With DOGE, is it time to Un-Ban the Incandescent Bulb?
As most in our industry know, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has raised lighting efficiency standards. Specifically, the minimum requirement for standard light bulbs has increased from 45 to over 120 lumens per watt. This effectively bans the incandescent bulb. With the new administration’s less regulatory stance, is it time to un-ban the incandescent bulb? Advocates for deregulation argue that easing these policies could reduce costs and stimulate economic growth.
In 2010, your humble editor was the chair for what was then called the IES Annual Conference. The conference headliner was “The Great Debate: The Banning of the Incandescent Bulb, a debate between Howard Brandston, and Kaj den Daas, former Executive Vice-President of what was then Philips Lighting, B.V. Unfortunately, Howard fell ill and could not attend, but the discussion still occurred. Here we are 15 later, and the debate continues.
Health Concerns
I interviewed Martin Moore-Ede of the Circadian Lighting Research Center and Scott Zimmerman of Niral Lighting. While I do not support all of their claims, their voices need to be heard. They make some good points. They believe that health is being sacrificed in the name of energy efficiency.
Martin highlights that focusing solely on lumens per watt emphasizes brightness efficiency, potentially neglecting the health benefits of specific light wavelengths. He notes that blue-rich LED lights, which meet the new standards, can disrupt circadian rhythms, leading to health issues like sleep disorders. Additionally, the standards exclude infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths, which may overlook their therapeutic benefits.
Scott points out that the stringent standards could stifle innovation in lighting technologies that incorporate beneficial wavelengths.
Martin has initiated a petition to reconsider the 120+ lumens per watt rule, responding to these concerns. They argue for a more holistic approach to lighting standards that balances energy efficiency with human health considerations. Emphasizing the need for regulations that include beneficial light spectra, they aim to promote well-being and innovation in the lighting industry.
As the debate continues, policymakers must weigh the benefits of energy savings against potential health implications. A comprehensive approach that considers both efficiency and well-being could lead to lighting solutions that are both sustainable and supportive of human health.
