Trends in Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting is one of the key areas the construction industry can improve energy efficiency in buildings and homes. With this in mind, corporate owners, builders, and contractors should be armed with all the latest updates in lighting options.

According to Pike Research, www.pikeresearch.com, Boulder, Colo., energy-efficient technologies will make up more than 75% of the U.S. lighting market by 2020. This will be a significant move toward making homes and buildings more ‘green,’ as the United States accounts for 20% of the world’s electricity consumption for lighting at a cost $40 billion annually.

The largest share of lighting consumption is in commercial and public buildings, followed by residential, industrial, and outdoor/street lighting.

Mike Wapner, senior analyst, Pike Research, says while fluorescent lighting is already very energy efficient, it has increasingly cost-effective dimming options as well. Dimming technology can allow owners to take more control of lighting in a building.

The research from Pike also shows technical, market, and other barriers will slow the growth of LED lighting in the beginning of this decade but will ultimately accelerate by 2014-2015. The long lifespan of this type of lighting will mean these products will most likely be used in new construction and retrofits.

What will happen to the incandescent light bulb? According to Pike, the incandescent light bulb will not disappear soon—despite policy that is driving the industry away from this option. There are still some ‘specialty’ incandescent lamps that are exempted from U.S. regulation, and provide an inexpensive option.

What does this mean for owners, contractors, and builders? The type of lighting in residential and commercial building will see a significant change in the next decade. One trend that will likely grow along with this is the use of lighting-control technologies to manage the energy efficiency in new and retrofit facilities.

Recycling Fluorescent Lighting with Air Cycle

The cost and environment-saving qualities of fluorescent lighting should be continued after the lamps burn out by recycling them to avoid the risk of costly fines and mercury release. Air Cycle's Bulb Eater®, Bulk Pickups, and EasyPak™ containers can make it simple and cost-effective. Learn more » Air Cycle recycling solutions

In The News

Fluorescent Lamp Disposal: It Can Be Affordable and Easy

Environmental threat and EPA regulations require fluorescent lamp recycling. New methodology greatly simplifies the process and reduces expense.

The Easy Way To Go Green

The social mandate to Go Green may seem like one more headache for office managers responsible for creating and policing recycling programs for hazardous and other waste.

When the Lights Go Out in Las Vegas, Hazardous Waste Disappears

An innovative recycling program has made one of this city’s most popular meeting places a green oasis by shipping out the toxic remains of spent light bulbs.

Shopping Cart

Sign In

Free Industry Newsletter