What is LED lighting?
The term "LED" stands for light emitting diode. LED lighting can produce up to 90% more light than traditional incandescent bulbs.
As a result, these stand out from incandescent and fluorescent lights due to their increased energy-saving abilities, flexibility, and durability.
LED is a source of light that releases light in a particular direction. This means that it emits light in a specific way, unlike incandescent and CFL bulbs which release light and heat in all directions. Consequently, LEDs can release larger quantities of light and electricity. However, achieving this requires more complex engineering to design an LED bulb capable of illuminating all angles.
How do LED lights work?
LEDs are versatile components used in a variety of devices. From displaying information on digital clocks and remote controls to showing the status of a device, they are grouped together to create images for large TV screens or to illuminate traffic signals. Unlike incandescent lamps, LEDs do not contain filaments, consume less electricity and produce little heat.
They work by electroluminescence, where electrons move through a semiconductor fabric, emanating light. This classifies them as a sort of solid-state lighting. LEDs have an essentially longer life expectancy than conventional light bulbs, which work well with devices such as LCD TVs due to their proficiency and durability.
Why are LED lights important?
Quality LED bulbs usually last longer, are more durable and provide the same or better light quality than other types of lighting.
What are the benefits of using LED lighting?
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Longevity: LED lights are useful because they have a long shelf life. These bulbs can last up to an impressive 100,000 hours. This is equivalent to running for 11 years without stopping or for 22 years with half the usage. LEDs are different from standard lighting in that they do not suddenly stop working. Instead, it slowly dims over time.
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Energy efficiency: LEDs can save a lot of energy and save about 90% compared to traditional light bulbs. The energy efficiency of light bulbs is usually low, 20%, and they consume 80% of electricity as heat.
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Environmental impact: LED lights do not contain harmful chemicals, but standard fluorescent lights may contain mercury, which can be damaging to the environment. They are non-toxic and fully recyclable. This could decrease your carbon impression by up to a third. The longer life of LEDs also means fewer replacements, as there is no need to produce 25 light bulbs with one LED bulb.
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Durability: LEDs are extremely hardwearing, and constructed with parts that can withstand harsh conditions. LED lights are perfect for outdoor spaces such as construction sites or public spaces, as they can absorb shocks, vibrations and strong impacts, as well as harsh weather conditions and possible vandalism.
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Performance in varied temperatures: LEDs perform well in both cold and hot environments. Unlike fluorescent lamps, which can struggle in low temperatures, LEDs are dependable even in cold outdoor conditions or freezer rooms.
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Instant lighting and frequent switching: LED lights illuminate instantly when switched on, giving immediate brightness ideal for infrastructure projects such as traffic and signal lights. LEDs can also be turned on and off without affecting their lifespan or light emission, unlike traditional lighting which may degrade more quickly with frequent switching.
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Low voltage requirements: LEDs require low-voltage power supplies, making them ideal for outdoor use, particularly when connected to solar energy sources. This is especially useful in remote or rural areas.
Applications of LED Lighting
Commercial and industrial lighting: Commercial LED lighting, used in workplaces, shopping centres and eateries, is environmentally friendly and reduces the carbon footprint of businesses by replacing conventional lighting. Although initially costly, LEDs save money long-term due to lower energy consumption. In industrial settings, LED lighting enhances functionality and safety in large areas like warehouses and factories, preventing injuries by illuminating places traditional lights can't reach.
Outdoor and public lighting: LED public lighting cuts operating costs and energy consumption, with a rapid return on investment and extends operational life beyond 20 years thanks to technological advancements. It boosts city safety with improved colour rendering for better visibility and obstacle detection, and lowers CO2 emissions, making cities more sustainable.
Specialised lighting: LED lighting is increasingly used in healthcare due to its reduced glare, better visibility and low heat emission, which improves the environment from surgical to therapeutic settings. In the retail and restaurant industry, its minimal heat reduces air conditioning needs and costs. Despite higher initial costs, LEDs offer long-term savings and energy efficiency, making them ideal for a variety of applications due to their long life and low maintenance.
Other terms of note
CRI: The Colour Rendering Index (CRI) measures, on a scale of 0-100, how natural colours look in artificial light compared to sunlight. Below 80 is poor, while over 90 is optimal.
Lumens: Lumens quantify the brightness of a light bulb, while more lumens indicate brighter light, and fewer suggest dimmer light. This unit is increasingly used to describe LED light output.
How Equans is using LED lighting
Through its company Bouygues Energies and Services, Equans implemented LED lighting solutions to improve energy efficiency and reduce costs. They designed and installed a new LED lighting and control system in the A299 Chestfield Road Tunnel for Kent County Council, resulting in 63% energy savings, equivalent to the annual energy use of 340 homes.
In partnership with Suffolk County Council, Bouygues E&S also replaced 43,400 street lights across Suffolk with LEDs, reducing its annual electricity costs by 76% and saving £1.7 million each year. These projects have helped cut energy consumption and maintenance costs.
