The U.S. Department of Energy has released proposed new energy efficiency standards for light bulbs.
“The proposed rule would set an efficiency level that is not particular to any technology, but which today only LEDs meet,” according to an article posted on the department’s web site. “But these rules take a long-term approach, coming into effect in 2020. Manufacturers and consumers have three years from issuance of a final rule to prepare for these new standards and to continue to support cutting edge research in lighting technologies to ensure that there is a wide range of options on the hardware store shelf.”
The new lighting standard would apply to General Service Lamps, including LED and compact fluorescent lights. The proposed standards would not apply to incandescent bulbs, which will instead need to meet the congressionally mandated backstop starting in 2020.
The proposal reflects current market trends in lighting technologies, the article states. “Earlier this month, General Electric announced that it is discontinuing the manufacturing of coiled CFLs for the U.S. market. In their announcement, GE noted the superior performance and dropping prices for LEDs. Ikea has sold only LED lamps in their stores since September 2015. And the National Electrical Manufacturers Association reported that shipments of LED lights jumped 237% in the third quarter of 2015, compared to the same period in 2014.”
Related Stories
| Jun 13, 2017
Accelerate Live! talk: Next-gen materials for the built environment, Blaine Brownell, Transmaterial
Architect and materials guru Blaine Brownell reveals emerging trends and applications that are transforming the technological capacity, environmental performance, and design potential of architecture.
Lighting | Jun 7, 2017
5 steps to significant annual savings: LED lighting of Amway Center’s Arena Bowl & Practice Court
Lighting retrofit of Orlando’s Amway Center slashes energy costs
Lighting | Apr 10, 2017
Lighting consultants and samples are necessary in the wild west LED landscape
As LED lighting sources proliferate, AEC firms are more diligent about validating performance before diving into new products.
Lighting | Dec 8, 2016
A new light from Dyson can last for 22 years and uses just 90W of electricity
The light is fitted with just two LEDs and uses custome-engineered lenses to spread the glow.
Lighting | Oct 6, 2016
Healthcare systems lighting their way to savings
There has been a rapid improvement and availability of LED products as primary light sources in most healthcare facility applications.
Building Tech | Aug 26, 2016
NBBJ’s Goldilocks sensor technology can help employees find a workspace that is just right
The technology measures light levels, humidity and temperature, motion, and sound.
Lighting | Apr 11, 2016
Lighting experts explore applications for OLED, LiFi, and laser diodes
LEDs still have room for improvement. That may explain why this technology has yet to be challenged competitively by other solid-state products that are either pricier, less efficient, or unavailable commercially.
Lighting | Apr 5, 2016
Lighting requirements for high-rise dwellings proposed for energy standard
The requirements would effectively eliminate incandescent and halogen bulbs.