When envisioning a sustainable city, one must consider energy consumption methods and behavior. According to recent EPA stats, buildings account for around 40% of the total US energy consumption, and a whopping 72% of electricity demand. Of this electricity demand, around 35% is consumed by lighting systems. So, it can be reasonably inferred that reducing the amount of electricity we use in our lighting systems will have a meaningful impact on energy consumption as a whole. 

Please read and listen to some or all of the podcast discussion that took place during this weeks NPR show On Point titled The Light Bulb 2.0. This show provides some excellent insight into where lighting technology is, where it’s going, and the obstacles preventing the implementation of more efficient lighting systems.

Here are some questions to consider:

1) Is the government overstepping its bounds by imposing the implementation alternatives to conventional incandescent bulbs?

2) Would you pay $40/bulb for an LED bulb?

3) Which do you see as the greater barrier to phasing out incandescent bulbs: A) the additional initial (upfront) costs of alternatives (i.e. CFLs/LEDs); or, B) the political debate over the role of government?

Looking forward to your responses.

Sweeeeet. LED with liquid-filled dome for cooling.

Photo by: Misha Gravenor