Beauty While Replacing 13w CFL

Introducing a new bulb that is highly energy efficient, provides loads of lumens, and is pleasant to behold. The Verde Series LED GU24 direct replacement lamp by American Illumination need not be hidden in today's lighting designs (unlike the lamp it is replacing - the 13W compact fluorescent). Part of the company's new Verde Retrofit Series, this new model is one of the few GU24 direct replacement light bulbs available, and is the only one compatible with the GU24 locking ring for simple transitions from CFL to LED. American Illumination's GU24 bulb was displayed along with the rest of the Verde Retrofit Series bulbs at Lightfair International spring 2013 and will be just in time for NeoCon June 2013.

"With the Verde Retrofit lamps, we wanted to push energy savings even further," said Gina Lee, Marketing Director for American Illumination. "CFL's are already a low-cost, low-energy solution available to the public, but these sources tend to produce a harsh quality of light and of course present drawbacks such as mercury content and the risk of broken glass. With the GU24 bulb we wanted to use our expertise in cutting edge LED engine design by providing a direct replacement lamp that is easy to install in existing applications and provide an excellent solution for lighting designers and OEM's tapping into the GU24 model for fixture designs."
The Verde GU24 bulb replaces the 13W CFL, consuming only 8.5W of total power and emitting over 700 lumens (warm white) for an 80+ lumens per watt efficacy. This replacement bulb provides considerable light output for residential and commercial applications, such as decorative pendants, chandeliers, vanity lights and various indoor fixtures such as ceiling fans and desk lamps.

This new GU24 lamp contains Chip on Board (COB) LED technology, which means high heat conductivity and low thermal resistance for improved heat management. The aluminum housing is both attractive and functional, presenting a threaded body that is both compatible with standard GU24 locking rings and also acts as the bulb heat sink. The unique multidirectional diffuser emits a beam spread over 180° for generous, even illumination without visibly unattractive LED hot spots.

The GU24 will be available to commercial interior designers, facility managers, chain store buyers, OEM's, lighting designers and distributors through American Illumination's sales channels.

Other considerations developers might include are surfacing walkways and constructing parking areas with sustainable materials that will allow storm water to permeate the surface, reducing run off. A green roof will help control rain run off and can actually reduce heat absorption by the building, reducing energy consumption. Although a "green wall" is not part of the certification checklist, many chefs will plant a wall of herbs for use in food preparation.

In the front of the house, interior design and construction can follow a number of LEED guidelines. LED lighting is commonly in use, saving wattage and extending the life of lamps, thereby saving money and the labor to change bulbs. It also is reported to offer a brighter and better light than fluorescent bulbs. This helps in the back of the house in prep and storage areas, as well. Use of sustainable and recycled materials for woods, carpets and adhesives also improves the environmental quality of the dining room.