by Brianna Crandall — April 6, 2011—The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is announcing updated standards for light fixtures to qualify for the Energy Star label. Effective October 1, 2011, to qualify for the Energy Star label, light fixtures will need to increase efficiency 30 percent above currently qualified fluorescent-based fixtures. In 2013, performance requirements will increase further, providing 40 percent higher efficiency compared to currently qualified models.
Light fixtures that earn the Energy Star save consumers money on their energy bills and reduce the costs and hassle associated with bulb replacement, says the EPA. The bulbs in Energy Star-qualified fixtures reportedly last at least 10 times longer than standard light bulbs. The fixtures will continue to meet other strict performance requirements that ensure quick start-up and high quality light output, as well as reduced toxics in the fixture materials. Additionally, the fixtures will come with a three-year warranty, which is above the industry practice.
Consumers can expect to see a range of technology options qualifying under the new Energy Star requirements—including fluorescent and LED lighting—each held to the same high standard. In order to earn the Energy Star label under the new requirements, product performance must be certified by an EPA-recognized third party, based on testing in an EPA-recognized laboratory. In addition, manufacturers of the products must participate in verification testing programs run by recognized certification bodies.
Energy Star was started by the EPA in 1992 as a market-based partnership to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through energy efficiency. Today, the Energy Star label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products as well as new commercial and industrial buildings that meet strict energy efficiency specifications set by the EPA. Last year alone, with the help of Energy Star, Americans reportedly saved $18 billion on their energy bills while reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to 33 million vehicles.
