fact

Each year, electricity used for lighting an average Australian home generates around threequarters of a tonne of greenhouse gas and costs around $100.

Lighting - Good ideas about lighting

A typical compact fluorescent lamp saves around a third of a tonne of greenhouse gas and $45 and avoids the cost of 6 or more incandescent globes

Over its life, a typical compact fluorescent lamp saves around a third of a tonne of greenhouse gas and $45 and avoids the cost of 6 or more incandescent globes. And you don’t have to change the bulbs as often.

Install energy-efficient lighting

Fluorescent lamps cut greenhouse gas emissions and running costs by 75% while producing as much light. They come as circular or linear tubes, or as plug-in compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs).
Don’t connect more than three lights to each light switch—then you can leave lights you don’t need switched off.
Low voltage halogen lamps are not low energy lamps: each one generates a kilogram of greenhouse gas every 15 hours—about the same as an ordinary 60 watt globe, although it does produce a little more light. Halogens are not easily replaced by more efficient alternatives, so installing them locks you in to high lighting bills.

tip

Remember, it’s not the volts that matter: more watts means higher energy bills and more greenhouse gas.

Fit lower wattage globes (or compact fluorescent lamps) in bright lights, especially down lights and spot lights: save up to 75% of greenhouse gas.
Select light fittings with reflectors that direct light where you want it and do not absorb too much light—coloured glass can halve light output, creating a need for higher wattage lamps.
LED (light emitting diode) lamps are beginning to appear for outdoor use and specialised applications like night-lights. These lamps are very long-lasting and efficient. We’ll see a lot more of them in coming years.
Traditional CFLs deliver most of their light to the sides: an effective reflector may be needed to direct the light. Corkscrew shaped CFLs and CFLs enclosed in frosted plastic spheres distribute light in a pattern more like that of incandescent lamps.

Install efficient outdoor lighting

Just a few outdoor lights left on every evening can double a household’s lighting greenhouse gas emissions and lighting costs: switch them off if they’re not needed.
Install daylight and movement sensors so outdoor lights switch on when they’re needed but don’t waste electricity.
For outdoor lights that must stay on for long periods, use energy-efficient compact fluorescent or LED lamps and choose the lowest wattage lamp that gives enough light. It’s also worth considering solar-powered garden lights.

Illustration of a Dog Turning off the Light when his Owner leaves the room

Use lights efficiently

Turn off unnecessary lights, including fluorescent lamps. Leaving fluorescent lamps on doesn’t save energy or cut greenhouse gas emissions—switch them off! Use daylight instead of artificial lights—but don’t overdo it—large windows and skylights add to summer heat and winter cold. Paint often-used rooms with light colours. Dark colours absorb light, increasing the amount of lighting needed.
Use desk lamps or standard lamps (with CFLs in them) where most light is needed, so less lighting is required in the rest of the room.
Modern dimmer controls reduce greenhouse gas emissions as they reduce light output. They also extend lamp life. Dimmer controls can now also be used with some CFLs, but check the label first.
Clean lamps and fittings regularly: over time, dirt build-up reduces light output.