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| Energy Star light bulbs are helping to change the world  Americans are more than making good on their pledges to help fight climate change by replacing their lights with Energy Star qualified CFLs (compact fluorescent lights). EPA estimates that Energy Star CFL sales for 2007 were nearly double those in 2006, accounting for approximately 20 percent of the light bulb market in the U.S. According to market data, sales of Energy Star qualified CFLs have risen dramatically over the last two years. In 2006, it is estimated that the market share jumped to about 11 percent, compared to a market share consistently under 5% in the early part of the decade. Sales in 2007 totaled approximately 290 million bulbs. "More and more Americans are seeing the light - that protecting the environment, while saving money, is as easy as changing a bulb," said EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson. "Together, we are brightening our country's future, one Energy Star CFL at a time." "By switching to CFLs at home and at work, Americans are increasing energy efficiency and furthering the President's vision to increase the advanced technologies that will help meet the nation's growing demand for energy," U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Samuel W. Bodman said. "Using CFLs is a quick and easy way that Americans can save energy and money everyday, while also protecting the environment." Energy Star qualified CFLs use about 75% less energy and last up to ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. It is important for consumers to look for CFLs that have earned the government's ENERGY STAR label in order to ensure the best performance. Energy Star qualified models have a minimum lifetime of 6,000 hours, maintain their light output over time, and are more energy efficient than standard CFLs. To date, the national Energy Star Change a Light campaign has received more than 1 million pledges from Americans across the country to change nearly 4 million light bulbs to Energy Star CFLs, equating to potential savings of more than $100 million in energy costs and the prevention of more than 1.5 billion pounds of greenhouse gas emissions. Join Americans already taking the ENERGY STAR Change a Light, Change the World pledge. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Construction News :: home page |