The global phase-out of fluorescent lighting and the rise of LED lights marks a significant shift in the lighting industry. The decision to completely phase out fluorescent lighting by 2027, except for special uses, is expected to accelerate the adoption of LED lights, which are known to be 40% more energy efficient than fluorescents. This decision, made at the Minamata Convention on Mercury Fifth Conference of Parties (COP5), aims to address the environmental and health risks associated with fluorescent lighting, particularly due to the presence of toxic mercury. Linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs) are the main contributors to lighting-based mercury pollution and energy-related CO2 emissions. By phasing out fluorescent lighting, the global community aims to combat climate change, air pollution, and biodiversity loss. The decision aligns with previous efforts to phase out compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) by 2025. The transition to LED lighting is expected to not only reduce environmental risks but also drive local economic growth and create clean energy jobs. LED sales and manufacturing rates are already increasing, while fluorescent manufacture and sales are declining, indicating a shift towards LED technology. [b570292d]
The Biden administration has finalized lightbulb efficiency rules that were first proposed in late 2022. The final rule will more than double the required efficiency level for the most common lightbulbs, from 45 lumens per watt to more than 120 lumens per watt. Energy efficiency lobbying groups, such as the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) Appliance Standards Awareness Project (ASAP), praised the rule, citing estimates from the Energy Department that it will cut American utility bills by up to $27 billion and prevent the release of 70 million metric tons of carbon emissions over three decades. The primary effect of the rule will be to improve the energy efficiency of light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which are already more efficient than the fluorescent bulbs being phased out by the Biden administration. Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm stated that making household appliances more efficient is an effective way to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions. [512ddd6d]