Commission adopts ordinance requiring T12-to-T8 lighting upgrades in commercial and common areas

The Building Inspection Commission voted to approve a commercial lighting efficiency ordinance that requires owners to replace older 4‑ and 8‑foot T12 fluorescent tubes with higher‑efficiency T8 tubes in commercial common areas, multifamily common areas and municipal buildings.

Mark Weston of the Environment Department presented the measure as an amendment to the San Francisco Building Code (adding Chapter 13D) intended to reduce greenhouse‑gas emissions and energy use. Weston said the city’s planned $18 million rebate retrofit campaign can be used to offset much of the upgrade cost, noting “on average it's about $26 to upgrade a light, and the rebates cover about $22 per light.” He also described a recycling stream for removed bulbs and components.

The ordinance limits scope to 4‑foot and 8‑foot fluorescent tubes and their ballasts (not fixtures) and includes waiver provisions for rarely used spaces or where light sensors offset requirements. Weston said the change would deliver about 11,000 tons of greenhouse‑gas savings annually, advancing San Francisco toward its goal of 20 percent below 1990 levels by 2012.

Commissioners raised technical and preservation questions about fixture and material disposal; staff said bulbs and ballasts will be recycled through licensed processors. After discussion, a commissioner moved, the measure was seconded and the motion carried with recorded affirmative votes from President Lee, Commissioner Hetgenova, Commissioner Levitt, Commissioner Romero and Commissioner Satori.

Next steps: The measure was approved by the commission and will proceed through the normal ordinance adoption process; DBI said enforcement will rely on field inspections and permit checks and the Environment Department will include the requirement in upcoming outreach and rebate campaigns.