Installing energy efficient lighting is one of the easiest and most cost-effective ways householders can reduce energy use.

Lighting represents around 8% of greenhouse gas emissions for a typical Queensland household. Using energy efficient lighting in new houses, townhouses and units can reduce household greenhouse gas emissions.

Previously, indoor lighting to 40% of the floor area in a new house, townhouse or unit was required to be energy efficient using only compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) or fluorescent tubes.

The number of halogen downlights being installed in housing is increasing. While halogen downlights are sometimes described as ‘low voltage’, this does not mean halogen elements are efficient in producing light. Often four or more halogen downlights are used per room where previously only one light globe would have been installed.

When designing new dwellings, promote natural day lighting in high-use areas to minimise the use of any artificial lighting that may be required through the day.

How this affects the homeowner

A typical 15-watt CFL (equivalent to a 75 watt incandescent) costs around $3. Replacing an incandescent or halogen downlights with a CFL globe can save up to 80% on running costs, with a saving of around $10 each year on electricity bills.

CFL globes also last up to 10 times longer than an incandescent globe. Savings of around $400 per year can be achieved by using 10 energy efficient lights instead of 40 halogen downlights.

CFL globes also do not generate heat into the roof space and living area.

Guideline

A guideline is available to assist with understanding how the sustainable housing requirements, including 5-star housing, outdoor living areas and energy efficient lighting, apply to new houses, townhouses and units. It also provides information on how these requirements apply to alterations or additions to existing dwellings, such as extensions, renovations or relocations.

Fact sheet 

ClimateSmart Home Service energy efficient globes (CFLs)

The ClimateSmart Home Service will provide you with up to 15 free energy efficient light globes (compact fluorescent light globes—CFL) as part of this service.

Replacing your incandescent globes with CFLs can make a noticeable difference to energy consumption in your household.

Visit the ClimateSmart Home Service website.