However, all lights of the same type are not the same in terms of efficiency. For example, fluorescent lamps show considerable variation in terms of how many lumens of light they produce for one watt of electricity. The newer electronic ballasts significantly outperform the older magnetic ballasts. In choosing the most cost desirable option there are other factors to consider besides energy needed to run the lamp. Electric Power Research Institute Publication.
Energy use is the same for each bulb.
Beyond the energy costs associated with selection of equipment, there are also maintenance costs. If you use incandescent lamps in your home with an average of 1,000 hours you will replace ten bulbs for every fluorescent lamp. This idea also applies to building equipment. The maintenance costs for various building activities are listed below. Although your team will be concerned primarily with the energy costs associated with your school you may want to consider the labor hours that are saved by recommending equipment, especially lighting, that has longer lifespans and therefore do not need to be changed out as often.