LED products for the office space were chosen based on performance

Part of a cost-saving initiative that began in late 2007, the decision to use LEDs was twofold. Arrow Components Mexico wanted to invest in a long-term savings initiative while creating a showroom for LED technology for customers and suppliers. “Many of our customers in Mexico have been hesitant to adopt LEDs due to their comfort levels with fluorescent led high bay light,” said David Hoffmann, regional vice president at Arrow Electronics. “In order to accelerate the introduction of LEDs to the market, we knew we would have to use and promote the technology ourselves.”

LED products for the office space were chosen based on performance, cost savings and low maintenance. For example, the overhead LEDs accomplish all three objectives, as they offer the same brightness as fluorescent lighting but use about half the electricity. Additionally, because LEDs do not radiate heat, air conditioning expenses were reduced as well. Despite a higher initial cost for the LED fixtures, the payback is between two and three years depending on utility costs, and the lamps are guaranteed for 10 years.

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have jointly issued a statement outlining each agency's responsibilities and roles in the Energy Star products program. The EPA and DOE agreed to coordinate efforts to expand and enhance both the National Building Rating Program and the Energy Star program. According to the statement, the Energy Star products program will be improved with expanded coverage, more frequent updates, enhanced efforts on product testing, and a new effort to recognize super efficient products.

The agreement stipulates that the EPA will be the brand manager for the Energy Star and Super Star for products program including marketing, outreach, monitoring and verification, and setting the performance level(s). Performance levels will be set using established, and consistent principles for the Energy Star brand. The statement indicated that generally, products in the top 25% will qualify as Energy Star and the top 5% will qualify as Super Star.