#2012 lighting standards

[bendaled-blog]

Are Incandescent Light Bulbs Being Phased Out?

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (the “Energy Bill”), signed by President George W. Bush on December 18, 2007 requires all light bulbs use 30% less energy than today’s incandescent bulbs by 2012 to 2014. The phase-out will start with 100-watt bulbs sold starting in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs sold starting in January 2014. By 2020, a Tier 2 would become effective which requires all bulbs to be at least 70% more efficient (effectively equal to today’s CFLs).

The standards set by the bill are technology neutral, meaning any technology can qualify. In the near future, a "next generation" of incandescent bulbs could satisfy the 30% increased efficiency. There are also other lighting technologies, such as halogen and LEDs that will be able to meet the new requirements and are expected to both increase in performance and drop in cost over the next few years.

There are many types of incandescent bulbs that are exempt from this law: --any kind of specialty light (ie. bulb in refrigerator) --reflector bulbs --3-way bulbs --candelabras --globes --shatter resistant --vibration service --rough service --colored bulbs (i.e. "party bulbs") --bug lights --plant lights

The law applies to the sale of bulbs, not the use of existing stock of bulbs. Under the new law, screw-based light bulbs will use fewer watts for a similar lumen output. The standards are technology neutral, which means any type of bulb can be sold as long as it meets the efficiency requirements. Common household light bulbs that traditionally use between 40 and 100 watts will use at least 27% less energy by 2014. The law applies to the manufacturer date and will begin affecting 100-watt bulbs in January 2012 and end with 40-watt bulbs in January 2014. California began the transition one year earlier.

The law is being phased in over the next three years. The second part of the law requires that most light bulbs be 60-70% more efficient than the standard incandescent today; this will go into effect in 2020. Many compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and many Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) can meet this requirement today, shaving energy usage compared to standard incandescents by 75%.

[bendaled-blog]

Interesting Lighting Facts

Did you know that more than 2/3 of the worlds installed lighting is based on older and inefficient technology? Over the past 10 years, there have been significant revolutions in value-add and energy efficient technologies. Energy-efficient technology has the potential to save up to 40% in costs globally.

  Despite climate change, rising energy prices and the security supply of our overall economic growth, energy efficient lighting has the most potential for consumer adaption and growth, but the progress is still far too slow.

  Strict legislation is redefining our lighting requirements. Understanding the requirements and making the right decisions will have an impact on you legally, environmentally and financially. Are you prepared for the change over with future-proof ways to help you comply and save money at the same time?

  The Energy using Product Directive will phase out energy inefficient lamps, luminaires and gear in the near future. Beat the deadline with planet-friendly alternatives. Lighting is one of the most attractive ways to conserve energy. Use smart and efficient solutions sustain your office and home environment. Switching to a solution that gives everyone a lesson in green thinking is a great way to move forward and to lead by example too.

[bendaled-blog]

Rising Demand for LED Lighting

The rising demand for environmentally friendly lighting sources  that are supported by economic development along with major developments in technology are boosting the demand for LED lighting in China, a major manufacturer of LED lighting.

  The LED market size climbed 58% to US$15.8 billion in 2010 from US$10 billion. The market size of LED for LCD TV backlight has actually boomed in recent years.

  LED is currently the most popular investment topic in the electronic field. Take the MOCVD equipment of LED upstream as an example, the estimated shipments expected to reach the U.S. in the next 10 years.

  Among major energy sources in the United States is renewable energy, of which residential consumers and commercial buildings are primary sources of usage. Oil provides a mere 1% of the generated electrical power in the United States.

  With this significant shift to renewable energy is becoming more and more prominent, it begs the question; What Will be the source of our renewable energy?

  Understanding the different energy sources and their uses provides insights into many important energy issues, including how sustainable the energy sources might be and just as importantly for the U.S., how many new green jobs will this source potentially create?

  One surprising statistic is that the electric power sector has seen large changes in the fuel mix. A little over 50 years ago, nuclear energy played no role in electric power generation, but in 2010, nuclear energy provided 21% of the energy used to generate U.S. electricity.

  Oil provided a growing share of energy for electric generation through the 1960s, but its share has declined to 1% in 2010 since peaking at 18% in 1973.

  Primary energy is used in residential and commercial buildings (including homes, businesses, schools, and churches), in transportation, and by industry. Primary energy is also used to generate electricity.

  Beginning in 2012, common light bulbs sold in the U.S. will typically use about 25% to 80% less energy. Many bulbs meet these new standards, including incandescents, CFLs, and LEDs, and are already available for purchase today. The newer bulbs provide a wide range of choices in color and brightness, and many of them will last much longer than traditional light bulbs. The lighting standards, which phase in from 2012-2014, do not ban incandescent or any specific bulb type; they say that bulbs need to use about 25% less energy. The bipartisan Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA 2007) established these efficiency standards. 

Measuring Light in Lumens

The new efficiency standards require light bulbs to consume less electricity (watts) for the amount of light produced (lumens). More traditional inefficient 100 watt (W) bulbs—typically incandescent bulbs—will give way to choices—including newer incandescent bulbs—that use only 72 watts or less to provide you a comparable amount of light (lumens). If you are replacing a 100W bulb, a good rule of thumb is to look for a bulb that gives you about 1600 lumens. Your new bulb should provide that level of brightness for no more than 72W, cutting your energy bill. Learn more about lumens.

As of January 1, 2012, traditional, inefficient 100W incandescent light bulbs will not meet the standards and will no longer be available at most stores.* However, you will have many other options that will save you money. Many of these choices are already on store shelves.

Similar standards will phase in for other types of light bulbs over the next three years. Traditional 75 watt incandescent light bulbs will no longer be available as of January 1, 2013. Traditional 40 and 60 watt incandescent light bulbs will no longer be available as of January 1, 2014.**

New Lighting Standards Will Save You Money

The savings can add up. Upgrading 15 inefficient incandescent bulbs in your home could save you about $50 per year. Since most of the bulbs also have longer life spans, you'll continue to save into the future. Nationwide, lighting accounts for about 10% of home electricity use. With new EISA standards, U.S. households could save nearly $6 billion dollars in 2015 alone.

Various specialty bulbs, including appliance bulbs, heavy-duty bulbs, colored lights and three-way bulbs, are exempt from the new standards.

Consumer Reports has spent the majority of this year testing the quality and standards of LED light bulbs and their claims with surprising results. For a brief look at what Consumer Reports discovered and to make an informed decision for yourself see Clark Howards’ segment on LED and why you should consider them.