By: Marika Erdely, MBA, CEA, LEED AP BD+C, Fitwel Ambassador
Founder and CEO
Green Econome
After January 1, 2025, California will have effectively banned the final sale and distribution of all fluorescent lamps per CA AB 2208. Aside from specialty lamps primarily used for medical or industrial purposes, the ban applies to screw, bayonet, and pin base compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and linear fluorescent lamps (LFLs), commonly used in both commercial and residential buildings. So, what does this mean for business owners and property managers? Those currently using these lamps must start planning to transition to alternative lighting solutions. Although this may require some planning and investment, upgrading to LED lighting is safer and more efficient, contributing to huge operational savings.
Why Is CA Banning Fluorescents?
One of the biggest concerns with fluorescent lighting is safety; these lamps contain mercury, a toxic heavy metal that poses significant environmental and health risks. When disposed of in landfills, the mercury contaminates ecosystems through leaching into the soil and water. In addition to these environmental and public health threats, fluorescents are also incredibly inefficient compared to LEDs. They produce more heat bringing operational costs up across all systems and have a shorter life cycle.
Upgrading to LED lighting will save business owners money while protecting Californians’ health and safety.
Major Dates
On and after January 1, 2024, compact fluorescent lamps, including screw and bayonet base CFL’s are not to be offered for final sale, sold at final sale, or distributed in this state as a new manufactured product.
On and after January 1, 2025, linear fluorescent lamps shall not be offered for final sale, sold at final sale, or distributed in this state as a new manufactured product.
Next Steps for Business Owners
- Assess Inventory: How many lamps do you have in stock? This will help you plan and prioritize when to implement an LED lighting retrofit.
- Budget for Retrofit: While equipment may be compatible, it is best to scope out the project needs to ensure safety and compatibility. Long-term cost savings of proper LED lighting retrofits are higher than the short-term gain of simply replacing bulbs. Not to mention, safer for the occupant.
- Properly Dispose of Fluorescents: Become familiar with your local regulations, procedures, and disposal facilities to ensure lamps can be removed, recycled, and disposed of properly. The EPA provides helpful information and resources for commercial use.
Retrofit Priorities
- Decide project goals and budget.
- Assess and identify lamp counts, high-burn areas (parking garages, stairwells, etc.), and other inefficiencies to address.
- Explore your options and determine the best equipment and products for each area.
- Take advantage of utility incentives and rebates, while they are available.
- Measure and verify your energy and cost savings through bill analysis and/or benchmarking the building.
Green Econome is a full-service energy and water efficiency consulting and construction firm, assisting commercial real estate owners reduce their operating costs and increase property values by providing custom solutions to complex environmental challenges as well as ESG and sustainability goals.