Fluorescent lights are more efficient and last longer than incandescent lights, but they are becoming obsolete as they are replaced in the market by more efficient LED alternatives that last longer and do not contain hazardous materials.  One indicator of the market shift is that CFLs are no longer produced in the U.S.
When selecting fluorescent lights, be sure to choose products that carry EPA’s Energy Star label to ensure they meet minimum lifetime and efficacy requirements.

O+M Tips

• Develop a lamp purchasing plan for future lamp purchases that will maximize lamp efficiency while maintaining low mercury content.

End of Life Tips

• All lamps, including green tip, must be recycled. Contact the vendor for recycling and proper disposal or refer to http://www.lamprecycle.org/lamprecyclers.shtml for further details. Proper handling and disposal of lamps containing mercury are required.

For alignment with LEED Standards

• Lighting Lifetime: For at least 75% of the lighting load, use light sources that have a rated life (or L70 for LED sources) of at least 24,000 hours (at 3-hour per start, if applicable).
  • BD+C, ID+C, and O+M EQ: Interior Lighting
• Mercury: Implement a lighting plan for the building and site that specifies an overall building average of 70 picograms of mercury per lumen-hour or less for lamps purchased.
  • O+M MR: Purchasing - Lamps