Lighting & solar

Energy-efficient lighting can significantly conserve energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To decrease our energy use, King County will fully transition lighting in its facilities to light emitting diodes (LED) bulbs by 2020.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED bulbs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. We've also tested solar-powered devices such as LED-lit bus shelters and LED-lit crosswalk beacons to improve energy efficiency and public safety.

Policy and Goals:

As stated in King County's Sustainable Purchasing Executive Policy (CON 7-22-EP),

• LED lighting in County facilities by 2020 with exceptions for hazards, access and uncertain occupancy
• Recycle fluorescent lamps

As outlined in King County’s 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan,

• King County will reduce normalized energy use in County-owned facilities by at least 12.5% by 2025 and 17.5% by 2030 (2014 baseline)