The Many Benefits of LED Lighting

LED lights have major environmental and cost saving advantages over conventional lighting. A brief explanation of how both work explains why, but there is more to the decision to switch from one to the other than may seem obvious. 

LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) emit light based on an electric current initiating a process called electroluminescence, in which a bond is created between positive and negative charges. Almost 100 per cent of the energy used in this process becomes visible light.

The old fashioned light bulb has an electrically heated element that creates light in a process known as incandescence. Approximately two per cent of the energy used goes into creating usable light, with almost all the electricity going into generating heat that provides no tangible benefit.

In addition to this, incandescent bulbs burn out and need replacing regularly, meaning more expense, and a fresh carbon footprint in terms of manufacturing and distribution. Plus, they cannot be recycled, and contain toxic substances such a mercury. Alternatively, LEDs are completely recyclable, cost far less in terms of money and carbon emissions, and they can last twenty years based on eight hours use a day.

Given these factors, it is not surprising that switching to LEDs is the single most popular way for SMEs to reduce carbon emissions while cutting bills. LEDs are an obvious choice, but it is not quite as simple as that. There are other factors it is useful to know, like how to choose the right type of LED lighting.

What to look out for

The power of LEDs is not measured in watts like conventional lighting. Wattage is metric for assessing energy consumed, lumens measure the brightness of LEDs. So while energy is the key factor in terms of impact on the environment, and impact on utility invoices, it is not much help as an indicator when selecting LED lights.

A good rule of thumb is that a lumen rating of 800 is more or less the same as a 60 watt incandescent bulb. There is another key selection factor. All LEDs emit a colour temperature too, based on how soft the light is. The lower the colour temperature, the greater the amount of yellow orange feel there is to the light. The higher the temperature, the higher the blue tone. In technical terms, this is measured in Kelvin or K, and is also described as Correlated Colour Temperature or CCT. Normal low colour light is around the 2700K mark, and high colour starts at 4000K, with 6000K being the equivalent of natural daylight.

What this means is that warm light is generally needed for busy work areas, where light vibrancy matches required activity levels. Cool light is best used in hospitality venues such as hotels and restaurants, and in some domestic settings.

But that is not the end of the measurement criteria for LEDs. There is the Colour Rendering Index or CRI. This indicates how accurately light brings out different colours. The higher the CRI, the more defined and natural colours appear to be. A difference of 10 CRI can make a difference in making colours seem bright, or seem dull. For most work situations, it helps to have LEDs of at least 80 CRI in order to help create a dynamic environment. 

In some circumstances, there is a negative to LEDs. This is based upon the fact that they throw out blue light rather than the red light of traditional light bulbs. Blue light can disrupt the circadian rhythm, and handicaps sleep. Generally, this is more of a concern when applied to bedroom lighting, but it is useful to be aware of.

There are other differences between LEDs and conventional lighting it is helpful to be aware of. Incandescent bulbs diffuse light that spreads out in a broad pattern, but LEDs can be manipulated to pinpoint given areas. It can be very effectively applied creatively to establish mood effects, including being used in sophisticated ways to build complex lightscapes.

Also, a lack of ultra violet in LEDs light makes them far better in situations where sensitive materials are displayed, such as museums and galleries, and even scientific environments. And another benefit is that they can work well off low voltage power, making them more effective than incandescent lighting when it comes to running off solar energy, and in some outdoor and rural settings.

Next Steps

Using LED lights as an alternative to inefficient electricity thirsty incandescent bulbs has lots of advantages, but with just a little attention it is possible to end up with much better results than simply the cost and sustainability advantages. For most company interiors, LEDs of 800 lumens, 2700K and a CRI of 80 to 90 are what is required, and should be easy to obtain. If guidance is needed, lighting component suppliers will usually provide free advice on what to buy, but most office supply stores and all online lighting specialist retailers sell a wide range of LED lights, plus discount stores such as Home Bargain and BM, and supermarkets carry a useful range of stock.