Northwest ENERGY STAR Homes Lighting Requirements

To meet the Northwest ENERGY STAR homes lighting requirement, builders may choose one of three methods:

Option #1: Socket Count Method (Builder Option Package)
The socket count method is the most widely used and understood means for qualifying the lighting in a Northwest ENERGY STAR Home.  It may also be the simplest approach for qualifying a home where fixtures are already purchased or installed.  Using specialty CFLs inside fixtures with an exposed bulb helps homebuyers overcome their aversion to twists. 

Option #2: Fixture Count Method (Advanced Lighting Package Technical Compliance Option)
This method does not provide any credit for use of screw based CFLs.  ENERGY STAR fixtures are a great option for contractors due to the inherent bulb fit, thermal design and longer life.  Installing ENERGY STAR fixtures eliminates the burden on contractors to install CFLs throughout the home in a manner that meets manufacturer warranty, meets home labeling requirements and looks good.  Today’s fixtures ensure life long savings of the fixture rather than the bulb and are made to fit all decorative options.  Many manufacturers will convert incandescent fixture lines to GU-24.

Option #3: Lighting Power Density (Watts/ft2)
The Lighting Power Density (LPD) option allows greater flexibility through lighting design and various efficient lighting sources.  Garage square footage and lighting is included in this method and a minimum of at least one hard-wired fixture per room is required.  Many custom builders utilize this method to incorporate a myriad of lighting options and designs without the ENERGY STAR product label as a requirement.  The growing number and improved quality of LED products on the market, yet to be ENERGY STAR qualified, are another reason builders have used the LPD TCO.

Resources:
2009 ENERGY STAR Lighting Guide (PDF)
2009 Q1 Lighting Newsletter (PDF)

Verifier Tools:
Watts per sq/ft Tool (PDF)
Watts per sq/ft Tool-Interactive (XLS)
Watts per sq/ft Tool-OREGON (PDF)
Watts per sq/ft Tool-OREGON (XLS)