IKEA Puts LED Lighting Stats Together (No Instruction Manual Required)

As of yesterday, all IKEA stores in the US are no longer stocking or selling incandescent light bulbs. This move towards more energy-efficient CFLs and LED lights has been planned by the furniture giant since last year, and the decision was in part a response to the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. (The EISA legislates that high-wattage lamps must become 30% more energy efficient, which means gradually phasing out many standard Edison bulbs. First to fade away will be the 100 Watt incandescent in 2012.) In preparation for this company-wide changeout, IKEA commissioned Harris Interactive to conduct a lighting survey throughout December of last year. Over a thousand consumers were polled over the phone to gauge consumers' reaction to the shift towards more efficient lighting. Some findings (via Business Wire): Nearly two-thirds (59%) of Americans have changed majority of light bulbs in their homes to energy saving lights. Women (63%) are more likely to have changed their bulbs than men (55%). More than half (61%) of Americans are not aware of the legislation to phase out incandescent light bulbs. And 84% of people, ages 18-24, are not aware of the legislation. More than two-thirds (67%) of Americans care about using energy saving lights. And more than half (56%) of Americans are ready to switch to energy saving lights. Nearly 8 in 10 (79%) Americans believe that using energy saving lights will save them money. 62% of Americans are not concerned about disposal of old bulbs. 81% of Americans say that using energy saving lights is a good environmental practice. Only 14% of Americans are “very concerned” about light color, in regards to the change from incandescent to energy saving lights in their homes. 51% of Americans are “not at all concerned” about light color. More than half (61%) of Americans are not concerned about light intensity, in regards to the change from incandescent to energy saving lights in their homes. 73% of Americans are not concerned about being able to dim the lights with energy saving lights. In regard to the change from incandescent to energy saving lights, more than half (56%) of Americans are not concerned about the bulb not being able to fit in their regular light fixtures. Major props to IKEA, not only for illuminating some consumer concerns about lighting, but also for helping to spread the gospel of LED lighting. With over 300 IKEA stores in 37 countries, LED lights are now more affordable and available than ever. We hope that other corporations will follow suit in the coming year.   www.bgocled.com