EPA updates Energy Star standards for light fixtures

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) this week updated its Energy Star standards for light fixtures. Beginning Oct. 1, light fixtures must be 30 percent more efficient than currently qualified fluorescent-based light fixtures to qualify. By 2013, all light fixtures must increase efficiency 40 percent over the current standards.

All light fixtures will still need to meet the Energy Star requirements for quick start-up, light output and reduced toxins. EPA expects a variety of fixtures, including LED and fluorescent lights, to qualify under the new standards.