Lighting

Residential and commercial lighting upgrades are a high-return, low-risk investment. Energy Star certified lighting uses 66 percent less energy, lasts up to ten times longer than traditional, incandescent lighting and the saving and health benefits don’t end there. By installing new lighting technologies, such as dimmers, photosensors, occupancy sensors, and timers, which reduce the amount of lighting used on a daily basis, one can further reduce the amount of electricity consumed and therefore, reduce energy costs and the amount of air pollution produced.

There are several sources of efficient lighting material and reports on the internet:

• Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
  Provides information on energy efficiency lighting and affordable lighting technology, such as compact fluorescent lights, LEDs, ballast lighting, and lighting controls.
• Environmental Protection Agency – Energy Star Lighting
  Provides information on Energy Star approved lighting products, lighting and fixture guides, and special money-saving offers/rebates.
• Environmental Protection Agency - Lighting
  Provides additional energy efficiency lighting information such as an energy saving calculator, assistance in choosing the right equipment, and additional data, documents, and links that will help one create a more energy efficient residence or business.
• Edison Electric Institute
  Provides a list of programs and incentives for residential and commercial/industrial customers to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use.
• Environmental Protection Agency - Energy Star for Small Business
  The Energy Star Guide for Small Business seeks to educate and assist the small business community in taking advantage of the benefits of energy efficiency, such as lighting concepts and upgrades.
• Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory – Lighting Research Group
  Discover what lighting technology is currently being developed and tested.