Measures Database
| ENERGY: ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING |
Fit as standard Applicable to all sites Low cost Easy implementation EcoHomes credits achievable |
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Description |
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 Low energy compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use one fifth of the energy of conventional tungsten filament bulbs and last approximately eight times longer. Over its 10,000-hour life, a 20W CFL will save more than £50 taking into account the higher purchase costs of the bulbs. Over its life each 20W CFL will save 0.37 tonnes of carbon dioxide compared to the conventional 100W bulb that it replaces. CFLs are available in a wide range of modern designs suitable for pendant, standard, table and desk lamps. It is best to use fittings designed specifically for CFLs so that only CFLs are used as replacements. Replacement CFLs for dedicated fittings are cheaper than standard CFLs. |
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Cost |
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| A single CFL bulb usually cost between £4 and £12. Grants may be available under the Energy Efficiency Commitment Scheme for installation of Low Energy Lighting. www.practicalhelp.org.uk/localauthorities/funding/fundingdb/ | |
Benefits |
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Local Authorities |
Where local authorities have climate change strategies, including CO2 reduction targets, the installation of energy efficient lighting will contribute towards reaching those targets. Replacing traditional lightbulbs with CFL’s or fluorescent strip lighting in homes could help bring families out of fuel poverty (through decreased fuel bills). |
Global Environment |
One quarter of the UK’s carbon dioxide emissions every year originate from the energy we use to heat and light our homes. Reducing energy use in domestic dwellings reduces the amount of fossil fuels required and volume of CO2 emitted.
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Occupier |
The longer life of CFLs makes them useful where fittings are hard to reach, as they have to be changed less frequently. Each 20W lamp will save over £50 on fuel bills over its life. It is unlikely that energy efficient lighting will provide marketing benefit to the developer. However, these measures as part of a wider energy efficiency package could impact on the saleability of properties. EcoHomes credits can be achieved by installing above building regulation levels of energy efficient lighting. |
Developer |
CFL’s can take a few seconds to reach their full brightness and emit a slightly different colour of light from ordinary bulbs, which can deter people from switching over.
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Implementation notes |
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| Most CFL’s also don’t work where a dimmer switch controls the lighting, there are however newer models of CFL, which will work in combination with dimmer switching, and this can be confirmed from the packaging or supplier. | |
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