The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) provides acquisition guidance for light bulbs, a product category covered by ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements. Federal laws and requirements mandate that agencies purchase ENERGY STAR-qualified products or FEMP-designated products in all product categories covered by these programs and in any acquisition actions that are not specifically exempted by law.

FEMP's acquisition guidance and associated ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements for light bulbs are technology neutral, meaning that one technology is not favored over another. However, ENERGY STAR's product specification requirements are limited to the following lamp shapes:

  • Omnidirectional lamps (ANSI standard shapes A, BT, P, PS, S, and T)
  • Decorative lamps (ANSI standard shapes B, BA, C, CA, DC, F, G, and ST)
  • Directional lamps (ANSI standard shapes R, BR, ER, MR, MRX, and PAR)
  • Self-ballasted nonstandard form compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) (bare spiral and mini spiral; bare twin tube, triple tube and quadruple tube; covered and covered with reflector; and induction-driven electrodeless fluorescent lamp).

In addition, these lamps must have integrated ballasts or drivers and be able to connect to the electric power grid with ANSI standard base types E26, E26d, E17, E11, E12, GU24, GU5, or GX5.3. They must also have rated nominal operating voltages of 120, 240 or 277 VAC, or 12 or 24 VAC or VDC. All other lamp types are excluded.

On March 13, 2023, EPA announced final ENERGY STAR lighting sunset plans, effective December 31, 2024. For more information, visit the ENERGY STAR lighting sunset web page.

This acquisition guidance was updated in June 2023.

Find Product Efficiency Requirements

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides light bulb efficiency levels and product specification information on its ENERGY STAR website. Manufacturers meeting these requirements are allowed to display the ENERGY STAR label on complying models. Get a list of ENERGY STAR certified light bulbs.

Did you know?

Light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs last substantially longer than incandescent light bulbs, reducing labor costs of replacing light bulbs.

Make a Cost-Effective Purchase: Save $14 or More by Buying ENERGY STAR

FEMP has calculated that the required ENERGY STAR-qualified light bulb saves money if priced no more than $14 (in 2022 dollars) above the less efficient model. The best available model saves up to $26. Table 1 compares three types of product purchases and calculates the lifetime cost savings of purchasing efficient models. Federal purchasers can assume products that meet ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements are life cycle cost-effective.

Table 1. Lifetime Savings for Efficient Omni Directional Light Bulb Models
Performance Best Available ENERGY STAR Less Efficient
Light Output (lumen) 800 800 800
Input Power (watt) 5.5 11 18
Annual Energy Use (kWh) 21.45 43 70
Annual Energy Cost $2.12 $4.25 $6.95
Lifetime Energy Cost $11.60 $23.19 $37.95
Lifetime Cost Savings $26.35 $14.76 ======

 

Performance Column

Lumen Output: Shown in lumens.

Input Power: A measure of power input to the light bulb, shown in watts.

Annual Energy Use: Based on the test methods referenced in 10 CFR 430, Subpart B, Appendix BB (integrated LED lamps); IES LM-79-08 (non-integrated LED lamps); or 10 CFR 430, Subpart B, Appendix R (general service lamps).

Annual Energy Cost: Calculated based on an assumed electricity price of $0.099/kWh, which is the average electricity price at federal facilities. Learn more about Federal Government Energy/Water Use and Emissions.

Lifetime Energy Cost: Calculated as the sum of the discounted value of the annual energy cost and assumed product life of 6.4 years based on 10.7 daily operating hours, from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory's Impact of the EISA 2007 Energy Efficiency Standard on General Service Lamps, and a rated lifetime of 25,000 hours, based on the minimum rated lifetime from ENERGY STAR specifications. Future electricity price trends and a 3% discount rate are from Energy Price Indices and Discount Factors for Life-Cycle Cost Analysis – 2022: Annual Supplement to NIST Handbook 135 (NISTIR 85-3273-37 – Update 1).

Lifetime Cost Savings: The difference between the lifetime energy cost of the less efficient model and the lifetime energy cost of the ENERGY STAR model or best available model.

Best Available Model Column

Calculated based on the June 2023 ENERGY STAR-Qualified Products List. More efficient models may be introduced to the market after FEMP's acquisition guidance is posted.

ENERGY STAR Model Column

Calculated based on June 2023 ENERGY STAR efficiency levels. Federal agencies must purchase products that meet or exceed ENERGY STAR efficiency levels.

Less Efficient Model Column

Calculated based on typical products used in non-federal applications.

There are additional cost savings associated with efficient light bulbs due to their long average tested lives. Because they last much longer, the labor cost of replacing burnt out light bulbs is much less with efficient lamps. Table 1 does not include labor savings, or the additional cost of more frequent ordering and stocking of incandescent light bulbs, in the savings estimate.

Determine When ENERGY STAR Products Are Cost-Effective

An efficient product is cost-effective when the lifetime energy savings (from avoided energy costs over the life of the product, discounted to present value) exceed the additional up-front cost (if any) compared to a less efficient option. ENERGY STAR considers up-front costs and lifetime energy savings when setting required efficiency levels. Federal purchasers can assume ENERGY STAR-qualified products are life cycle cost-effective. In high-use applications or when energy rates are above the federal average, purchasers may save more if they specify products that exceed ENERGY STAR’s efficiency requirements (e.g., the best available model).

Claim an Exception to Federal Purchasing Requirements

Products meeting ENERGY STAR or FEMP-designated efficiency requirements may not be life cycle cost-effective in certain low-use applications or in locations with very low rates for electricity or natural gas. However, for most applications, purchasers will find that energy-efficient products have the lowest life cycle cost.

Agencies may claim an exception to federal purchasing requirements through a written finding that no ENERGY STAR-qualified or FEMP-designated product is available to meet functional requirements, or that no such product is life cycle cost-effective for the specific application. Get additional information on federal product purchasing requirements.

Incorporate Federal Acquisition Regulation Language in Contracts

These mandatory requirements apply to all forms of procurement, including construction guide and project specifications; renovation, repair, energy service, and operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts; lease agreements; acquisitions made using purchase cards; and solicitations for offers. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 23.206 requires agencies to insert the clause at FAR section 52.223-15 into contracts and solicitations that deliver, acquire, furnish, or specify energy-consuming products for use in federal government facilities. To comply with FAR requirements, FEMP recommends that agencies incorporate efficiency and energy performance requirements into technical specifications, the evaluation criteria of solicitations, and the evaluations of solicitation responses.

Requirements to purchase energy-efficient products can sometimes be perceived as in conflict with other acquisition requirements, including Buy American, Small Business, or other set-asides. These requirements are not mutually exclusive. If you run into problems trying to meet multiple procurement requirements, please reach out to FEMP for assistance.

Find Federal Supply Sources

The federal supply sources for energy-efficient products are the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). GSA sells products through its Multiple Awards Schedules program and online shopping network, GSA Advantage!. DLA offers products through the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia and online through FedMall (formerly DOD EMALL). Products sold through DLA are codified with 13-digit National Stock Numbers and, in some cases, a two-letter Environmental Attribute Code (ENAC). The ENAC identifies items that have positive environmental characteristics and meet standards set by an approved third party, such as FEMP.

The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) is a worldwide classification system for e‑commerce. It contains more than 50,000 commodities, including many used in the federal sector, each with a unique eight-digit, four-level identification code. Manufacturers and vendors are beginning to adopt the UNSPSC classification convention, and electronic procurement systems are beginning to include UNSPSC tracking in their software packages. UNSPSCs can help the federal acquisition community identify product categories covered by sustainable acquisition requirements, track purchases of products within those categories, and report on progress toward meeting sustainable acquisition goals. FEMP has developed a table of ENERGY STAR and FEMP-designated covered product categories and related UNSPSC codes.

Light Bulb Schedules and Product Codes

GSA offers light bulbs through the Multiple Award Schedule.

The DLA ENAC for CFL models is "LQ." For light emitting diode (LED) models the ENAC is "DF."

The UNSPSC for CFLs is 39101619. The UNSPSC for LEDs is 39101628.

Buyer Tips: Make Informed Product Purchases

When comparing different types of light bulbs it is important to consider lumens, which are a measure of the total amount of visible light emitted by a source. For years incandescent light bulbs dominated the market for screw-in light bulbs and were sold based on wattage, which is a measure of power input. As shown in Table 2, ENERGY STAR-qualified products need substantially less power to produce lumens equivalent to incandescent light bulbs. Buyers can use this table as a guide when replacing standard incandescent light bulbs at the wattages shown with more efficient LEDs.

Table 2. Comparison of Lumen Output and Power Inputs
Light Output Power Requirements
Incandescent LED
450 lumens 40 watts 4.5 to 7 watts
800 lumens 60 watts 5.9 to 10.5 watts
1,100 lumens 75 watts 9.5 to 14 watts
1,600 lumens 100 watts 10.5 to 18 watts

 

LEDs: Power requirements are for A type, general purpose replacement products with E26 (medium) bases, pulled from ENERGY STAR's List of Certified Light Bulbs.

Note: The ENERGY STAR database contains only one CFL, which has a lumen output of 2,640 lumens and a wattage of 150 watts.

Correlated Color Temperature

The color of light produced by artificial sources varies from a yellowish (i.e., warm) white to a bluish (i.e., cool) white. This color has an effect on the appearance or mood of the spaces in which artificial light sources are used. Correlated color temperature (CCT) is a specification of the color appearance of the light emitted by a lamp, relating its color to the color of light from a reference source when heated to a particular temperature, measured in degrees Kelvin (K). The Lighting Research Center offers more information about CCT. Common CCTs and their effects are shown in Table 3.

Table 3. Typical Correlated Color Temperatures of Light Bulbs
Color Temperature Kelvin Mood and Effect Applications
Warm 2,700 Friendly, personal Homes, libraries, restaurants
Soft 3,000 Warm, pleasing Homes, lobbies, restaurants
Neutral 3,500 Friendly, inviting Executive offices, reception areas
Cool 4,100 Neat, clean, efficient Offices, classrooms, showrooms

Lightopedia.com offers more information about the characteristics of light. Most incandescent lamps produce warm light with color temperatures around 2,700 K, which compliments the wood finishes, furniture, and fabrics used in homes. In offices, fluorescent lamps that produce a cool, clean light with a CCT around 4,100 K are the dominant source of illumination.

When changing light sources, make sure to buy products with similar CCTs as what was previously used. Radically changing the CCT (e.g., from 2,700 K to 4,100 K) is noticeable and can result in occupant dissatisfaction.

Color Rendering Index

How the color of an object is perceived varies by light source. To indicate this, light sources are rated on a 0- to 100-point scale on their accuracy with rendering different colors in comparison to an ideal or natural light source. Color rendering index (CRI) is considered a measure of light quality with a higher value indicating a better light source. ENERGY STAR-qualified light bulbs must have a CRI of 80 or greater. The Lighting Research Center offers more information about CRI.

Type of Fixture

Fully enclosed fixtures trap heat and increase temperatures in which lamps operate. This heat build-up can impact the performance and life expectancy of certain LED products. When purchasing lamps for use in fully enclosed fixtures, check the packaging or technical specifications to verify they can be used in this application.

Dimming

If the lighting application requires lamps that can be dimmed, check the product packaging or specification to make sure the products being considered have this capacity. In general, LEDs have better dimming performance than CFLs. However, it is important to make sure LEDs are compatible with the dimming system.

Lighting Facts Label

The packaging for medium screw-base light bulbs must contain the Lighting Facts label, which was established in January 2012 by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This label includes information on brightness (i.e., lumens), energy cost, life expectancy, light appearance (i.e., CCT), wattage, and mercury content. The FTC can help consumers choose the right bulb for their lighting needs.

In addition, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsors a voluntary labeling program for solid-state lighting products called LED Lighting Facts. This program showcases LED products for general illumination from manufacturers that commit to testing products in accordance with industry standards and reporting the results on the label. Many of the buyer tips mentioned above are addressed on the LED Lighting Facts label, making it easier for buyers to find the information they need. Unlike the FTC's Lighting Facts label, the information contained on the DOE label is based on testing and not manufacturer’s claims.

Lamp Shape

Due to the integrated ballasts or drivers, LED lamps typically are bigger than incandescent light bulbs, especially near the base. Because of this, some LEDs will not fit into smaller fixtures.

Hard to Reach Fixtures

Energy-efficient light bulbs typically last much longer than the products they replace, making them ideal for use in hard to reach fixtures. Facilities personnel must use ladders to replace burnt-out light bulbs in these fixtures, adding to the labor cost of this minor maintenance procedure. ENERGY STAR-qualified lamps are required to last 10,000 hours or more, resulting in fewer replacements and additional savings on labor costs.

A preferred option is to replace the entire fixture with one of ENERGY STAR's eligible commercial fixture types. These fixtures are designed to accept only energy-efficient lamps (e.g., LEDs), thus preventing incandescent light bulbs from being installed by mistake.

Many states and electric utilities offer rebates or other incentives for the purchase of ENERGY STAR-qualified products. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to see if your local utility offers these incentives. FEMP's Energy Incentive Program helps federal agencies take advantage of these incentives by providing information about the funding-program opportunities available in each state.

User Tips: Use Products More Efficiently

When used and handled properly, energy-efficient light bulbs provide years of safe and effective service. Federal users should be aware of the following user tips.

Lighting Controls

As with all lamps, additional energy can be saved through the use of automatic lighting controls. The lights in unoccupied areas should be turned off, and controls can perform this function more reliably than occupants. There are many control options, including wireless, to choose from. Get more information about Lighting Controls from DOE's Energy Saver website.

 

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provided supporting analysis for this acquisition guidance.