The Federal Energy Management Program (FEMP) provides acquisition guidance for light fixtures or luminaires, a product category covered by ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements. Both ENERGY STAR and FEMP provide programmatic guidance for various types of luminaires. Federal laws and requirements mandate that agencies purchase ENERGY STAR-qualified products or FEMP-designated products in all product categories covered by these programs and in any acquisition actions that are not specifically exempted by law.

FEMP's acquisition guidance and associated ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements for light fixtures are technology neutral, meaning that one technology is not favored over another. Table 1 shows which light fixtures are covered by ENERGY STAR's product specification requirements and which types are covered by FEMP.

On March 13, 2023, EPA announced final ENERGY STAR lighting sunset plans, effective December 31, 2024. For more information, visit the ENERGY STAR lighting sunset web page.

This acquisition guidance was updated in June 2023.

For luminaire types covered by ENERGY STAR, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides efficiency levels and product specification information on its ENERGY STAR website. Manufacturers meeting these requirements are allowed to display the ENERGY STAR label on complying models. Visit the ENERGY STAR website for the most up-to-date commercial light fixture efficiency levels and product specification information, and a list of qualified light fixtures. For luminaire types covered by FEMP, product efficiency requirements are provided in the relevant product overview guidance. See Table 1 for more information.

FEMP has calculated that the required ENERGY STAR-qualified light fixtures save money if priced no more than $5 (in 2022 dollars) above the less efficient model. The best available model saves up to $6. Table 2 compares three types of product purchases and calculates the lifetime cost savings of purchasing efficient models. Federal purchasers can assume products that meet ENERGY STAR efficiency requirements are life cycle cost-effective.

An efficient product is cost-effective when the lifetime energy savings (from avoided energy costs over the life of the product, discounted to present value) exceed the additional up-front cost (if any) compared to a less efficient option. ENERGY STAR considers up-front costs and lifetime energy savings when setting required efficiency levels. Federal purchasers can assume ENERGY STAR-qualified products are life cycle cost-effective. In high-use applications or when energy rates are above the federal average, purchasers may save more if they specify products that exceed ENERGY STAR’s efficiency requirements (e.g., the best available model).

Products meeting ENERGY STAR or FEMP-designated efficiency requirements may not be life cycle cost-effective in certain low-use applications or in locations with very low rates for electricity or natural gas. Operating conditions vary from facility to facility. However, for most applications, purchasers will find that energy-efficient products have the lowest life cycle cost. To help determine cost-effectiveness in unusual operating conditions, consult with ENERGY STAR.

Agencies may claim an exception to federal purchasing requirements through a written finding that no ENERGY STAR-qualified or FEMP-designated product is available to meet functional requirements, or that no such product is life cycle cost-effective for the specific application. Get additional information on federal product purchasing requirements.

These mandatory requirements apply to all forms of procurement, including construction guide and project specifications; renovation, repair, energy service, and operation and maintenance (O&M) contracts; lease agreements; acquisitions made using purchase cards; and solicitations for offers. Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 23.206 requires agencies to insert the clause at FAR section 52.223-15 into contracts and solicitations that deliver, acquire, furnish, or specify energy-consuming products for use in federal government facilities. To comply with FAR requirements, FEMP recommends that agencies incorporate efficiency and energy performance requirements into both the technical specification and evaluation sections of solicitations.

Requirements to purchase energy-efficient products can sometimes be perceived as in conflict with other acquisition requirements, including Buy American, Small Business, or other set-asides. These requirements are not mutually exclusive. If you run into problems trying to meet multiple procurement requirements, please reach out to FEMP for assistance.

The federal supply sources for energy-efficient products are the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA). GSA sells products through its Multiple Awards Schedules program and online shopping network, GSA Advantage!. DLA offers products through the Defense Supply Center Philadelphia and online through FedMall (formerly DOD EMALL). Products sold through DLA are codified with 13-digit National Stock Numbers and, in some cases, a two-letter Environmental Attribute Code (ENAC). The ENAC identifies items that have positive environmental characteristics and meet standards set by an approved third party, such as FEMP.

The United Nations Standard Products and Services Code (UNSPSC) is a worldwide classification system for e‑commerce. It contains more than 50,000 commodities, including many used in the federal sector, each with a unique eight-digit, four-level identification code. Manufacturers and vendors are beginning to adopt the UNSPSC classification convention, and electronic procurement systems are beginning to include UNSPSC tracking in their software packages. UNSPSCs can help the federal acquisition community identify product categories covered by sustainable acquisition requirements, track purchases of products within those categories, and report on progress toward meeting sustainable acquisition goals. FEMP has developed a table of ENERGY STAR and FEMP-designated covered product categories and related UNSPSC codes.

GSA offers light fixtures through the Multiple Award Schedules Hardware & Tools 332510S, Hardware & Tools 332510C, and Industrial Products 33512.

DLA offers commercial light fixture/luminaire models with the ENAC "DC" at the end of the NSN.

The UNSPSC for light fixtures are listed in Table 3.

Downlight luminaires using incandescent lamps do not meet ENERGY STAR performance requirements. Federal law prohibits federal buyers from purchasing incandescent downlights unless the head of their agency determines in writing that an exception is warranted. Currently, all ENERGY STAR-certified luminaires covered by FEMP use LED technology.

Some utilities offer rebates or other incentives for the purchase of ENERGY STAR-qualified products. Use the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder to see if your local utility offers these incentives.

Proper lighting design is critical to maximizing lighting efficiency. Commercial downlight luminaires, in particular, are often used in office and retail environments. Where possible, task lamps and under-cabinet work surface lighting should be used in combination with lower ambient (overhead) light levels. Occupancy sensors can also provide savings for both task and overhead downlight fixtures. Integrated dimming systems with daylight controls are also available for use with downlight fixtures.

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory provided supporting analysis for this acquisition guidance.