New Build - Green Light Fittings

Hi All

Am close to doing an electrical plan for our new build and while I would like recessed lighting more or less all over the house am unsure how energy efficient this would be. Can anyone advise me. Or would the most energy efficient way to go be just a single hanging fitting with one of those big ugly energy saving bulbs! Thanks.

Among the most efficient are the 2D type fittings which come in 16w and 28w. These are low-profile fittings which may be surface-mounted or recessed. They are normally only available from specialist lighting shops or major electrical contractors. They have a significantly higher light output than the conventional CFLs which are normally sold for household use.

We're talking this type of bulb
http://www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs-Tubes?search=2D

These are especially suitable for corridors, bathrooms and kitchens. Other living rooms are a matter of individual taste.

The worst option is to put a CFL into a ceiling pendant, they look really gloomy.
Downlighters are fine if you don't fit too many. Try and use 20w lamps and fit dimmer switches.
CFL's are really good in table lamps.
Maybe consider picture lights, you can get low wattage fluorescent ones.
And the 2D as Gulliver says is ideal for utility areas.

I am in the same situation here. I want to have 6 recessed ceiling lights in a normal sized sitting room. I am worried that the new CFL's wont work with a dimmer. Also I find the light and frequency that they give causes me to get headache's. Is there any other options that I have for this situation. I might be stocking up on candles