Proposal to reverse an Obama-era rule affecting efficiency standards for certain types of lightbulbs will have serious impact on long-term energy and climate objectives

Globally, there has been considerable success in improving the efficiency of lightbulbs through energy performance and labelling standards. The current administration in Washington is proposing to reverse a 2017 decision to expand the types of bulbs covered under stronger standards. Manufacturers argue the stronger 2017 standards were put in place illegally, but the process-driven debate … Continue reading Proposal to reverse an Obama-era rule affecting efficiency standards for certain types of lightbulbs will have serious impact on long-term energy and climate objectives →

The humble light bulb meets the 21st century

Nadja Popovich writes in the New York Times about the lightbulb revolution underway in the United States. Fortunately, it is global. America’s Light Bulb Revolution Solar panels and wind turbines get a lot of attention, but a more inconspicuous instrument is helping to reshape America’s energy economy right now: The humble light bulb. Over … Continue reading The humble light bulb meets the 21st century →

Trump administration plans to roll back efficiency standards for light bulbs will cost Americans billions and pollute widely

There is always a push from different communities to reduce regulations. Maybe that is good, maybe not. When it comes to our energy performance standards, there is quite a cost if they are made less stringent. Igor Derysh writes on the Salon website about the potential impact if the Trump administration rolls back on efficiency … Continue reading Trump administration plans to roll back efficiency standards for light bulbs will cost Americans billions and pollute widely →

Part of a radical shift in agriculture – using LED lights

High-tech farmers are using LED lights in ways that seem to border on science fiction. Adrian Higgins explains in an article in the Washington Post. Do you know other innovative ways that LED lights have been used? Is this a smart use of LEDs? Growing the future ike Zelkind stands at one end of … Continue reading Part of a radical shift in agriculture – using LED lights →

Smart streetlight controls are being deployed in 64,000 LED lights across Edinburgh

Will Peakin explains on the FutureScot website about recent developments to deploy smart streetlight controls in Edinburgh. The programme is expected to be completed by 2020. Are there other cities doing the same? Edinburgh deploys smart streetlights as part of energy efficiency programme Smart streetlight controls are being deployed in 64,000 LED lights across … Continue reading Smart streetlight controls are being deployed in 64,000 LED lights across Edinburgh →

Innovative approach to street lighting

Nic Fleming writes in The Guardian about one man in Britain developing a system to have dog poo power street lighting. He then goes on to describe some examples of how human excrement is used for fuel throughout the world. From stools to fuels: the street lamp that runs on dog do A long … Continue reading Innovative approach to street lighting →

Belgium is a leader in light pollution, easily identifiable from space

Amazingly, Belgium keeps nearly all of its 2.2 million streetlights on through the night. Even with Belgium in the midst of a low-carbon energy transition, this remains a challenge, if they are determined to keep them lit. Milan Schreuer explains in an article in the New York Times. Belgium’s Lavish Energy Use Sheds Light … Continue reading Belgium is a leader in light pollution, easily identifiable from space →

The light bulb has become an icon of innovation

Tim Harford, often known as the Undercover Economist, has provided a delightful article on the BBC World Service website about the evolution of the cost of providing light for our domestic needs. This is perfect weekend and winter reading. EiD is certain you will enjoy. It also brings some interesting points that will give you … Continue reading The light bulb has become an icon of innovation →

Now that marijuana is increasingly legalised, the need for reducing energy costs becomes a priority

Indoor producers of marijuana have high energy bills because of the need for high-intensity lights. Diane Cardwell has written a good article in the New York Times about the increasing use of LED lights in the US. Where Marijuana Plants Flourish Under Energy-Saving LED Lights “We wanted to be able to offer the best … Continue reading Now that marijuana is increasingly legalised, the need for reducing energy costs becomes a priority →

Beware what glows in the dark

The Internet of Things, activated through apps, promises tremendous convenience to homeowners. But it may also prove irresistible to hackers. John Markoff writes a good article in The New York Times that should give you plenty to think about as we design our sustainable energy policies. Why Light Bulbs May Be the Next Hacker … Continue reading Beware what glows in the dark →