Compact
Fluorescent Bulb Swap
 In
1990, Tufts was the first university to sign the EPA Green Lights pledge,
a promise of upgrading lighting in 90% of our floor space. This program
focused on institutional lighting (overheads and permanent fixtures) (learn
about the EPA
Green Light Program
and Lighting
Upgrades & Motion Sensors)
What
about the other lights on campus though: desk lamps, floor lamps, wall
sconces, and chandeliers? TCI took a look at these lights and found a
great opportunity to make a significant reduction in the university's
emissions.
As
of summer 2005, Tufts has handed out over 3000 compact fluorescent
lightbulbs (CFB) to students, staff and faculty.
If
you would like to receive a free CFB, bring your incandescent bulb
to the Tufts Institute of the Environment in the back of Miller Hall
(Tufts members only).
Why
Do It?
Replacing energy-hogging incandescents with energy-saving fluorescents
is a simple, effective way to slow the rate of global climate change
while saving Tufts money. There are lots of reasons this is a good
idea.
It's
Good for the Environment.
Most
electricity used for lighting is generated in coal and oil power plants
(More about Electricity.)
These power plants pollute the atmosphere and emit CO2, which
causes global climate change. Each CFB replacing an incandescent can
cut CO2 emissions by 1,300 pounds over its lifetime, saving
the energy equivalent of 50 to 60 gallons of oil. In addition, for every
CFB used there are eight less incandescent lightbulbs ending up in landfills.
It's
Economical.
TCI will provide you with the CFB you need for free! One CFB
uses 25% of the energy of one incandescent and lasts as long as nine
incandescent bulbs, or up to 7 years. This savings averages $32 per
bulb from lower electricity bills and less frequent replacement costs.
It's
Efficient.
Incandescent
bulbs waste 90 percent of their energy generating heat. CFBs use only
one quarter as much energy to produce the same light. The "fuel"
efficiency of a CFB is like replacing a car that gets 20 miles per gallon
with one that gets 100 miles per gallon.
It's
Easy.
CFLs
come in more sizes and shapes than traditional lightbulbs, and it’s
easy to find one that works perfectly for your lamp. Older fluorescent
bulbs had a reputation for bad lighting quality and noise. Today's CFBs
use a much better mix of phosphors (the white powder coating the bulb
inside), and have color qualities much closer to incandescent bulbs.
New CFB technology also has eliminated humming and flickering.
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Important
things to know about CFB
1.
CFB reach their fullest brightness when they have been on for 1-2
minutes.
2.
CFB are less bright in cold environments (e.g. outside)
3.
You cannot use a regular CFB in a dimmable or three-way fixture.
You have to buy a dimmable/three way CFB. Regular CFB will not work
with a dimmable switch.
4.
CFB contain small amounts of mercury. Do not dispose of them in
your trash. Call your municipality to find out what to do. (At Tufts,
e-mail recycle@tufts.edu)
5.
Not all brands are of equal quality. A CFB should not flicker. They
should last a very long time. If your CFB burns out quickly or flickers,
do not hesitate to return it. Also, try different brands to find
the brand you like best.
Questions? Call the Tufts Climate Initiative at 617-627-5517 or
e-mail us at tci@tufts.edu
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How
To Buy Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFB)
Electric
utilities offer discounts on CFBs. Check with your local utility to
determine your eligibility.
There
are three ways to buy CFB:
1. At your local hardware store or Home Depot.
You will receive rebate coupon(s). (You might want to call ahead,
some hardware stores might not have the coupons in store.)
2. Over the web:
www.efi.org
www.energyguide.com
Both sites will give you the utility discounts.
3. Mail Order
The utilities produce a catalogue with energy efficient lighting
products (bulbs and fixtures). Catalogues can be ordered by calling
1-800-473-9150
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