WASHINGTON - The U.S. Army announced this week that all light bulbs acquired for use in facilities and structures owned, leased or controlled by the Army must meet higher energy efficiency standards. The goal is a complete replacement of all inefficient incandescent lighting on Army installations within five years. New efficient lighting will use 3-5 times less electricity than an incandescent bulb over the same period.
On Oct. 27, 2010, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Installations, Energy and Environment Ms. Katherine Hammack, issued a "Memorandum on the Utilization of Efficient Lighting" to reduce energy consumption and reduce adverse impacts to the environment. The memo establishes policy and guidance to use only efficient light bulbs that meet standards outlined in the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. EISA requires he manufacture of energy-efficient light bulbs, with efficiency standards phasing in between 2012 and 2014. it also requires the use of energy-efficient lighting fixtures and bulbs in buildings constructed by the General Services Administration.
"Lighting efficiency improvement present a clear opportunity to decrease energy consumption, which is a priority for the U.S. Army, the Department of Defense and for the entire federal government," Hammack said. "It's been over 130 years since Thomas Edison gave birth to the world's first practical incandescent light bulb, and we're undeniable overdue for a jump forward in lighting's future."
In order for the Army to capture energy efficiency savings consistent with these provisions, the new policy requires the use of the light bulbs as soon as possible. When installed bulbs fail and existing inventory is depleted, only efficient light bulbs may be purchased. Compact Fluorescent Lights require significantly less energy to produce the same amount of light and need replacement six times less often. This means a profound reduction in electricity, maintenance and labor costs.
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