District of Columbia Sustainable Utility

Fluorescent Lighting Upgrades

Due to an overwhelming response from District businesses and institutions to the Fluorescent Lighting Upgrade program to upgrade their T12 lighting to more efficient High Performance T8 (HPT8) lighting, the program is currently fully subscribed.

For more information on the benefits of making the switch from T12 to HPT8 lighting see below.  For questions about the Fluorescent Lighting Upgrade program, please contact the DC SEU at info@dcseu.com or call toll-free 202-479-2222.

Fluorescent Lighting Upgrade Information

  • Make the Switch Today

    As mandated by federal regulations, the manufacture of T12 fluorescent lamps has been banned as of July 14, 2012. Businesses who upgrade to HPT8 lighting by participating in Fluorescent Lighting Upgrades can avoid dwindling supplies and increased prices of T12 lighting products.

  • What is a T12 Fluorescent Lamp?

    A fluorescent lamp or tube uses electricity to excite mercury vapor held within the tube. The excited gas produces light that causes a phosphor to fluoresce, producing visible light. A fluorescent lamp converts electricity into light more efficiently than an incandescent lamp. You might use or see fluorescent tube lighting in commercial buildings, retail outlets, or schools.

    A fluorescent lighting fixture

  • How do I know if I have T12 Lighting?

    You can tell if you have T12 fluorescent lighting by looking at the size of the bulbs and their bases. While both T12 and T8 lighting come in standard lengths (usually about 4 feet) the diameter varies in size (1.5 inches vs. 1 inch).

    An image describing that you can tell what type of fluorescent lighting you have by the bulb diameter, a T12 is 1.5 inches in diameter while a T8 is 1 inch in diameter.

  • Benefits of High-Performance T8 Lighting

    Energy Savings
    HPT8 systems can save up to 50% in energy and operating costs compared to T12 lamps.

    Longer Lamp Life
    HPT8 lamps are rated to last 4,000-10,000 hours longer than T12 lamps, meaning reduced maintenance costs and less time changing lamps.

    Improved Lighting Quality
    T8 lamps provide a better environment for customers, employees and residents. The Color Rendering Index (CRI), measures quality of a light source on a scale from 0 to 100. T8 lamps are rated at a minimum of 82 CRI. Comparatively, most standard T12s are typically in the 60-70 range.

  • Contact the DC SEU for More Information

    For more information on upgrading the fluorescent lighting in your facility, please contact the DC SEU at info@DCSEU.com or 202-479-2222.