August 30, 2013
FREE App helps consumers make efficient lighting choices and calculate the payback period based on replacement lamp costs
NORTHBROOK, Ill., August 30, 2013 - UL (Underwriters Laboratories), a world leader in advancing safety, announced the enhancement of their popular LightSmart™ App in the latest version 1.5. The free app is designed to help users realize the many benefits gained through LED and other more energy efficient lighting possibilities in their living and working environments.
Available for free for iPad®, iPhone® and Android™ the latest version features a 'Calculate ROI' function enabling users to calculate the payback time for upgrading to more efficient lighting technology. The app determines the ROI based on incandescent lamps, which are the cheapest up-front replacement lamps but the most costly for ongoing operating expenses and typically have the shortest life.
According to The Product Mindset, a global study done by UL every year with manufacturers and consumers, 53% of manufacturers say consumers are demanding eco-friendly products at the same cost as non-eco-friendly products, while 45% of consumers are willing to pay for more eco-friendly products. "Studies have indicated that few consumers are aware of the required transition to energy efficient lighting," said Jeff Smidt, VP and General Manager, Global Appliances, HVAC/R & Lighting. "UL is committed to educating consumers about the latest regulations and lighting technologies available, and this app offers an easy and personalized way for consumers to assess the specific environmental and aesthetic benefits, as well as cost-savings they can expect to find by using LED and other efficient light sources in their living and working environments," added Smidt.
"With the cost of LED lamps coming down, the app allows users to input the replacement cost to get an accurate ROI based on the users local energy rates obtained automatically thru location services," said Shari Hunter, Business Development Manager, UL. "In addition to the payback period, users also receive feedback on how their lighting choices can help reduce carbon emissions," added Hunter.
The UL LightSmart app was developed in part, as a response to the Federal Energy Independence Act and Security Act of 2007, which mandated that over time, inefficient incandescent bulbs be replaced with Compact Florescent Lamps (CFLs) and Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) beginning with the 100 Watt light bulb in 2012. The UL LightSmart app version 1.2 is currently available for the iPad® and iPhone® at Apple iTunes® Store and for AndroidTM at Google PlayTM. For more information about CFL and LED products backed by the trusted UL Mark, please visit https://www.ul.com/lighting.
About UL
UL is a premier global independent safety science company with more than 118 years of history. Employing more than 10,000 professionals with customers in over 100 countries, UL has five distinct business units - Product Safety, Environment, Life & Health, Knowledge Services, and Verification Services - to meet the expanding needs of our customers and to deliver on our public safety mission. For more information on UL's family of companies and network of 95 laboratory, testing, and certification facilities, go to UL.com.
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