Over the past week, groups of Kansas University student volunteers have been venturing into offices across campus to switch old incandescent light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights. The measure is one way KU hopes to cut down on its energy usage.
A study by Energy Solutions Professionals found that nearly 17 percent of the school’s energy usage came from things plugged into walls, such as printers, computers, coffee makers and desk lamps.
And, while KU has replaced its overhead lights to be more energy efficient, many of the desk lamps and floor lamps found in staff and faculty offices still use the incandescent light bulbs.
To help begin the switch to CFLs, Energy Solutions Professionals provided 150 CFLs that will replace the more energy inefficient lights in Bailey Hall, Snow Hall, Marvin Hall, Carruth O’Leary Hall and Lindley Hall.
Tagged: Kansas University, Center for Sustainability, CFLs
Comments
paul85 (anonymous) says…
CFLs are not all they are cracked up to be. I've had two in my household start smoking and one of those burst into flames. Easily could have burned the house down. The bulbs I buy are rated for 5 years also iirc. Many of them go bad within a year.
CFL's are more expensive than regular bulbs and don't have all the benefits regular bulbs have. They can't handle heat (as in they are not good in the fixtures over your bathroom sink), and don't just blow, but smoke and can melt and burst into flames.
IMHO, skip CFL bulbs and wait for soft LEDs to mature.
KS (anonymous) says…
Has KU spent the necessary money that will be required for proper disposal of these bulbs? Compare the total cost, (PLEASE)! Is there a HAZMAT program in place to use when one is broken on campus? Is KU going to make Chinese a required lanuage course? China is the ONLY place these bulbs are made. Hummmm!
Cappy (anonymous) says…
As I understand, KU already recycles CFL's as well as conventional fluorescent lamps. No, you don't need a HAZMAT team for a broken CFL anymore than for a straight fluorescent tube or for eating a can of tuna for that matter. You can look up simple instructions for dealing with a broken CFL. Yes, most CFL's are made in China (not ALL), but then so is a lot of your American made car, consumer electronics, and just about anything you buy at Wal-Mart.
KS (anonymous) replies…
Cappy, how can an American made car be made in China? Yes, I agree that many products are made in China, but two wrongs don't make a right! FYI, I avoid Wal-Mart at every opportunity. I prefer to patronize locally owned companies, wherever possible. I simply do not like CFL's and as long as I am paying for the electric bill, it should be my business what type or size of bulb I use. I don't think the government has any right to tell me what I use. The same can be said about other products.
Cappy (anonymous) replies…
"American-made" only means assembled in America. Usually from parts made in China, Mexico, Korea, anywhere else, but less and less in America.
KUweatherman (Curtis Lange) says…
I had been a CFL skeptic for awhile, mainly due to their higher price. However, I'm sold on them now. The house we currently live in has CFLs installed throughout and we've lived here over a year...not a single bulb has needed replaced.
jhawks1510 (anonymous) says…
I'm all about saving money, but remember how much better incandescent bulbs are for your eyes to read by. The light is much more natural. Even though, what, about 80% of energy put into an incandesent is turned into heat, I still much rather have them to read by. And they do need to be recycled unlike incandescent bulbs. And as for replacements, I have not seen an appreciable difference in lifespans of incandescents vs. CFLs as I have had to replace both over time at about the same rate.
jamoca (anonymous) replies…
Excellent points. You should be able to have a choice. More choices = more freedom. I have no problem if people prefer the CFL's. Just don't shove them down our throats!!!!!!
LogicMan (anonymous) says…
"many of the desk lamps and floor lamps found in staff and faculty offices"
In the private offices? I'd guess many of these fixtures are private property, including the bulbs. When so, did they get permission first from the property owners? Otherwise, they may have crossed the legal no-no line and need to return the bulbs or get retroactive permission.