how to create a lighting sustainability program in your building

2 - Lighting – a seemingly benign topic – can be extremely complex. When discussing lighting, the light bulb (lamp) itself is often the last thing to actually get addressed. Before you get to the bulb, you have to sift through the opinions and regulations of government legislators, scientists, architects, environmentalists, utility companies, and manufacturers.3 - The reason everyone has something to say about lighting is because of the economics behind it. Lighting accounts for more than 37% of an average commercial buildings utility bill. 4 - Increasing the efficiency of a building’s lighting system has the largest immediate effect on reducing energy bills and overall environmental impact. As climate laws tighten and greenhouse gases remain a concern, reducing your buildings energy consumption is in everyone’s best interest. 5 - Fluorescents are 3-4 times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. Their lower operating cost makes them attractive environmentally, but this could be offset by the presence of mercury – a toxic substance – in the bulb if they are not disposed of properly.6 - Fluorescents are 3-4 times more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. Their lower operating cost makes them attractive environmentally, but this could be offset by the presence of mercury – a toxic substance – in the bulb if they are not disposed of properly.7 - Mercury is a highly toxic element that’s been linked to neurological problems, particularly in small children. Humans can be exposed to toxic levels of mercury through food, water, or airborne sources. Across the United States, mercury pollution has contaminated 18 million acres of lakes, estuaries and wetlands (43 percent of the total), and 1.4 million river miles. 9 - Mercury is a highly toxic element that’s been linked to neurological problems, particularly in small children. Humans can be exposed to toxic levels of mercury through food, water, or airborne sources. Across the United States, mercury pollution has contaminated 18 million acres of lakes, estuaries and wetlands (43 percent of the total), and 1.4 million river miles. 14 - Only crush lamps if necessary due to storage limitations. 15 - Lamp recycling process