An energy saving gas discharge lamp, and method of making same, is provided. The gas discharge lamp includes a light-transmissive envelope, and an electrode within the light-transmissive envelope to provide a discharge. A light scattering reflective layer is disposed on an inner surface of the light-transmissive envelope. A phosphor layer is coated on the light scattering reflective layer. A discharge-sustaining gaseous mixture is retained inside the light-transmissive envelope. The discharge-sustaining gaseous mixture includes more than 80% xenon, by volume, at a low pressure.