Regarding Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) in exhibits:

 

This is a bit of text from the fabulous UCDavis green design wiki.
http://www.greendesignwiki.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

 

http://www.greendesignwiki.com/index.php?title=Lighting#Compact_Fluorescent_
.28CFL.29

Compact Fluorescent (CFL)

"For each incandescent you replace with a CFL, you will reduce CO2 emissions
from power plants by over 700 pounds over the life of the bulb. While CFLs
will cost you more per bulb, they can last up to thirteen times longer than
incandescents, and use 75% less energy, ultimately saving money." Excerpt
from the National Geographic Green Guide 

 

Disadvantages to Consider: "Although fluorescent lamps are common in most
institutions, they have decided disadvantages in exhibit areas. Fluorescents
cannot be dimmed, and most emit UV radiation. There are many brands of
fluorescent lamps, however, and they vary greatly in the amount of UV they
produce, from 0.5% to 12%. Purchase those with low UV output, not more than
2% UV.1 For added safety, cover all fluorescent tubes with UV-filtering
plastic sleeves. Be sure the sleeves are long enough to cover the ends of
the tube, where much of the UV is emitted." Guidelines from the Northeast
Document Conservation Center.

 

 

Also

Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, in its museums, has had good results with
sensors on traditional lights as a way to reduce energy use and cooling
costs. That and changing habits of when the lights are actually turned on
for the day (wait until guests arrive.don't just switch on the banks with
the first arrival of security).  Their conservator of exhibits, Patty
Silence, is really cool. 

 

 

Sarah S. Brophy, LEED-AP

208 S. Aurora Street

Easton, MD 21601

410-822-1076 (phone and fax)

Website:  www.bmuse.net <http://www.bmuse.net/>    

Wiki:  http://greenmuseums.wetpaint.com/

 

The Green Museum:  A Primer on Environmental Practice 

By Sarah Brophy and Elizabeth Wylie

 

 


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