Environmental and Health Issues and Recommendations
 Conserves Energy:
Using occupancy sensors can reduce energy use by as much as 45 percent. Improving energy efficiency can reduce emissions that contribute to global warming, mercury contamination in lakes, acid rain, and nuclear waste.  End-of-Life Management:
The life cycle cost of fluorescent lamps should include the cost of managing spent fluorescent lamps as hazardous waste under the Universal Waste program of the California Department of Toxic Substances Control.
See the Introduction for complete descriptions of these environmental and health issues.
BACKGROUND AND ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH ISSUES
With lighting typically accounting for 30 percent to 50 percent of energy use in most buildings, finding ways to increase lighting efficiency can result in significant savings. Even in existing buildings, there are several options for reducing energy use, including:
- Making good use of natural daylight.
- Installing energy-efficient lights.
- Using timers and sensors to control when lights are turned off and on.
Some lighting products may be considered hazardous waste when the products are disposed. California's Environmental Protection Agency (Cal/EPA) and Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) encourage the recycling of these hazardous wastes under the California Universal Waste Rule (UWR) with the intent to reduce the amount of hazardous waste (mercury, lead, and cadmium) entering the municipal waste stream. "Universal wastes are hazardous wastes that are more common and pose a lower risk to people and the environment than other hazardous wastes."[1] The UWR includes waste lamps such as fluorescent tubes, high intensity discharge lamps, sodium vapor lamps, and any other lamps that exhibit a characteristic of a hazardous waste.
LAWS AND GUIDELINES
California
Regulations
- Regulated parties may manage their lamps per the streamlined provisions of the California Universal Waste Rule (UWR - Title 22, California Code of Regulations), if their wastes are sent to a recycling facility.
- A bill of lading and common carrier can be used to transport intact lamps to a recycling facility.
Policy
Management Memo 05-16, titled "Guidance for Proper Management of Fluorescent Lamps by State Agencies," notifies State agencies of a new subject in the State Administrative Manual (SAM) Chapter 1300, Real Estate Services Division, Building and Property Management Branch Section. The new section is titled "Guidance for Proper Management of Fluorescent Lamps by State Agencies - 1339.9."
The UWR mandates that State agencies must recycle fluorescent lamps in order to manage them as Universal Waste. If not recycled, fluorescent lamps must be managed as fully regulated hazardous waste.
Federal
Under federal Executive Order 13212, federal agencies shall take appropriate actions, to the extent consistent with applicable law, to expedite projects that will increase the production, transmission, or conservation of energy.
PERFORMANCE
Occupancy Sensors
Occupancy sensors reduce energy waste by taking over light switch chores. Sensors turn the lights on when they sense someone coming into a room or area, and then turn the lights off some time after sensing the room is empty. These sensors are best suited in spaces that are used infrequently or unpredictably, such as conference rooms, private offices, classrooms, storage areas, and bathrooms. Sensors can be mounted on the wall just like a light switch or installed in the ceiling.
Generally speaking, there are three types of sensors: motion-detecting (ultrasonic and microwave), heat-sensing (infrared), and sound-sensing. The area to be lit and the types of surfaces in the space will determine which sensor is most effective.
Energy-Efficient Lights
Fluorescent lights are probably the most popular indoor light source because they last longer and cost about 50 percent less to run than incandescent lights.
High-intensity discharge (HID) lights are also extremely energy efficient, provide high light output, and have an extremely long life. Typical examples of HID lights are high pressure sodium lamps and metal halide lamps. Traditionally, these lights were available only in high wattages and primarily for outdoor applications. Now a number of new, lower-wattage lamps make HIDs suitable for indoor applications as well.
Exit Signs
Exit signs that have earned the federal government's ENERGY STAR rating operate on five watts or less per sign, compared to standard signs, which use as much as 40 watts per sign. Exit signs that have earned the ENERGY STAR rating are tested for visibility factors, and come with a five-year manufacturer warranty.[2]
Daylighting
Drawing more daylight into a building reduces dependency on artificial lighting and helps support worker productivity. When designing or renovating a building, the key is to bring the daylight into an elevated location, such as through skylights. Another important factor is providing a method to bounce the daylight off surrounding surfaces - such as light shelves - so that light is distributed throughout the building's interior.
Additional engineering and installation costs may be necessary to implement some of the daylighting measures. These costs are typically offset by the reduced cost associated with minimizing the use of artificial lighting.
AVAILABILITY
All of these options are readily available from local and regional suppliers and lighting specialists. See also the Vendors section for information regarding the California Lamp Contract for higher efficiency, lower mercury fluorescent lamps.
COST
Note: The following discussion on cost is general and is not meant to reflect specific contracts or to supersede existing mandates or policies.
While it may be ideal to change a lighting system when remodeling or constructing a building, moving to sensors and energy-efficient lighting can still be done cost-effectively at any time. Making changes even more economical, electric utilities often offer incentives for installing occupancy sensors and other more efficient lighting and control technologies.
Occupancy Sensors
When people are unlikely to remember to turn lights off, an occupancy sensor is a great way to save money. Depending on wattage, size of area to be sensed, and other features, the cost can range from $50 to $150 per unit. Photocells, which are sensors used to help compensate for fluctuations in daylight, cost an average of $10 to $50. Although cost varies by the type of sensors used, sensors can usually pay for themselves through energy savings within two to three years.
Energy-Efficient Lighting
Typically, improving lighting efficiency involves a trade-off: replacing inexpensive and less-efficient lamps with those that cost more up front, yet are more efficient. In the long run, higher energy efficiency will result in cost savings. In addition, several electric utilities offer cash rebates for purchasing energy efficient lighting.
Remember that fluorescent and HID lamps should be managed as universal wastes; however, the savings from energy efficiency gains well exceed the cost of recycling the lamps.
ENERGY STAR Exit Signs
"When installed throughout a building, qualified exit signs can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in energy and maintenance costs. One sign alone can save about $10 annually on electricity costs and can last up to 10 years without lamp replacement, compared to less than one year for an incandescent sign.[3]
SPECIFICATIONS
California
Specifications are available in the State's contract for higher efficiency, lower mercury fluorescent lamps - California Lamp Contract # 1-06-62-31. Recycling services are also available through this contract.
Tips for Writing Specifications
Sample Language
Work with vendors to determine the type of occupancy sensor that best meets your needs. To purchase the appropriate occupancy sensors for specific applications, consider these issues:
- The design and surroundings of the space in which the sensors are being installed, especially the existence of obstructions and outside sounds;
- Compatibility with the lighting systems that the sensors will control; and
- Ability to manually override the sensors or to adjust the time-delay period.
VENDORS
California
Higher efficiency, lower mercury fluorescent lamps are available through California Lamp Contract # 1-06-62-31. Recycling services are also available through this contract.
Other
Lamps and Fixtures
Consult any local lighting contractor or your local utility for energy-efficient lamp and fixture options. Check in the Yellow Pages under "Energy Conservation Products and Services" or "Lighting Consultants."
The ENERGY STAR program, a voluntary public-private sector partnership program established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the United States Department of Energy, maintains the online ENERGY STAR Purchasing Tool Kit which lists businesses that manufacture or distribute energy-efficient lighting. Product specification guidelines are also available.
Lamp Recyclers
A listing of lamp recyclers is available from Lamprecycle.org. State of California facilities that generate fluorescent lamps must contact a lamp recycler and develop a program based on a pre-determined frequency for disposal.
Locate local collection facilities across the country by searching the Earth 911 Web site.
SUCCESS STORIES
Capitol Area East End Complex, Sacramento, California
Information on the environmentally preferable lighting used in the State of California's Capitol Area East End Complex is available online.
RESOURCES AND WEBSITES
California Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC)
Public and Business Liaisons
(800) 728-6942
The DTSC's mission is to restore, protect and enhance the environment, to ensure public health, environmental quality and economic vitality, by regulating hazardous waste, conducting and overseeing cleanups, and developing and promoting pollution prevention. More than 1,000 scientists, engineers and specialized support staff work in nine locations statewide. See the DTSC's Universal Waste Web page for information on managing fluorescent lamps and tubes.
California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB)
Sacramento, CA
(916) 341-6000
The CIWMB's mission is to reduce waste, promote the management of all materials to their highest and best use, and protect public health and safety and the environment, in partnership with all Californians. Information regarding environmentally preferable lighting options is available throughout the CIWMB's Sustainable Building Web pages. See also the CIWMB's Waste Prevention Information Exchange Fluorescent Lamps and Tubes Web page.
ENERGY STAR
Washington, DC
(800) STAR-YES (800-782-7937)
ENERGY STAR is a voluntary public-private sector partnership program established by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy to promote energy conservation and efficiency. The Web site provides information on energy-efficient lighting, product specification guidelines, and lists of ENERGY STAR products.
Green Seal
Washington, DC
(202) 872-6400
Green Seal is a nationally recognized non-profit organization that certifies a variety of environmental products that pass stringent testing standards. Download its most recent standard for occupancy sensors which establishes environmental and performance requirements for certain sensors and switching devices. See also the following "Choose Green" reports:
For more information on environmental purchasing and services offered, see the Greening Your Government Program Web page.
Local Government Energy Partnership (LGEP)
Oakland, CA
The Association of Bay Area Governments' Local Government Energy Partnership (LGEP) provides technical assistance and information services to assist small to medium-sized cities, counties, and special districts in the program's service area to complete energy efficiency projects in public facilities and to promote energy efficiency within their communities. Contact information is available on-line.
Minnesota Department of Commerce Energy Information Center
St. Paul, MN
(651) 296-5175
(800) 657-3710
The Energy Information Center offers numerous publications for understanding and improving energy conservation and efficiency, including resources specific to lighting.
United States Department of Energy
Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP)
Washington, DC (800) 363-3732
The FEMP was designed to reduce the cost and environmental impact of Federal agencies by advancing energy efficiency and water conservation, promoting the use of distributed and renewable energy, and improving utility management decisions at Federal sites. The FEMP provides a variety of resources to help any purchaser more readily identify energy compliant (ENERGY STAR) products and find ways to save money, energy and natural resources in the office. See the following FEMP resources:
[1]California Department of Toxic Substances Control. Managing Universal Waste in California fact sheet. June 2003. Available at http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/HazardousWaste/EWaste/upload/HWM_FS_UWR.pdf.
[2] United States Environmental Protection Agency and United States Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR Exit Signs Web page. Available at http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=exit_signs.pr_exit_signs.
[3] Ibid.
Special Note: Portions of the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Best Practices Manual were borrowed or adapted from the Environmentally Preferable Purchasing Guide published by the Solid Waste Management Coordinating Board of Minnesota.
|
