Energy-efficient LED lighting helps tackle climate change
According to much of the data available, climate change is a growing threat. The energy efficiency afforded by LED lighting has become one of the most effective strategies for tackling it. The pollution caused by artificial lighting has clear negative impacts on nature and the priority going forward has to be efficient, clean, cutting-edge technology.
In this article we will talk about...
- The role of lighting in climate change
- Energy savings with LED lighting
- Other benefits of LED lighting
- Energy efficient products by SECOM
According to much of the data available, climate change is a growing threat. The energy efficiency afforded by LED lighting has become one of the most effective strategies for tackling it. The pollution caused by artificial lighting has clear negative impacts on nature and the priority going forward has to be efficient, clean, cutting-edge technology.
The role of lighting in climate change
The main causes of climate change include waste generation and lack of energy efficiency. While poor-quality lighting has a definite role in this process, light pollution has multiple harmful effects on nature. It harms animals and plants as well as humankind. Light pollution can cause bright skies and glare, among other effects.
Energy efficient LED lighting must be one of the priorities in the lighting industry of the future. These types of lights not only save on energy costs but are more durable and generate less waste.
Civilisation and progress are impossible without artificial light given its decisive role across all parts of society, including transport, lifestyle, industry and agriculture. In fact, many of these sectors are responsible for the main causes of climate change. Being aware of how we use lighting systems is one of the most effective ways to help tackle climate change.
Artificial lighting affects the climate in other ways too:
- Destruction of nitrate radicals that clean the atmosphere and prevent pollution.
- Electricity is partly produced using fossil fuels, meaning electricity generated for lighting causes air pollution.
- 19% of global electricity consumption is attributable to lighting. This equates to 1.9 billion tonnes of CO₂.
- A 100W luminaire burning every night over a year uses the equivalent of half a tonne of coal energy.
Energy savings with LED lighting
Installing LED technology can generate savings approaching 90% compared with traditional systems. Since LED luminaires emit light in a specific fixed direction, they can consume energy more efficiently than other types of lighting. For example, they are more energy efficient than incandescent luminaires and fluorescent lights.
Light emitting diodes are a type of solid state lighting. That is, semiconductors that convert electricity into light. This technology has evolved to become the most sustainable and economic of its kind.
Other benefits of LED lighting
In addition to the energy savings, there are other advantages of this technology. Here are just a few:
Longer lasting
LEDs use up to 90% less energy, they last up to 25 times longer than traditional incandescent luminaires and they deteriorate very slowly and gradually. They do not contain filaments and other parts that can break easily, and therefore provide optimal performance for years. These types of luminaires have a useful life of around 50,000 to 100,000 hours. Other current technologies simply cannot beat this.
Withstands extreme temperatures
The design and the components enable LED fixtures to withstand high temperatures. This makes the technology ideal for use in industrial settings, and the fixtures have a special thermal covering for full protection. LED luminaires are manufactured using aluminium owing to its excellent heat resistance.
Does not emit UV light
LEDs do not emit infrared or UV light. Originally, they did not emit UV radiation because they were incapable of emitting white light. However, white LEDs are now commonplace. Bright blue LEDs are coated with phosphorous so that the blue light is absorbed and only white light is emitted.
Does not emit frontal heat
Since no heat is emitted in the lit area, LEDs do not affect the environment or alter the temperature. They can also withstand thermal changes, impacts and voltage variations.
More compact
Though available in a variety of sizes, most LED devices are small. This means that installation, maintenance and repairs in the event of a breakdown are quick and simple.
Energy efficient products by SECOM
SECOM has a wide range of devices providing LED savings. These are just some of our recommended products.
- Eslim UGR 19. An indoor diffuser panel suited to work areas. It is an extremely energy efficient LED luminaire with glare control.
- Aliket Basic. A fantastic system when it comes to LED energy efficiency, and which can be customised easily.
- Loop Supra. A recessed downlight led luminaire providing energy efficient LED lighting, not to mention visual comfort and glare prevention.
- LED strip. A great aesthetic option suitable for a range of spaces, whether domestic, commercial or professional. Available in a variety of models and easy to instal.
- Aircom supra. This modern, versatile downlight is popular in offices and shops.
These and other solutions from SECOM provide optimal lighting conditions. When it comes to LEDs vs fluorescent lights, LEDs are the clear winner. LED technology also supports sustainability and the fight against climate change and has both short term and long term benefits. LEDs are not just energy efficient but also compatible with nature conservation and preservation of natural resources.
