Energy Star and Government Sponsored Programs for Lighting

New laws for home lighting with Energy Star, LEED, California Title 24 legislation and other energy-efficient programs insure manufacturers and consumers will become more aware of saving energy by requiring home builders to use a certain percentage of energy efficient illumination in new homes.

Energy Star is a government sponsored program created by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy to help consumers identify and purchase quality products that meet the strict standards and guidelines that will help protect the environment energy conservation. This program have established criteria and testing requirements to ensure consistent performance standard of energy efficient luminaires are being meet.

With more stringent specifications for residential fixtures being developed and revised. Standards require all indoor fixtures to use electronic ballast, which must be removable without having to cut wires. The pin based CFL's used in these fixtures must meet guidelines for lumen maintenance and lamp life. In addition all qualified fixtures, except for linear and recessed downlighting fixtures, must ship with the bulb.

Energy Star has been working together with manufacturers to develop color rendering and color temperature bulbs to meet the growing need for energy efficient products. With more decorative and attractive fixture lines that are both stylish and energy efficient. They are working to educate the general public about the benefits of energy efficient fixtures. Their motto "Change a Light, Change the World".

Continue to California Title 24 LEED & IDA Energy Programs