NEW YORK, Dec. 28, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- New Year's Eve in New York City is more than just a celebration - it's a global tradition. However, December 31st, 2011 will carry new significance as the Times Square Ball-the preeminent lighting symbol of New Year's Eve- helps usher in a new era of energy efficiency in the United States.
At 12:01AM on January 1st, the new EISA (Energy Independence & Security Act 2007) legislation will take effect. EISA is the bipartisan bill that was signed in 2007 as a common sense approach to energy efficiency. One of its provisions sets new and reasonable efficiency standards on lighting technology that is more than 135 years old. The bill does not ban incandescent light bulbs, but encourages the development of new lighting technology like halogens and LEDs, which reduce energy consumption and save consumers money.
Lighting the way on this important transformation is the famous New Year's Eve Ball. Today's Ball benefits from unmatched investment in LED technology, with its modules lasting about 30,000 hours and using just 22 watts of electricity. This is an 88% reduction in energy use and 573 tons less of CO2 then its previous lighting source. And the same technology being used in the Ball is now available to consumers for use in their homes and businesses.
Media Assets to include:
- Behind the scenes B-roll of the Times Square Ball including video of the new energy efficient LED
- Hi-Res photos of the Times Square Ball
- Web video from the Alliance to Save Energy that provides an overview of the energy efficient lighting products
Video available at:
Additional Times Square Ball Facts:
- The Ball consumes the same amount of energy per hour as it takes to operate just two traditional home ovens. (Source: U.S. Department of Energy - Consumer Appliance Energy Use)
- The Ball is lit by 32,256 Philips Luxeon Rebel LEDs (light emitting diodes), each of which can be digitally controlled to create extraordinary effects.
- The LED lighting in the Ball has a rated average life of 30,000 hours, compared to the roughly 1,000 hour life span of previous incandescent and halogen solutions.
- A geodesic sphere, 12 feet in diameter and weighing 11,875 pounds
- Built to withstand the stresses of high winds, precipitation and temperature fluctuation to brightly shine over 400 feet above Times Square throughout the year.
For more information contact: Michele Wallace wallace@forumstrategies.com 917-741-5147
Philips is celebrating its 12th anniversary as the official lighting partner to the world-famous Times Square Ball, a beacon of LED innovation. Both the Times Square Alliance and Philips share a commitment to sustainability, reflected in the Ball's ongoing upgrades with Philips energy-efficient lighting solutions, culminating in the recent upgrade to LED lighting.
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