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Environmental Costs and Benefits of Energy Saving Lamps Dierk Beckmann OSRAM GmbH, Germany Summary Compact fluorescent lamps (= energy saving lamps) have come into their own as a substitute for conventional incandescent lamps in recent years, not only in commercial but also in residential applications. This is the result of economic advantages, e.g. the energy saving over the lifetime is up to 5 times as high as the initially high purchase price of these innovative lamps. This new technology is not only promoted by lamp manufacturers, but also by utilities, politicians, environmental and consumer groups. The reasoning behind this is the ecological benefits of energy saving. A particular benefit is the lower power plant capacity required, and the associated reduction of harmful substances caused by power generation. Objective explanations and statements from the lighting industry are necessary, in order to advise consumers made uncertain by false or misleading publications appearing in connection with ecological "costs/benefits". The main focus will be on the following topics: The energy balance in production and over the lamp lifetime Disposal systems and costs Influence of (compact) fluorescent lamps on human well-being Biological effects of electromagnetic fields. Back to Right Light Proceedings startpage Top of page