Light + Building 2012 was hosted in Frankfurt last week and the architecture and building fair has gathered thousands of architects, designers, and vendors around the theme of energy efficiency. As companies strive to create products that decrease the carbon footprint of their consumers, designers and architects reach collectively towards sustainability in design.

In the world of lighting, consumers have the ability to reduce energy consumption by choosing products with alternative lamping options. However, with constant changes and developments being made to the current generation of light bulbs, it can be difficult to make choices that save the planet, while maintaining effective lighting. LEDs are quickly closing this gap.

10 LED ENERGY EFFICIENCY QUICK FACTS:

• 1. LEDs are 100% recyclable. – Unlike their fluorescent counterparts LEDs contain no toxic materials, hazardous mercury, or halogen gases.
• 2. They are extremely durable and require minimum maintenance: LEDs have no filaments or moving parts and can withstand shaking and vibrating without breaking.
• 3. They do not use ballasts, which can fail and become a fire hazard.
• 4. LEDs work well in hot or cold environments and can withstand moderate power surges.
• 5. LEDs are not bothered by frequent cycling on or off and can be left on for extended periods without generating much heat.
• 6. They are now available in a variety of colours (including warm white) and no longer hold their reputation as blue tinged commercial lighting.
• 7. Their small and compact size allows for flexibility in projects, making it easy to conceal the petite diodes of light in almost any space.
• 8. Compared to incandescent bulbs (soon to be a fleeting memory) LEDs consume approximately 1/8 of the electricity to produce the same amount of light. This is a staggering figure, considering the astonishing costs associated with operating an incandescent light bulb – both monetary and environmentally.
• 9. Not only do LEDs cut your hydro bills down annually, but they will also decrease fixture maintenance thanks to their impressive life span. Most good quality commercial LEDs are guaranteed to last 50,000 hours, compared to the standard 2,000 hours of an incandescent bulb.
• 10. LEDs also assist in reducing greenhouse gasses produced by power plants. They emit very little heat, turn on instantly, and are not sensitive to low temperatures. Overall, they are quickly redefining the light bulb industry, taking gigantic steps towards sustainability and a greener planet.

Click here for more information on the latest LED alternative to the beloved 100w incandescent bulb.

Regards,

Margit P. Hefele

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