How much energy does it take to produce a CFL lamp compared to an energy inefficient incandescent GLS lamp available today?
It takes approximately five times more energy to produce one CFL compared to one energy inefficient incandescent GLS lamp. However, as CFL lamps last on average between 6 to 15 times longer than energy inefficient incandescent GLS lamps, the amount of energy needed for the production of one CFL is comparable to the production of between 6 to 15 GLS lamps – hence the saving over the lifecycle of the product is much higher. Therefore, an energy saving CFL has a much lower overall environmental impact than an energy inefficient incandescent lamp throughout its lifecycle. More than 90% of energy consumed during the lifecycle of a lamp is in the use phase and as CFLs are up to 80% more efficient than an average inefficient incandescent lamp, the savings are evident.
