IES Seed Money Grant To Study CFL Use »
Student Lighting Design Education Grant 2010 »
Learning to See, A Matter of Light »
The Incandescent Light Bulb Ban
Just Say No!
The Energy Independence and Security Act will effectively phase out incandescent light bulbs by 2012 - 2014 in favor of compact fluorescent lamps, or CFLs. In my nearly 60 years of lighting design practice, I have never encountered such DOE irresponsibility. While I have worked on numerous innovative lighting concepts and energy initiatives throughout my career, this light fight by far, is the most significant.
The DOE incandescent light ban does not address important health and environmental concerns that warrant much deeper investigation and resolution. In addition, there are too many unknowns relative to actual energy conservation and aesthetics of CFLs compared to incandescent lights. Further study is crucial before the government's irresponsible CFL mandate be imposed. Below is a list of concerns that represent a fraction of potential problems.
CFL Concerns
Electro-Magnetic Fields (EMF) – With CFLs in virtually every American household, there will be constant long term
exposure to EMFs. Not enough is known about the health consequences of continuous exposure, even at low intensities.
With a grant made possible by the IES, I have organized a team of recognized physicians and researchers to study these concerns.
Disposal/Recycling – CFLs contain mercury and warrant safe clean up when broken, as well as proper disposal/recycling. There is no Federal method for this process. Most CFLs will end up in landfills. Fact: 1 gram of mercury will pollute a 2 acre pond.
Plastic Packaging – Most CFLs are packaged in plastic creating further environmental issues.
Existing Fixtures Won't Work – Most recessed lighting fixtures will have to be replaced or eliminated to work with CFLs. There is no plan for disposal.
Dimmer Problems – All dimmers made to control dimmable CFLs do not work with all CFLs that are labeled to be dimmable. Lamps and dimmers must be matched - a nearly impossible task. Most existing dimmer installations will have to be replaced.
CFL lamp life claims are based on a mathematical premise, not on actual use. A survey with research based on actual use is necessary.
Quality of Light – All CFLs are spectrally deficient when it comes to properly rendering most skin tones. Since this light will serve people in all aspects of life, naturally this is a concern.
Where to Go From Here
The CFL is a useful product when properly applied. However, banning the incandescent light is not the simple answer,
particularly given that there are many unknowns about CFLs to study and address.
Read about public opposition and some of the concerns at wikipedia.org and read my editorial published in The Wall Street Journal in August.
My concerns have also been covered by Fox News, five radio shows, numerous journals, and an interview with the NY Times Green Blog, A Defense of the Incandescent Light Bulb.
Many other papers have been published documenting the problems with the DOE's mandate. See Saving the Lamp References (.pdf).
Banning the Incandescent Light is a Declaration of War
This light fight requires more than a few concerned voices. It calls for industry leaders, lighting professionals, and
consumers to actively join in to JUST SAY NO to the incandescent light ban.
The CFL switch has already begun. Now is not the time to stockpile incandescent lights. Instead, now is the time to act by calling upon our legislators to bring a halt to the DOE's efforts to ban the incandescent light.
IES Seed Money Grant To Study CFL Use
In January, I received a grant from the IES to study the implications of the wide-spread use of CFLs. I assembled a first-class team of medical doctors and researchers to assist me and we are moving quickly with our research. Our survey should be completed in mid-March. The study entails:
- • A literature search of the health hazards post by Electro-magnetic Fields
- • Measurements of the fields generated by CFLs
- • Measurements of EMF's at installations
- • Creation of a detailed list of potential problems stemming from installed CFL usage
- • An analysis of actual installation system efficiencies – CFL vs. Incandescent
- • An illustration of dimmer induced SPD shifts with CFLs. Illustrated with SPDs.
The Howard Brandston Student Lighting Design Education Grant 2010
Established as an annual education grant in 1981, its purpose is to foster good lighting and to advance the appreciation of lighting as an art. It encourages and recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional professional promise through the presentation of an original and ingenious solution to a supplied design problem.
The deadline is May 1 and project drawings and application form are available at www.ies.org.
Learning to See, A Matter of Light
The time had come for me to write a book, not for myself but because no book exists today that truly covers the art of lighting design in the context of life. Nor do existing books on lighting design talk about light and lighting in an accessible language – for the folks that use the light. All people should be given the opportunity to understand light and its application, lighting. The following sneak preview/critique probably provides the best overall description:
"Howard Brandston has written a book that meets all the criteria for one that you won’t want to put down. It is filled with interesting information in a “oh, that’s why that happens” way. It is entertaining but not frivolous. It forces critical thinking but is easy to digest. It teaches but without being condescending. It is sophisticated but not intimidating.
He has also shared with us a remarkable career, filled with important responsibilities. For those of us who have always taken it for granted, Howard has put light in a whole new light."
Numerous positive reviews have been published worldwide, and I am honored. Purchasing the book is easy online through Amazon or by visiting www.iesna.org/store.
"Howard Brandston's career achievements that span more than a half-century are a testimony to his preeminent leadership role in the lighting profession. The slim volume covers the art of lighting design as Brandston sees it in the context of light. He intermixes philosophy with the use of light in the built environment and its impact on human perception." Mondo, October/November, Vilma Barr
"This is a gem of a book. For the design beginner it sets the approach to discovery. For the lighting professional it gives insights that can inspire creativity. The teacher will find useful methods for involving students in lighting concepts. The interested person will gain a higher understanding of how light affects the quality of our lives." LD & A, October 2008, Philip Gabriel
"A love letter to the lighting profession might be the best way to describe Howard Brandston's 138 page volume. An engaging read. Part lighting primer and part general advice. Brandston combines knowledge with experience and science with emotion. Learning to See as a lighting text is as unique as its author." Architectural Lighting Magazine, July/August 2008