Energy-Efficient Lighting Policies and Programs from the United States Government

Evan Mills, Ph.D.
Assistant Director, Center for Building Science, Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory
MS 90-3058, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
tel: +1.510.486-6784 -- fax: +1.510.486-5394 -- e-mail: emills@lbl.gov
Proceedings of the International Lighting Conference, Suzdal, Russia, May 1995

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Abstract

The U.S. government is active in promoting energy-efficient lighting, complementing efforts of the private sector. The current cost of lighting energy in the U.S. is about $36 billion per year, and this amount could be reduced by half or more with cost-effective investments in improved energy efficiency. Current government activities helping to achieve these savings include:

Providing objective information on technical options and cost-effectiveness
Research and development (lamps, fixtures, design tools, human factors)
Supporting electric utility conservation programs and planning
Product labeling and rating
Improving lighting efficiency in government-owned buildings
Legislation of mandatory efficiency standards
Offering voluntary programs and incentives

This paper provides examples of each of these activities. Examples of concerned government bodies include the Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Federal Trade Commission (FTC), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). In addition, several of the largest government units (Department of Defense, DOE, Veterans Administration, Postal Service, and Government Services Administration) operate in-house energy management programs that include considerable lighting retrofit activities. Presidents Reagan and Clinton has played an essential role in setting the stage with the Climate Change Action Plan and legislation such as the Energy Policy Act of 1992.

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