R-CFL Project Background/Initial Research
installed in the Heron Model Home
at the Street of New Beginnings,
June 19-July 11, 2004.
Since 1993, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) has assisted the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Emerging Technologies Program, and its predecessors, in its efforts to improve the energy efficiency of the U.S. buildings sector by encouraging the commercialization of energy-efficient appliances and equipment. One method PNNL has used to achieve faster market acceptance of new energy-efficient products is Technology Procurement. PNNL identifies an appliance category with good potential for energy-efficiency improvement and, with input from industry and its partners, defines product specifications. PNNL then issues a Request For Proposals (RFP) asking manufacturers to submit bids to produce models of the appliance that meet the procurement's high performance and energy efficiency standards at the lowest possible price.
PNNL, on behalf of DOE, works with potential large-volume buyers and supporters (i.e., utilities and market transformation groups) to promote the winning products. This approach lessens the risks manufacturers normally take with new product development by establishing initial product demand estimates, sponsoring consumer education efforts, and promoting the new technology through large-volume retailers, utilities, and energy efficiency organizations. PNNL has used this approach to successfully promote market acceptance of several energy-efficient technologies for DOE.
Reflector CFLs (R-CFL) were identified as a candidate for technology procurement in Fall 2000. In Spring 2001, PNNL began meeting with potential large-volume buyers including builders, home centers, and government agencies to seek technical guidance and help with program design and to generate interest in the procurement. PNNL also met with product manufacturers, manufacturer trade associations, and suppliers to solicit their guidance and knowledge and to inform them of the upcoming procurement.