 Eco-lighting benefits the environment in significant ways. Not only is energy use decreased, but the materials used for eco-lighting are better for the environment, emit fewer greenhouse gases, and the lights also work for 10,000 hours.
Eco-lighting comes in many forms, CFL light bulbs, LED bulbs, and that old favorite, daylight. An important statistic is that conventional incandescent bulbs turn only about five to ten percent of their consumed energy into light. From that point on, anything can be better. Planetgreen [make sure this is non-linkable] notes some important concepts:
• 10 percent: The percentage of global electricity saved by switching to entirely efficient lighting systems, according to a report published by the International Energy Agency (IEA). The carbon dioxide emissions saved by such a switch would dwarf cuts so far achieved by adopting wind and solar power.
• 19 percent: The percentage of global electricity generation taken for lighting. That's more than is produced by hydro or nuclear stations, and about the same that’s produced from natural gas.
• 40 percent: the increase in sales in stores with good natural light. (the Heschong Mahone Group).
• 25-33 percent: The percentage of total requirements to receive a LEED Silver rating that builders can achieve through the use of day lighting in their design.
• 2.5 million: The number of homes that could be lit from the energy saved if every American replaced one light bulb with an Energy Star rated one; this action would also prevent emissions of greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of nearly 800,000 cars.
These surprising percentages allow for individuals to realize how much green lighting can save society, and the world. A good way to start is with the CFL bulb.
Compact fluorescent bulbs are the non-traditional bulbs that are swirled instead of being in a bulb shape. They come in myriad shapes, sizes, and colors of light. While their initial cost is more than incandescent, they use about one fourth of the energy that incandescent bulbs do and also last 10,000 hours. After about 500 hours of use the energy saved pays for the extra investment. CFL bulbs release less heat and also are safer.
LEDs are short for light emitting diodes. This technology is exceptionally energy efficient and the bulbs also last exceptionally long. LED lights can reduce energy consumption by 80%-90% and last around 100,000 hours. Most LED lamps have the bulbs built into them, which means you buy the complete unit. While they are expensive now, supply and demand will see that the price will steadily go down.
The best source of light is daylight. The sun is free, emits no pollution, is completely biodegradable, and also supplies you with some much needed vitamin D. The use of daylight is good for the environment, the wallet, and the soul.
|
