Energy Conservation:
Incandescent vs. Fluorescent Light bulbs
Prepared for: Dr. Cherif M. Amor
Department Head
Department of Design
Prepared by: Michelle Pinson, Interior Design
Brooke Smiley, HDFS
Blake Wise, Landscape Architecture
April 22, 2009
Texas Tech University
English 2311.006
April 6, 2009
Dr. Cherif Amor, Head of Department of Design
College of Human Sciences
Texas Tech University
P. O. Box 41220
Lubbock, TX 79409
Dear Dr. Amor,
I am a Texas Tech student interested in energy conservation. Along with my group
members in my English 2311 class, Blake Wise and Brooke Smiley, we have come up
with a proposal to help Texas Tech conserve energy. Our proposal, “Energy
Conservation: Incandescent vs. Fluorescent light bulbs,” suggests that fluorescent
lighting is more energy efficient than incandescent bulbs. Our research for this proposal
has been done specifically for the Human Sciences building.
We are proposing that the incandescent bulbs in the Human Sciences building be
replaced with fluorescent light bulbs. We believe that changing out the bulbs will
conserve energy and save money. It will also help the school to keep up in a time when
conserving our natural resources is very important, and there is a strong emphasis to “Go
Green.” The positive results from this change should be convincing enough to eventually
do the same to every building on campus.
This proposal will hopefully convince you to present this information to the manager of
Facilities Planning and Construction, Jamie McCann. This will appeal to him because it
will save the university money and reduce the number of times the bulbs have to be
changed per year. The information will have a greater impact coming from you because
of your position and your experience in design.
Let us know if you have any questions regarding our proposal.
Sincerely,
Michelle Pinson
Interior Design
1
Table of Contents
Abstract……………………………………………………………………………………1
Glossary of Terms…………………………………………………………………...…....2
Introduction………………………………………………………………………………..3
a. Problem
b. Purpose
c. Sources of Information
d. Scope of Proposal
Background Information on Light Bulbs………………………………………………….4
a. Incandescent bulbs
b. Fluorescent bulbs
c. Other Universities
Experiment in the Human Sciences Building……………………………………………..6
a. Survey
b. Replacement of bulbs
Recommendations/Conclusions…………………………………………………………..9
a. Energy Independence and Security Act
b. Opportunity to Save Energy
c. Opportunity to Save Labor
d. Opportunity to Save Money
e. Opportunity to be a Leader
Qualifications and Experience………………………………………………………...…11
References………………………………………………………………………...……...12
Appendix…………………………………………………………………….…………...13
2
Abstract
“Energy Conservation: Incandescent vs. Fluorescent Light bulbs”
Prepared by: Brooke Smiley, HDFS
Michelle Pinson, Interior Design
Blake Wise, Landscape Architecture
Energy Conservation is an important issue throughout the world. Most recently, there
have been numerous developments pertaining to lighting and ways to conserve energy.
Texas Tech has started the process of becoming more environmentally friendly with new
buildings on campus. Even still, there is a lot of progress that needs to be made.
One important way to accomplish energy conservation is the use of fluorescent light
bulbs as opposed to incandescent. Currently, Texas Tech University is using the
incandescent bulbs in the largest majority of classrooms and buildings. Not only are they
costly, but they waste energy and are impractical. The purpose of this report is to
purpose the idea of making Texas Tech more “green” by using more environmentally
friendly fluorescent bulbs.
3
Glossary
This glossary of terms is meant for the secondary audience that may be presented this
proposal. These terms are for the audience that reads this proposal and doesn’t have the
technical knowledge that the primary audience does.
ar∙gon - n. A colorless, gaseous element
present in the atmosphere, used
in electric display signs and as a
filter for incandescent lamps.
e∙lec∙trode - n. 1. Any terminal connecting
a conductor, as copper wire,
with an electrolyte. 2. Any
elements in an electron tube,
transistor, etc., that emit, collect,
or control movements of
electrons.
fil∙a∙ment - n. 1. A fine thread fiber, any
threadlike structure or
appendage. 2. The slender wire
of tungsten, carbon, etc., which
when heated by electric current
in a vacuum produces light.
fluor∙es∙cent lamp – A tubular lamp in
which ultraviolet light from a
low-pressure mercury arc is
radiated as visible light after
impact upon a coating of
phosphors.
in∙can∙des∙cent lamp - A lamp having a
filament that is heated to
incandescence, a general term
for heat driven light emissions
which includes the simple case
of black body radiation, by an
electric current. The enclosing
gas bulb prevents the oxygen in
the air form reaching the hot
filament. Sometimes called
electric lamps.
i∙on∙ize – To convert or be converted, totally
or in part, into ions, electrically
charged atoms.
mer∙cu∙ry – n. 1. A heavy, silver-white,
metallic element (Hg), liquid at
ordinary temperatures.
phos∙phor – Any of a class of substances
that will emit light under the
action of certain chemicals or
radiations.
ra∙di∙a∙tion – n. The emission and
propagation of radiant energy,
esp. by radioactive substances
capable of effecting living
tussue.
tung∙sten – n. A steel-gray, brittle, heavy
metallic element of chromium
group having a high melting
point and much used in
manufacture in filaments for
electric lamps and high speed
tools.
volt∙age – n. Electromotive force
compressed in volts, units of
force against the resistance of
on ohm.
4
Introduction
Energy Conservation is becoming increasingly important to everyone in the world. In Texas,
there are a number of people and businesses going “green,” and efforts have been made to come
up with new methods of conserving energy. One method is using fluorescent lighting to replace
incandescent lamps. This lighting method of energy conservation is a good way to start
becoming more environmentally friendly. Texas Tech University has made efforts to become
more environmentally friendly and lower costs of electricity. Changing out the lights in the
buildings on campus would conserve energy and significantly lower electricity costs.
Problem
We are presenting the problem of energy conservation. We are seeking the approval to propose
the idea to switch from fluorescent light bulbs to incandescent bulbs in the Human Sciences
building on Texas Tech University campus to cut high electric costs. Switching from
incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs in one building will show how much money can be
saved. This will hopefully be convincing enough to eventually change the bulbs in every
building and encourage everyone to become more environmentally friendly.
Purpose
This report explains why you should consider presenting the costs and benefits of switching light
bulbs campus wide to more energy efficient bulbs to Jamie McCann the manager of Texas Tech
Facilities Planning and Construction. As students, we don’t have the credibility to present this
information ourselves.
We feel you are the best candidate to present this information because you hold such an
important position within the Human Sciences Building and because you have extensive
background knowledge in environmental design. You have also shown interest in “green”
design which has become popular over recent years.
Sources of Information
In this report you will find research, analysis, experimentation, results, and our proposed
solutions. We have researched many different sources including the Encarta Encyclopedia,
Energy Star website, and Nexis Lexis. We have explained the cost and benefits of our proposal,
and we have conducted a survey to show that there are many other people that want to conserve
energy.
Scope of Proposal
This report is not proposing an experiment throughout the entire campus. At this point, we are
trying to convince them you considering trying it first in Human Sciences building. We feel this
is a good place to start and will have convincing results. This is just one of many ways to help
conserve energy in the building. This proposal is practical and would be worth accepting.
5
Background Information on Light Bulbs
This section of the report is all basic research and information over incandescent and fluorescent
light bulbs. I am aware that you already know this information, but I am giving it to you so it
will be easy to present to people, like Mr. McCann who might be less informed.
Incandescent bulbs
Currently, the largest majority of Texas Tech buildings use incandescent bulbs. An incandescent
bulb, by definition, is a bulb that heats up to an extremely high temperature. They usually have
tiny coiled tungsten filaments inside of a bulb filled with gas. When electricity moves through
the filaments, they heat up to around 5000°F. This causes the filament to glow. A typical bulb
lasts approximately 750-1000 hours.
Incandescent bulbs are not typically considered energy efficient. In fact, in 2007 the United
States Congress passed the Energy Independence and Security Act that will eventually eliminate
the use of all incandescent light bulbs. As of 2012, incandescent bulbs will no longer be sold,
and by 2014 they will be completely eliminated.1
Fluorescent bulbs
Fluorescent bulbs are an alternative to incandescent bulbs. One major difference is that
fluorescent bulbs don’t emit heat. They instead use phosphors that emit light when they are
exposed to radiation. They are glass tubes filled with argon, mercury, and the tube is coated with
phosphors. At the ends of the tubes there are metal electrodes. Each of the metal electrodes are
coated with oxygen and an alkaline earth metal. A surge of voltage is sent throughout the tube
and ionizes the gas. When the current passes through the gas, ultraviolet radiation is emitted.
The phosphorus coating inside the tube stops and converts the energy into visible light.
Typically speaking, fluorescent bulbs “use 75% less electricity and last 10 times longer than
regular incandescent light bulbs.”2 According to the Department of Energy, “if every household
replaced just one light bulb with a compact fluorescent, the United States would save more than
$600 million each year in energy costs and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equal to 800,000
cars.” Unfortunately, there are a few negatives to fluorescent bulbs. First, they are more
expensive than regular incandescent bulbs. According to the EnergyStar website, fluorescent
bulbs cost anywhere from $2 to $15. However, fluorescent bulbs will save you around $30
during their “life cycle.” 3
Another common criticism of fluorescent bulbs is that the color spectrum is relatively limited in
comparison to incandescent bulbs. Because light bulbs are trying to mimic the sun, it is almost
impossible for the color spectrum to be absolutely complete. Energy star is now coming out with
a variety of bulbs covering several hues.4
1 “Incandescent Lamp,” 2008. Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia:
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761586392/Incandescent_Lamp.html.
2 “Fluorescent Lamp,” 2008. Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia:
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761587968/Fluorescent_Lamp.html
3 “Frequently Asked Questions,” Unknown. EnergyStar: http://energystar.custhelp.com/cgibin/energystar.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_sid=UTzFwWvj
4 “Color & Mood,” Unknown. EnergyStar: http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls_color
6
Other Universities
There have been several universities who have started replacing bulbs to become more energy
efficient. One example of this is at the University of California in the Center for the Performing
Arts’ parking structure. The new bulbs (BetaLED bulbs) reduce energy consumption by 80%.
Because these bulbs have such a long life-span, they will not require maintenance for 20 to 25
years.5
Another university that has started replacing bulbs is Pomona College located in Claremont,
California. Although this private college has not made the complete transition to all fluorescent
bulbs, it is giving it’s students the opportunity to use them in their dorms. A student named
Michael Blouin recently started a CFL (compact fluorescent light) checkout program. Now, any
student can individually make an impact by checking out a CFL bulb to use in their room (paid
for by a portion of their tuition).6 During a “lighting audit” 2,564 incandescent bulbs were
found. It was calculated that if these bulbs were changed, it would save “approximately 511,128
kWh/year in electricity and $56,000 per year in utility costs.”7
“BetaLED Luminaries Key to Efficient Lighting at University of California,” 2009. Biotech
Business Week: http://www.lexisnexis.com/us/lnacademic/results/docview/Docvi
ew.do?docLinkInd=true&risb=21_T6373521063&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKe
y=29_T6373521077&cisb=22_T6373521072&treeMax=true&treeWidth=0&csi=246798&docNo=6
6 “Sustainability at Pomona College,” 2009. Pomona College:
http://www.pomona.edu/sustainability/programs-projects/energy.shtml
7 http://www.pomona.edu/sustainability/audit-action-plan/audit/AuditPDFs/13%20-%20Lighitng.pdf
5
7
Experiment in the Human Sciences Building
This section of the report describes hypothetical experiment that could prove the benefits of
replacing the bulbs. This information would be useful to the proposed audience (Facilities
Planning and Construction).
Human Sciences Building
We would need a building to conduct the actual experiment to prove why changing the bulbs
would be beneficial. Your building would be an ideal place to begin the experiment because:




The Human Sciences Building currently uses incandescent bulbs.
You have so much knowledge in the area of lighting and environmental design.
You could act as an advisor.
There are many graduate students, who you advise, that would be ideal candidates for the
experiment. (Graduate students always need research opportunities.)
First, the students would have to obtain permission from the Dean of the College to do the
experiment. Her name is Linda Hoover and the Dean’s Office number is (806) 742-3031. The
student(s) would need a map of the college (see the appendix), a master key, and schedule of
when each of the class rooms are available. They would also need to have a general idea of how
long each of the rooms are lit.
Experiment
The most time consuming part of this experiment would be to accurately determine the number
of bulbs. It would be important to note if the lights are pot lights, 2’ incandescent tubes, 4’
incandescent tubes or possibly a fluorescent bulb. This will be vital to accurately determining
the cost of lighting in building.
To determine the cost of lighting the building with incandescent bulbs, the student would need to
gather records from the dean’s office. From these records, they can determine the cost per hour
as established by the electric company. Next, the information would be inputted into a basic
equation to determine to cost using incandescent bulbs. To calculate the approximate cost of
electricity per month using fluorescent bulbs, the information could be inputted into an equation.
8
Survey
We conducted a survey at Pomona College in Claremont, California. Participants consisted of
students living on campus and the working staff. The questions are as follows:
1. Do you prefer fluorescent bulbs over incandescent bulbs?
2. Did you notice a general difference between fluorescent bulbs and incandescent bulbs?
3. Would you consider changing them at your personal residence?
4. Did you notice any physical changes while using the fluorescent bulbs?
5. Did your room/office seem cooler with the replacement of the bulbs?
Incandescent vs. Fluorescent Light Bulbs
Question #1
Question #2
Question #3
Question #4
Question #5
Yes
No
65%
60%
75%
55%
80%
25%
25%
15%
35%
15%
Don't
care
10%
15%
10%
10%
5%
9
Survey Continued
Survey for 100 students & 100 faculty members
category
student
faculty
Incandescent
bulbs
24
17
Fluorescent bulbs
No preference
49
54
27
29
10
Recommendations/Conclusion
After our research, we are recommending that Texas Tech University start the transition from
incandescent bulbs to fluorescent bulbs. We have compiled a list of reasons why this would be a
beneficial change for the university as a whole.
Energy Independence and Security Act
As I stated earlier, the Energy Independence and Security Act was passed in 2007 by former
president George W. Bush. It deals with several aspects of green design, including lighting. The
bill says it is:
“An Act to move the United States toward greater energy independence and security, to
increase the production of clean renewable fuels, to protect consumers from price
gouging, to increase the energy efficiency of products, buildings, and vehicles, to
promote research on and deploy greenhouse gas capture and storage options, and to
improve the energy performance of the Federal Government, and for other purposes.”8
The bill created many new standards for both commercial and residential lighting. One of the
new changes is that all state funded public buildings must reduce their energy use 30% by 2015.
Any renovations or new buildings must use energy-efficient designs that have longer life-cycles.9
This act will eventually eliminate the use of all incandescent light bulbs. As of 2012,
incandescent bulbs will no longer be sold and by 2014 they will be completely eliminated.10
In other words, this change is inevitable. It is literally only a matter of time before Texas Tech
University must make the transition from incandescent to fluorescent bulbs. If we begin the
process immediately, the costs will be spread out over a period of several years.
Opportunity to Save Energy
One major benefit of changing the light bulbs is the reduction of energy consumption. As we
have already stated, fluorescent bulbs use 75% less electricity.11 The following chart compares
the energy consumption of fluorescent and incandescent bulbs.
Watts Per Bulb (at 60 watts)
KWh of Electricity used over 60k
hours
Fluorescent
14
840
Incandescent
60
3,600
Table information from http://www.ledstarlight.com/led-comparison-chart.php.
“Energy Independence and Security Act.” 2007. Library of Congress: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgibin/bdquery/z?d110:HR00006:@@@T
9 “Energy Indepence and Security Act of 2007: A Summary of Major Provisions,” 2007. CRS
Report for Congress:
http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/RL342941.pdf
10 “Incandescent Lamp,” 2008. Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia:
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761586392/Incandescent_Lamp.html.
11 “Fluorescent Lamp,” 2008. Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia:
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761587968/Fluorescent_Lamp.html
8
11
As you can see, the actual energy consumption is significantly larger for the incandescent bulbs.
Opportunity to Save Labor
Another benefit to switching to fluorescent bulbs is the potential savings in labor. Fluorescent
light bulbs last 10x longer than incandescent bulbs, they won’t need to be changed as often. This
means it would reduce the workload for the Texas Tech University’s maintenance crew. The
following chart gives a potential labor comparison:
Life Span (How long will the
bulb last?)
Bulbs needed for 60k of
usage
Fluorescent
10,000 hours
Incandescent
1,200 hours
6
50
Table information from http://www.ledstarlight.com/led-comparison-chart.php.
As you can see, the hours that a single bulb would last is 10,000 hours (fluorescent) compared to
1,200 hours (incandescent). If the bulbs were to burn for 60k hours, the incandescent bulb would
have to be replaced 50 times where the fluorescent bulb would only have to be replaced 6 times.
Opportunity to Save Money
Finally, by switching the bulbs we would save money. The price of each kind of bulb varies
depending on where you buy it. Generally speaking, fluorescent bulbs are more expensive than
the incandescent bulbs. However, we have already shown that the fluorescent bulbs last longer.
In other words, within a matter of hours the fluorescent bulb would “pay for itself.” The
following chart gives a price comparison:
Cost per bulb
Electricity Cost
(@$0.20 per KWh)
Equivalent 60k hour bulb
expense
Total cost for 60k hours
Fluorescent
$2.98
$168.00
Incandescent
$1.25
$720.00
$17.88
$62.50
$185.88
$782.50
Table information from http://www.ledstarlight.com/led-comparison-chart.php.
Opportunity to be a Leader
When we first began this proposal report, we searched for other universities who have started to
become more environmentally aware by replacing light bulbs on their campuses. After
researching, we found that there haven’t been very many schools to make this environmentally
friendly transition. This presents Texas Tech University with the opportunity to be a leader.
12
Qualifications and Experience
We believe as a group that we have the skills and resources to complete this research. Because
of our diverse backgrounds, we have a sufficient amount of knowledge in the area of energy
conservation. Combining all of our strengths will help us to thoroughly complete this proposal.
Michelle Pinson is studying interior design and architecture. She came up with the initial idea
and gives guidance. During her time as a student, she has taken a lighting course. She also has a
significant amount of computer knowledge. This has helped significantly reduce formatting
time. She also has access to the Human Sciences building, which is an important resource for
our experiment.
Brooke Smiley is studying Human Development Family Studies. She has some knowledge
about energy conservation from a research methods class where she did a project on “going
green”. She gained experience with reading and conducting surveys from that class. She has a
personal interest in energy conservation. She will also have access to the Human Sciences
building. Therefore, she may have additional knowledge of the building. She has average
computer skills and is very creative, so she will help the group in creativity.
Blake Wise is studying Landscape Architecture. He is interested in energy conservation and
takes classes that research ways to conserve energy and protect the environment. Although most
of his studies are over plants and the environment, the concept of conservation is the same.
Having interest in this area will help him to come up with ideas and have input on the proposal.
He also has a fair amount of computer knowledge and understands how to transfer and share
information with others.
13
References
“BetaLED Luminaries Key to Efficient Lighting at University of California,” 2009. Biotech
Business Week: http://www.lexisnexis.com/us/lnacademic/results/docview/Docvi
ew.do?docLinkInd=true&risb=21_T6373521063&format=GNBFI&sort=RELEVANCE
&startDocNo=1&resultsUrlKey=29_T6373521077&cisb=22_T6373521072&treeMax=tr
ue&treeWidth=0&csi=246798&docNo=6
“Color & Mood,” Unknown. EnergyStar:
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=cfls.pr_cfls_color
“Energy Independence and Security Act.” 2007. Library of Congress: http://thomas.loc.gov/cgibin/bdquery/z?d110:HR00006:@@@T
“Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007: A Summary of Major Provisions,” 2007. CRS
Report for Congress: http://energy.senate.gov/public/_files/RL342941.pdf
“Fluorescent Lamp,” 2008. Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia:
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761587968/Fluorescent_Lamp.html
“Frequently Asked Questions,” Unknown. EnergyStar: http://energystar.custhelp.com/cgibin/energystar.cfg/php/enduser/std_alp.php?p_sid=UTzFwWvj
“Incandescent Lamp,” 2008. Microsoft Encarta Online Encyclopedia:
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761586392/Incandescent_Lamp.html.
“Pomona College Sustainability Audit Report,” 2008. Pomona College:
http://www.pomona.edu/sustainability/audit-action-plan/audit/AuditPDFs/13%20%20Lighitng.pdf
“Sustainability at Pomona College,” 2009. Pomona College:
http://www.pomona.edu/sustainability/programs-projects/energy.shtml
14
Appendix
15