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LED Spells End of Disposable Light Bulbs

Long-lived fixtures could cut energy use in half in 20 years

By Rob Quinn, Newser Staff

Posted May 30, 2009 7:55 AM CDT

(Newser) – The rapid advance of light-emitting diode technology is blazing the way to greener lighting, the New York Times reports. LED lighting, once used only in the likes of traffic lights and scoreboards, is now being adopted by a growing number of cities and businesses. Experts say the lights, which last for decades, are twice as efficient as compact fluorescent bulbs, and (unlike compact fluorescents) contain no toxic elements; perhaps they could turn lighting away from disposable bulbs entirely.

Studies predict that conversion to LED lighting could cut carbon emissions from electric lighting by 50% in about 20 years, the Times reports. "At this point, LEDs can’t be used in all lights, but that’s changing every month,” said a consultant who installed Buckingham Palace's lights. “If you go into Wal-Mart, and look at all those twin 8-foot fluorescents above every aisle, you realize that the potential is enormous.”

[Images (3)]

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$LED lighting uses fraction of the energy of light bulbs and comes as a semi-permanent fixture, reducing waste.$

LED lighting uses fraction of the energy of light bulbs and comes as a semi-permanent fixture, reducing waste. (Photo: Business Wire)

LED lighting is expected to become a billion-dollar industry within 5 years as more and more cities and businesses make the switch. (Photo: Kathreen Fontecha, California Lighting Technology Center)

Ann Arbor, Michigan, has been installing LED streetlights and expects to recover the initial outlay within 5 years from lower electricity and maintenance costs. (PRIMEZONE)

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This is a technology on a very fast learning curve.
- Jon Creyts author of a report for McKinsey & Company which predicted LED will be in common use within 5 years

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COMMENTS

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Showing 3 of 13 comments

wwwonderer

Jun 1, 2009 5:14 AM CDT

That dose affect outdoor installations. But think abuot all the heat not being emitted indoors. Imagine how much MORE energy can be save by not having to deal with extra heat. This makse this very desirable for studios.

NewserHound

Jun 1, 2009 2:46 AM CDT

Agreed! We need a few new parties. It should be handled like pro sports. We could have a political party expansion draft and everything.

SBS

May 30, 2009 11:17 AM CDT

Sorry infidell 911 but I have to disagree. The right wing says that anything that you disagree with what they say and someone does not agree with them makes that person UnAmerican and a traitor. i.e. Iraq

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technology • LEDs • lighting • lightbulbs

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LED Spells End of Disposable Light Bulbs