Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Light the Way to Energy Savings

According to the WorldWatch Institute, U.S. sales of energy efficient compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) have increased from 93 million in 2004 to 397 million in 2007. The sale of CFLs in 2007 accounted for over 20 percent of all U.S. lighting sales, an increase from less than one percent in 2001. The substitution of CFLs for regular light bulbs could reduce global lighting energy demand by almost 40 percent by 2030.
One government initiative that has made a substantial contribution to the CFL transition is the ENERGY STAR ® Operation Change Out—The Military Challenge, launched on Earth Day 2008. As of early October 2008, 359,268 CFLs in almost 41,000 housing units have been installed on 84 military bases. The Department of Energy (DOE) estimates nearly $11 million will be saved in energy costs over the bulbs’ lifetimes, and prevent more than 150 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions. For more information, please click here .