RightLight Challenge

The RightLight challenge

We built two identical, miniature lounge rooms - each with a door, wallpaper and an identical frosted glass light fitting. We installed a standard incandescent 60 watt light bulb in one room and an equivalent 14 watt spiral CFL bulb in the other, both hidden behind the frosted glass. Then we placed the rooms side-by-side in busy shopping malls in Auckland and Christchurch and challenged 850 visitors to tell us which type of bulb was illuminating which room.

What we found

The results were surprising:

• Less than a third of people guessed correctly. Over two thirds either guessed wrong or couldn’t spot any difference
• What’s more, nearly one in five (18%) had no preference for one light over the other, while 49% actually preferred the light from the energy efficient bulb.

At the same time, we showed participants a range of the different styles of energy efficient bulbs that are available these days.

• Nearly nine out of ten people were surprised at the wide range of styles and types now on offer.

The conclusion

The RightLight challenge clearly demonstrated – there’s little or no difference. We can all cut our electricity bills and help the environment without compromising the style and quality of light we enjoy in our homes.