Light. Now.
Light source selection critically affects building space appearance, visual performance and comfort. Effective green lighting finds a sustainable balance between energy efficiency, quality of light, long life and cost.
| Technology |
Pros |
Cons |
| Incandescent |
* Low initial cost
* Small size
* Excellent color rendering index
* Variety of shapes
* Simple circuitry
* Dimmable |
* Inefficient
* Excessive heat output
* Short service life |
| Fluorescent or Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) |
* Highly efficient
* Long service life
* Choice of color temperatures
* Low operating costs
* Low heat output
* Diffuse light source |
* Temperature sensitive
* Limited optical control
* Requires ballast |
| Metal Halide (HID) |
* Highly efficient
* Long lamp life
* Reasonable optical control
* Low operating costs
* Good color rendering index (CRI) |
* Long start-up/restrike period
* Requires ballast |
| High Pressure Sodium (HID) |
* Exceptionally efficient
* Long lamp life
* Reasonable optical control
* Very low operating costs
* High lumen maintenance |
* Long start-up/restrike period
* Requires ballast
* Poor color rendering index |
| Induction Lamp |
* Long lamp life
* Good color rendering index
* Maintenance-free operation
* Instant-on for security |
* High initial costs |
| Light Emitting Diode (LED) |
* Efficient
* Long lamp life
* Color mixing control |
* High initial costs
* Output lessens over time |
