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[[File:360px-Hitachi,_LED_light_bulb,_LDA15D-G,_E26_cap,.jpg|400px|framed|Figure 1. LED light bulbs are some of the most energy efficient light bulbs available and can reduce energy costs.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (May 27, 2015). ''Hitachi LED light bulb'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hitachi,_LED_light_bulb,_LDA15D-G,_E26_cap,.jpg</ref>]]
[[File:360px-Hitachi,_LED_light_bulb,_LDA15D-G,_E26_cap,.jpg|400px|framed|Figure 1. LED light bulbs are some of the most energy efficient light bulbs available and can reduce energy costs.<ref>Wikimedia Commons. (May 27, 2015). ''Hitachi LED light bulb'' [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hitachi,_LED_light_bulb,_LDA15D-G,_E26_cap,.jpg</ref>]]
<onlyinclude>'''Lighting''' is a general term that refers to the process of illuminating a home, workplace, or street to make it livable through different technologies such as [[light bulb]]s, [[kerosene lantern]]s, [[charcoal]] burners, or through [[daylighting]].</onlyinclude> Lighting spaces uses a significant amount of [[energy]] and can release a large amount of [[emission]]s, but the amount of light that can be obtained for a certain amount of energy varies depending on the fuel used. For example, LED bulbs are ''far'' more efficient than [[combustion|burning]] [[biomass]] for [[light]].
<onlyinclude>'''Lighting''' is a general term that refers to the process of illuminating a home, workplace, or street to make it livable. Different technologies are used, such as [[light bulb]]s, [[kerosene lantern]]s, [[charcoal]] burners, or through [[daylighting]].</onlyinclude> Lighting spaces uses a significant amount of [[energy]] and can release a large amount of [[emission]]s, but the amount of light that can be obtained for a certain amount of energy varies depending on the fuel used. For example, LED bulbs are ''far'' more efficient than [[combustion|burning]] [[biomass]] for [[light]] (see Figure 1).  


==Lighting and Energy Use==
==Lighting and Energy Use==
Residential lighting uses a significant amount of [[energy]]. In Canada in 2010, 4% of [[residential energy use]] was connected to lighting.<ref name=NRCAN1>Natural Resources Canada. (May 27, 2015). ''Lighting'' [Online]. Available: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/lighting/13730</ref> Although the use of lights cannot be completely cut out, as it is necessary for comfort and functionality, it can be reduced. Lighting costs can be reduced by:<ref name=NRCAN1/>
Residential lighting uses a significant amount of [[energy]]. In Canada, during 2019, 3.5% of [[residential energy use]] was connected to lighting.<ref>Natural Resources Canada (2026). (Accessed July 29, 2026). ''Lighting'' [Online]. Available: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-star/products/list-certified-products/lighting</ref> Although the use of lights cannot be completely cut out, as it is necessary for comfort and functionality, it can be reduced. Lighting costs can be reduced by:<ref name="NRCAN1">Natural Resources Canada. (May 27, 2015). ''Lighting'' [Online]. Available: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/lighting/13730</ref>


* Using natural lighting when possible
* Using natural lighting when possible
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* Designing and using lighting with energy efficiency considerations
* Designing and using lighting with energy efficiency considerations


The appropriate measure for lighting is [[lumen]]s rather than [[watt]]s. Whereas watts indicate the amount of [[power]] used by the bulb, lumens represent the amount of light provided by the bulb.<ref name=NRCAN1/> Comparing wattage can be misleading, as bulbs that use less energy may still provide the same amount of light (in lumens). Using lumens to compare bulbs allows for more direct comparisons of light quantity.
The appropriate measure for lighting is [[lumen|''lumens'']] rather than [[watt]]s. Watts indicate the amount of [[power]] used by the bulb, whereas lumens represent the amount of light provided by the bulb.<ref name=NRCAN1/> Comparing wattage can be misleading, as bulbs that use less energy may still provide the same amount of light (in lumens). Using lumens to compare bulbs allows for more direct comparisons of light quantity.


For more information about the efficiency of different light bulbs, see National Resources Canada's page [https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/lighting/bulbs/13918 here] or [[light bulb|this page]].
For more information about the efficiency of different light bulbs, see National Resources Canada's page [https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-star/products/list-certified-products/lighting here] or check out the [[light bulb]] page.


==Lighting in Underdeveloped Countries==
==Lighting in Underdeveloped Countries==
Limited [[access to electricity]] in [[developing countries]] often leads to lower quality lighting. It is estimated that around 1.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to [[electricity]] in their homes,<ref name="RE2">World Bank. (May 27, 2015). ''Energy Overview'' [Online]. Available: http://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/energy/overview#1</ref> many of these, approximately 95%, being people located in Africa and Asia.<ref name="RE3"> International Energy Agency. (May 27, 2015). ''Energy Poverty'' [Online]. Available: http://www.iea.org/topics/energypoverty/</ref> As well, most of the people who do not have access to electricity are part of the [[rural population]], with about 84% of people without access to electricity living in rural areas.<ref name="RE3"/> In addition to this, those who do not have access to electricity use other fuels for cooking and lighting. These fuels are less efficient, more [[pollution|polluting]], and provide a lower quality of light. The [[access to non-solid fuel]]s is important to improving lighting quality as solid fuels are some of the most polluting. In Figures 2 and 3 a comparison of the light provided from a kerosene lantern and an LED lamp are shown. It is clear that the [[kerosene]] lantern provides much poorer light which makes working, studying, and other tasks more difficult. As well, the [[incomplete combustion]] of [[fuel]]s such as charcoal and kerosene results in harmful and polluting smoke that poses a significant heath risk.<ref>The World Bank. (May 27, 2015). ''Tracking Access to Nonsolid Fuel for Cooking'' [Online]. Available: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2014/05/15/000333037_20140515114123/Rendered/PDF/880590BRI0know00Box385214B00PUBLIC0.pdf</ref> Using these fuels increases chances of death from pneumonia, stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and other ailments.<ref>The World Health Organization. (May 27, 2015). ''Household Air Pollution'' [Online]. Available: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs292/en/</ref>
Limited [[access to electricity]] in [[developing countries]] often leads to lower quality lighting. It is estimated that around 655 million people worldwide do not have access to [[electricity]] in their homes.<ref name="RE2">The World Bank (2026). (Accessed July 19, 2026). ''TRACKING SDG7: THE ENERGY PROGRESS REPORT 2026'' [Online]. Available: https://trackingsdg7.esmap.org/downloads</ref> 563 million being people located in Sub-Saharan Africa.<ref name="RE2" /> As well, most of the people who do not have access to electricity are part of the [[rural population]], about 79% of people without access to electricity live in rural areas.<ref name="RE2" />
<gallery mode=packed caption="Comparing Lighting Technologies" widths="350px" heights="197px" >
 
File:kerosenelampcomparative1.jpg|Figure 2. A man working by the light of a kerosene lantern. This type of lighting provides dim light that is not easy to work in. <ref name=pics>Lighting Africa (World Bank Group). (May 27, 2015). ''Lighting'' [Online]. Available: https://www.lightingafrica.org/about-us/</ref>
In addition to this, those who do not have access to electricity use other fuels for cooking and lighting. These fuels are ''less efficient'', ''more [[pollution|polluting]]'', and provide a ''lower quality of light''. The [[access to non-solid fuel]]s is key to improving lighting quality, as solid fuels are some of the most polluting. In Figures 2 and 3 below, a comparison of the light provided from a kerosene lantern versus an LED lamp is shown. It is clear that the [[kerosene]] lantern provides much poorer light which makes working, studying, and other tasks more difficult. As well, the [[incomplete combustion]] of [[fuel]]s such as charcoal and kerosene results in harmful and polluting smoke that poses a significant heath risk.<ref>The World Bank. (May 27, 2015). ''Tracking Access to Nonsolid Fuel for Cooking'' [Online]. Available: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2014/05/15/000333037_20140515114123/Rendered/PDF/880590BRI0know00Box385214B00PUBLIC0.pdf</ref> Using these fuels increases chances of death from pneumonia, stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and other ailments.<ref>The World Health Organization. (May 27, 2015). ''Household Air Pollution'' [Online]. Available: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs292/en/</ref>
File:kerosenelampcomparative2.jpg|Figure 3. The same room lit by an LED lamp, providing much more light. This makes work much easier.<ref name=pics/>
<gallery mode="packed" widths="350px" heights="197px" caption="Comparing Lighting Technologies">
File:kerosenelampcomparative1.jpg|Figure 2. A man working by the light of a kerosene lantern. This type of lighting provides dim light that is not easy to work in.<ref name="pics">Lighting Africa (World Bank Group). (May 27, 2015). ''Lighting'' [Online]. Available: https://www.lightingafrica.org/about-us/</ref>
File:kerosenelampcomparative2.jpg|Figure 3. The same room lit by an LED lamp, providing much more light. This makes work much easier.<ref name="pics" />
</gallery>
</gallery>
Access to lighting is important in ensuring a satisfactory [[quality of life]] for people and promoting economic development. Increased access to high quality light improves education, entertainment, health, comfort, protection, and productivity. In a study done in the Phillipines,<ref name = phil>'Rural Electrification and Development in the Philippines: Measuring the Social and Economic Benefits May 2002' by Joint UNDP/World Bank Energy Sector Management Assisstnce Programme (ESMAP) available online http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPSIA/Resources/490023-1120845825946/philippines_rural_electrification.pdf accessed: August 17th, 2017.</ref> it was determined that access to electricity provided families with improved education as children could study more easily after dark. As well, not having to collect fuels to burn saves time for people in the family, particularly the women. As well, increased access to electricity simplified household tasks and improved the productivity of home businesses. Overall, it was estimated that 1.82 years of education were added in electrified households and the monthly benefit was $10.33.<ref name=phil/>
Access to lighting is important in ensuring a satisfactory [[quality of life]] for people and promoting economic development. Increased access to high quality light improves education, entertainment, health, comfort, protection, and productivity. In a study done in the Philippines,<ref name="phil">'Rural Electrification and Development in the Philippines: Measuring the Social and Economic Benefits May 2002' by Joint UNDP/World Bank Energy Sector Management Assisstnce Programme (ESMAP) available online http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPSIA/Resources/490023-1120845825946/philippines_rural_electrification.pdf accessed: August 17th, 2017.</ref> it was determined that access to electricity provided families with improved education as children could study more easily after dark. As well, not having to collect the fuels to burn saves time for people in the family, particularly the women. As well, increased access to electricity simplified household tasks and improved the productivity of home businesses. Overall, it was estimated that 1.82 years of education were added in electrified households and the monthly benefit was $10.33.<ref name="phil" />
 
== For Further Reading ==
 
* [[Light]]
* [[Lumen]]
* [[Light bulb]]
* [[Access to electricity]]
* [[Quality of life]]
* Or explore a [[Special:Random|random page]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Uploaded]]
[[Category:Uploaded]]

Revision as of 05:55, 30 July 2026

Figure 1. LED light bulbs are some of the most energy efficient light bulbs available and can reduce energy costs.[1]

Lighting is a general term that refers to the process of illuminating a home, workplace, or street to make it livable. Different technologies are used, such as light bulbs, kerosene lanterns, charcoal burners, or through daylighting. Lighting spaces uses a significant amount of energy and can release a large amount of emissions, but the amount of light that can be obtained for a certain amount of energy varies depending on the fuel used. For example, LED bulbs are far more efficient than burning biomass for light (see Figure 1).

Lighting and Energy Use

Residential lighting uses a significant amount of energy. In Canada, during 2019, 3.5% of residential energy use was connected to lighting.[2] Although the use of lights cannot be completely cut out, as it is necessary for comfort and functionality, it can be reduced. Lighting costs can be reduced by:[3]

  • Using natural lighting when possible
  • Installing more efficient bulbs (halogen, compact fluorescent, and LED bulbs all have different efficiencies)[4]
  • Turning lights off when not in use
  • Using controls such as timers and motion sensors to ensure lights are not on when they are not needed
  • Designing and using lighting with energy efficiency considerations

The appropriate measure for lighting is lumens rather than watts. Watts indicate the amount of power used by the bulb, whereas lumens represent the amount of light provided by the bulb.[3] Comparing wattage can be misleading, as bulbs that use less energy may still provide the same amount of light (in lumens). Using lumens to compare bulbs allows for more direct comparisons of light quantity.

For more information about the efficiency of different light bulbs, see National Resources Canada's page here or check out the light bulb page.

Lighting in Underdeveloped Countries

Limited access to electricity in developing countries often leads to lower quality lighting. It is estimated that around 655 million people worldwide do not have access to electricity in their homes.[5] 563 million being people located in Sub-Saharan Africa.[5] As well, most of the people who do not have access to electricity are part of the rural population, about 79% of people without access to electricity live in rural areas.[5]

In addition to this, those who do not have access to electricity use other fuels for cooking and lighting. These fuels are less efficient, more polluting, and provide a lower quality of light. The access to non-solid fuels is key to improving lighting quality, as solid fuels are some of the most polluting. In Figures 2 and 3 below, a comparison of the light provided from a kerosene lantern versus an LED lamp is shown. It is clear that the kerosene lantern provides much poorer light which makes working, studying, and other tasks more difficult. As well, the incomplete combustion of fuels such as charcoal and kerosene results in harmful and polluting smoke that poses a significant heath risk.[6] Using these fuels increases chances of death from pneumonia, stroke, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, and other ailments.[7]

  • Comparing Lighting Technologies
  • Figure 2. A man working by the light of a kerosene lantern. This type of lighting provides dim light that is not easy to work in.[8]
    Figure 2. A man working by the light of a kerosene lantern. This type of lighting provides dim light that is not easy to work in.[8]
  • Figure 3. The same room lit by an LED lamp, providing much more light. This makes work much easier.[8]
    Figure 3. The same room lit by an LED lamp, providing much more light. This makes work much easier.[8]

Access to lighting is important in ensuring a satisfactory quality of life for people and promoting economic development. Increased access to high quality light improves education, entertainment, health, comfort, protection, and productivity. In a study done in the Philippines,[9] it was determined that access to electricity provided families with improved education as children could study more easily after dark. As well, not having to collect the fuels to burn saves time for people in the family, particularly the women. As well, increased access to electricity simplified household tasks and improved the productivity of home businesses. Overall, it was estimated that 1.82 years of education were added in electrified households and the monthly benefit was $10.33.[9]

For Further Reading

References

  1. ↑ Wikimedia Commons. (May 27, 2015). Hitachi LED light bulb [Online]. Available: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Hitachi,_LED_light_bulb,_LDA15D-G,_E26_cap,.jpg
  2. ↑ Natural Resources Canada (2026). (Accessed July 29, 2026). Lighting [Online]. Available: https://natural-resources.canada.ca/energy-efficiency/energy-star/products/list-certified-products/lighting
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 Natural Resources Canada. (May 27, 2015). Lighting [Online]. Available: https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/categories/lighting/13730
  4. ↑ National Resources Canada. (May 27, 2015). Light Bulbs [Online]. Available: http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/products/whats-new/13583
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 The World Bank (2026). (Accessed July 19, 2026). TRACKING SDG7: THE ENERGY PROGRESS REPORT 2026 [Online]. Available: https://trackingsdg7.esmap.org/downloads
  6. ↑ The World Bank. (May 27, 2015). Tracking Access to Nonsolid Fuel for Cooking [Online]. Available: http://www-wds.worldbank.org/external/default/WDSContentServer/WDSP/IB/2014/05/15/000333037_20140515114123/Rendered/PDF/880590BRI0know00Box385214B00PUBLIC0.pdf
  7. ↑ The World Health Organization. (May 27, 2015). Household Air Pollution [Online]. Available: http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs292/en/
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Lighting Africa (World Bank Group). (May 27, 2015). Lighting [Online]. Available: https://www.lightingafrica.org/about-us/
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 'Rural Electrification and Development in the Philippines: Measuring the Social and Economic Benefits May 2002' by Joint UNDP/World Bank Energy Sector Management Assisstnce Programme (ESMAP) available online http://siteresources.worldbank.org/INTPSIA/Resources/490023-1120845825946/philippines_rural_electrification.pdf accessed: August 17th, 2017.
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