LED lighting reduces 570 million tons of carbon emissions

The efficiency of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) is one of the most popular advantages of this technology compared to conventional incandescent and fluorescent lamps. According to the latest survey by IHS Markit, in 2017, LEDs used for building lighting and outdoor lighting reduced about 570 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions.

In 2017, with the same brightness, the average power consumption of LEDs was 40% and 80% less than fluorescent and incandescent lamps, respectively.

Market research firm IHS Markit estimates that the reduction in emissions is equivalent to approximately 162 coal-fired power plants, allowing LED components and lighting companies to reduce their global carbon footprint by approximately 1.5% in 2017.

Jamie Fox, principal analyst at IHS Markit Lighting and LED Division, believes that LEDs help LED components and lighting companies promote their industrial transformation. He said that these companies "are more effective in confronting climate change issues than other industries and should therefore be supported."

Fox added: "Compared to other industries, LED company employees can more effectively say that by selling more products, they have helped to slow down global warming."

Fox pointed out that in the case of the same brightness, the average power consumption of LED lighting is 40% lower than that of fluorescent lamps and 80% lower than the average power consumption of incandescent lamps. As more LEDs are installed worldwide, he expects LEDs to have a greater impact on reducing the global carbon footprint.

According to IHS's analysis of market share of LED component suppliers, Japanese LED supplier Nichia Corp. contributed the most to reducing carbon footprint, saving most of the carbon. The company reduced its CO2 emissions by about 10% due to the use of LEDs in 2017, about 57 million tons.

Cree is closely following the 8% CO2 emissions. Others such as Lumileds, Seoul Semiconductor, MLS, Samsung and LG Innotek account for about 4% to 7% of carbon reduction.