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Rethinking light: A strategic imperative for facilities

Across the U.S., LED and linear fluorescent fixtures now account for 95% of all installed commercial lighting—a near-even split that reflects both the legacy of fluorescents and the rapid rise of LED solutions.¹⁰ Fluorescent lighting remains especially common in offices and educational settings, prized for its low upfront cost and long-standing reliability.

But that balance is about to shift—dramatically.

New federal efficiency standards

In April 2024, the U.S. Department of Energy finalized new rules that will take effect in July 2028, raising the minimum efficacy for general service lamps from 45 lumens per watt to 120 lumens per watt.¹¹ This leap in requirements will effectively phase out compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), which currently make up nearly half of commercial lighting installations. The future is clear: LEDs are no longer a trend—they’re the new threshold.

Facility leaders aren’t waiting. LED adoption is accelerating, fueled by proven operational savings, smart building integration, and growing pressure to meet evolving energy and sustainability regulations. With lifespans up to 50,000 hours, dramatically lower energy usage, and greater flexibility in design and control, LEDs are becoming the default lighting standard for forward-looking facilities.

Why does this matter? Because lighting impacts far more than visibility.

Outdated lighting doesn’t just dim your space—it dims the experience of everyone in it. Poor lighting can reduce occupant comfort, productivity, and safety—while inflating energy costs and slowing your progress toward ESG goals. In today’s environment, where occupant experience is as critical as operational performance, it’s time to rethink lighting not as a routine upgrade, but as a strategic opportunity.

But first—what is an LED?

A light-emitting diode (LED) is a semiconductor device that converts electricity into visible light—without relying on fragile filaments, fluorescent gases, or high-heat operation. Each diode produces a single (monochromatic) color, but multiple diodes can be combined to create millions of lighting variations. That technical versatility, paired with superior efficiency and longevity, makes LEDs a cornerstone of modern facility design.

LED upgrades aren’t just maintenance moves. They’re business decisions.

Here’s how switching to LEDs can power stronger outcomes across your facility:

1. Energy efficiency that pays off

Traditional bulbs waste most of their energy as heat. LEDs use up to 90% less energy by directing light more efficiently—and generate significantly less heat in the process.² That means lower utility bills, better climate control, and faster progress toward your sustainability targets. An 11-watt LED can match the output of a 75-watt incandescent, saving up to $1.25 per bulb per month.³

2. Longer life, lower disruption

Because they lack failure-prone components, LED lights don’t “burn out” or fail. Instead, they slowly become dimmer overtime, a process known as “lumen depreciation.”² The average LED light can last 30,000 to 50,000 hours before seeing a 30% decrease in light output. In comparison, the average incandescent only lasts about 1,000 working hours.⁴ That longevity reduces the frequency of replacements—cutting labor costs and minimizing disruptions in your spaces.

• LED Lights: 30,000–50,000 hours³
• Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL): 8,000–10,000 hours³
• Incandescent Lights: 1,000 hours³

3. Human-centered, occupant-approved

LEDs emit less heat, reduce glare, and remain cool to the touch—even during use.⁵ From warm ambient tones to crisp task lighting, they offer full-spectrum color control to suit any environment. With color temperatures ranging from 1,900K (warm candlelight) to 10,000K (bright daylight), facilities can tailor lighting to support comfort, focus, and productivity.⁶ And with smart, IoT-enabled systems, lighting can automatically adapt to time of day, occupancy, or even mood—enhancing both function and overall well-being.⁷

One client—aboard a historic battleship—successfully transitioned from fluorescent to LED lighting without compromising the ambiance or character of the space. See how they did it.

4. Cooler and safer

LED devices use heat sinks to absorb heat and dissipate it into the surrounding environment. This prevents the light from overheating and degrading faster, and keeps the LED considerably cooler to touch. By comparison, traditional bulbs release 90% of their energy as heat.² The facility advantage? Cooler bulbs reduce load on HVAC systems and lower fire risk. They're also more durable: while a broken incandescent becomes useless (and hazardous), an LED with a cracked casing continues to work. Plastic components make LEDs shatter-resistant and safe to touch, even during operation.

5. Built for the elements

LEDs are versatile across nearly any environment—indoor or outdoor, hot or cold. Unlike traditional bulbs that struggle in low temperatures, LEDs perform reliably in cold storage, exterior lighting, and other challenging conditions.⁶

6. Better for people—and the planet

Incandescent lights use toxic chemicals such as mercury or halogen gas. When incorrectly disposed of, these harmful chemicals can spread and contaminate the environment. LEDs are non-toxic and don’t require special disposal.⁸ No mercury. Less waste. Smaller energy bills. LEDs support your ESG objectives while enhancing everyday performance.

Lighting the way forward

With regulatory shifts on the horizon and LEDs poised to outpace fluorescent systems entirely, the transition is no longer a matter of if—b�ܳ� when. The upcoming raise the bar for performance, and facilities that act now will be ahead of the curve. Upgrading to LED isn’t just about compliance—it’s about unlocking long-term value: lower energy bills, reduced maintenance, smarter control, and a better experience for every person in your building.

ABM is here to help you make the switch strategically. about how ABM can help you drive energy savings, increase satisfaction, and build a smarter, more sustainable facility—one light at a time.

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