting time for The Lighting Society, our members and those who are looking to further their career in the field of lighting.  We are always happy to share our knowledge, experience and excitement for lighting with new additions to the Society,” concludes Locke.