California made the incandescent light bulb history on Jan. 1.
As of that date, the state’s energy efficiency standards for the everyday screw-based light bulb became too stringent for the old technology to meet. By 2020, the standard will extend to the rest of the nation, signaling the end of the incandescent era.
There are an estimated 250 million light sockets in California still containing inefficient bulbs. After all of these sockets switch over to a more efficient alternative – CFLs or LEDs– California consumers and businesses will save an estimated $1 billion every year on electric bills.
Bulbs manufactured on or after January 1, 2018, and offered for sale in California must achieve a minimum efficiency level of 45 lumens per watt—three times more efficient than incandescents. The LED bulb that replaces the 60-watt incandescent bulb only uses 10 watts of power to deliver the same amount of light.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Oct 16, 2015
Appellate court enacts nationwide stay on controversial expansion of Clean Water Act
New EPA rule suspended until court cases settled.
Codes and Standards | Oct 9, 2015
New California law means commercial building benchmarking program will be implemented
Multifamily housing to be included, a first for a U.S. state.
Codes and Standards | Oct 2, 2015
New ASHRAE guideline for commissioning existing systems and assemblies
Focuses on optimum facility and system operation.
Codes and Standards | Sep 18, 2015
New RELi standard addresses disaster resilience
Based on LEED model, may help lower insurance rates
Building Materials | Aug 28, 2015
Structural steel buildings specification available for second public review
Next year's specification open for comments until Sept. 21
Energy Efficiency | Aug 28, 2015
North American Passive House Network e-book explains Passivhaus, net-zero techniques
Free guide includes spotlight on individual projects
Windows and Doors | Aug 28, 2015
Newly formed group challenges Florida building code
Window, door companies oppose provisions that raise costs
Codes and Standards | Aug 28, 2015
New Orleans becoming a model for climate resilience only 10 years after Katrina
The city has moved ahead with resilience strategies that may become a model for other communities
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
Illinois governor vetoes bill that would restrict condo owners’ rights
Bill would have made it harder to sue for building flaws
Codes and Standards | Aug 21, 2015
Post-Katrina roofing codes creating more resilient buildings on Gulf Coast
Ten years after storm, notable progress on stronger roofs, IBHS says