Beatrice Lang
Lighting accounts for a significant proportion of electricity usage, with the average percentage varying based on factors such as the type of building, lighting technology used, and energy efficiency. In 2020, lighting accounted for about 6% of electricity consumption in US homes, while in commercial buildings, it can reach up to 40%. The type of lighting technology plays a crucial role, with LED lights being significantly more energy-efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, using up to 90% less energy. As a result, many countries are phasing out older lighting technologies and transitioning towards more sustainable options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Percentage of electricity usage for lighting in U.S. homes in 2020 | 6% (81 billion kilowatthours [kWh]) |
| Percentage of electricity usage for lighting in U.S. commercial buildings in 2018 | 17% (208 billion kWh) |
| Percentage of electricity usage for lighting in U.S. manufacturing facilities in 2018 | 6% (53 billion kWh) |
| Percentage of electricity usage for lighting in U.S. homes in 2015 | 10% |
| Average percentage of energy consumption for lighting in commercial buildings | 25-40% |
| Percentage of energy consumption for lighting in office buildings | Up to 40% |
| Percentage of energy consumption for lighting in retail stores | Up to 80% |
| Percentage of energy consumption for lighting saved by using LEDs instead of incandescent bulbs | 90% |
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What You'll Learn
Commercial buildings lighting consumption
Lighting accounts for about 17% (208 billion kWh) of electricity consumption in US commercial buildings, according to the most recent Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) in 2018. This makes it the largest end use of electricity besides the "Other" category, which includes miscellaneous electric loads (MELs), process equipment, motors, and air compressors.
The CBECS report reviews trends in commercial lighting and includes specific questions on the types of lighting equipment used, the amount of floor space with lighting per building, and the percentage of lit floor space by type of equipment. The report also considers building characteristics and energy consumption data.
Commercial buildings account for an estimated 18% of total US energy consumption, costing around $190 billion annually. Lighting is one area where improvements in energy efficiency are often sought, and the advent of new lighting technologies and changes to lighting efficiency standards have contributed to reductions in the percentage of electricity used by commercial buildings for lighting. For example, LED lighting uses up to 90% less energy and lasts up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs.
Some commercial buildings that consume a lot of energy include convenience stores, grocery stores, and food sales buildings, with the latter having the largest proportion of energy used towards refrigeration. Inpatient healthcare facilities are also among the most energy-intensive commercial buildings, with high energy consumption for heating, ventilation, lighting, and running medical equipment.
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Energy-efficient lighting
Lighting accounts for around 6% of total electricity consumption in US manufacturing facilities, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). The EIA's Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) found that lighting accounted for about 6% of electricity consumption in US homes in 2020, while the Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) showed that lighting accounted for about 17% of electricity use in commercial buildings in 2018.
With the cost-of-living crisis and growing concerns over sustainability, energy-efficient lighting is becoming an increasingly popular choice. One of the easiest ways to make your home more eco-friendly is to switch to energy-efficient light bulbs. By using LED lighting, the average household can save around $225 in energy costs per year. LEDs are today's most energy-efficient lighting technology, using up to 90% less energy and lasting up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. They are available in many product types, including replacements for 40W, 60W, 75W, and 100W incandescent bulbs, reflector bulbs, track lights, task lighting, undercabinet lighting, and outdoor area lights. LEDs come in a variety of colours, and some bulbs can be tuned to different colours or hues of white light. Some are dimmable and offer features such as daylight and motion sensors.
To ensure you are purchasing energy-efficient bulbs, look for the ENERGY STAR label. This certification is given by accredited labs to bulbs that meet strict quality and efficiency standards. These bulbs are designed to deliver the same amount of light while using less energy, and therefore saving you money.
In addition to switching to energy-efficient bulbs, you can also use controls such as timers and dimmers to save electricity. Timers automatically turn lights off when not in use, and dimmers can be used to lower light levels.
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Lighting electricity consumption by country
While I can provide information on electricity consumption by country, there is limited information on lighting electricity consumption by country.
According to the US Energy Information Administration's (EIA) Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), lighting accounted for about 6% (81 billion kilowatt-hours) of electricity consumption in US homes in 2020. The EIA's Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey (CBECS) found that lighting accounted for about 17% (208 billion kWh) of electricity consumption by US commercial buildings in 2018. The Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey (MECS) showed that lighting accounted for about 6% (53 billion kWh) of total electricity use at US manufacturing facilities in 2018. However, the EIA does not provide an estimate of electricity use for public street and highway lighting.
In terms of overall electricity consumption, China is the world's largest consumer, accounting for 31% of global energy consumption in 2023 and using over 8.539 trillion kWh of energy annually. The US is the second-largest consumer, using about 4.128 trillion kWh of electricity annually. India, Russia, and Japan are also among the top five consumers of electricity, with India's consumption expected to increase significantly by 2030.
While specific data on lighting electricity consumption by country is limited, it is worth noting that lighting accounts for around 15% of an average home's electricity use. This highlights the potential for energy savings through the adoption of energy-efficient lighting, such as LED technology, which can significantly reduce energy consumption and costs.
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Lighting technology
Lighting accounts for a significant proportion of electricity usage, with estimates ranging from 6% to 17% for residential areas and up to 40% for commercial buildings. The percentage varies depending on factors such as the type of building, the lighting technology used, and the energy efficiency of the lighting systems. For example, in an office building, lighting can account for up to 40% of total electricity consumption, while in a retail store, it can account for up to 80%.
To reduce energy consumption and costs associated with lighting, many countries are transitioning to more energy-efficient lighting technologies, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs). LEDs are a type of solid-state lighting that uses semiconductors to convert electricity into light. They are known for their energy efficiency, using up to 90% less energy and lasting up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. LEDs are available in a variety of colours and product types, including replacements for traditional incandescent bulbs, reflector bulbs, track lights, task lighting, and outdoor area lights. Some LEDs also offer features such as daylight and motion sensors, timers, and dimmers, which can further help reduce electricity consumption.
The transition to LED lighting is being facilitated by organisations and initiatives that promote international collaboration on energy-efficient electrical appliances. For example, the International Energy Agency (IEA) has introduced standards and regulations to phase out less efficient lighting technologies, such as incandescent lamps and fluorescent lighting. The IEA's Energy-Efficient End-use Equipment (4E) programme is a technology collaboration programme that shares information and best practices to support policy development in this area. Additionally, the 4E Solid State Lighting (SSL) Annex is a joint initiative of seven countries working to address challenges with SSL technologies and improve their performance and quality.
To stay on track with net-zero emissions targets, there is a continued focus on increasing the adoption of LED lighting and improving its efficacy and quality. By 2025, it is expected that all lighting sales will be LED technology, with higher efficacy levels targeted for 2030. This transition to more efficient lighting technologies is crucial not only for reducing energy consumption but also for reducing carbon emissions associated with lighting, contributing to global efforts to transition to cleaner and more sustainable sources of energy.
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Lighting regulations
Lighting accounts for a significant proportion of electricity usage, with commercial buildings consuming about 17% of electricity for lighting in 2018, and homes using about 6% in 2020. To promote energy efficiency and reduce energy costs, lighting regulations have been established, particularly for workplaces.
In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has implemented lighting standards to ensure safety, enhance productivity, and maintain quality in the workplace. OSHA's lighting regulations cover various aspects, from recommended lighting levels to light cover requirements. For instance, OSHA 1926 Subpart D outlines construction area lighting standards, emphasizing the appropriate illumination to reduce eye strain when working with computer monitors. OSHA 1915 Subpart F focuses on illumination requirements for shipyards, while OSHA 1910 Illumination Standards detail the examination, installation, and use of electrical equipment, as well as emergency planning.
To ensure compliance with OSHA lighting regulations, companies should conduct regular inspections of lighting fixtures and use light or lux meters to measure illumination levels. Adequate lighting not only improves productivity by creating a comfortable work environment but also enhances safety and maintains a good reputation for the company.
In terms of energy-efficient lighting choices, the Department of Energy recommends LED lighting, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional incandescent bulbs. LEDs are available in various colors and product types, including replacements for traditional incandescent bulbs, reflector bulbs, and outdoor area lights. Additionally, CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps) and halogen incandescents are also energy-efficient alternatives that meet current lighting standards. These standards, phased in from 2012 to 2014, require bulbs to use about 25% less energy without banning any specific bulb type.
By adhering to lighting regulations and adopting energy-efficient lighting technologies, businesses and households can contribute to energy conservation and reduce their electricity costs.
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Frequently asked questions
According to the US Energy Information Administration, lighting accounted for about 6% (81 billion kilowatthours) of electricity consumption in US homes in 2020. In 2015, lighting accounted for about 10% of electricity consumption in US homes.
The average percentage of energy consumption for lighting in commercial buildings is estimated to be between 25-40% of total energy consumption. This varies depending on factors such as the type of building, the type of lighting technology used, and the level of energy efficiency.
You can switch to energy-efficient lighting, such as LED bulbs, which use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. You can also use controls such as timers and dimmers to save electricity by automatically turning off lights when they're not in use or lowering light levels.
