The success of the LED has to be, in some significant way, based on its effectiveness without compromise. By this we mean that by making a decision to change to LED we are taking positive action without a reduction in our lifestyle. Usually working for the greater good suggests that we need to change our lifestyles - and not always in the way we'd like to.
According to a BBC News story earlier this year the use of LED is making a significant difference to the UK's energy demand which brings with it a valuable reduction in carbon emissions. It states that whilst the installation on a single bulb changes little, the collective power of a wholesale shift to LED across the UK is creating real change. It is also revealed to be slightly more effective than renewable energy (source: Carbon Brief). It suggests also that, per head, we are back to using a similar level of energy per person as we were in the 1980s.
...humble energy efficiency has contributed to cutting energy demand by 103 TWh. In other words, in the carbon-cutting contest, efficiency has won – so far. And what’s more, efficiency is uncontroversial, unlike wind and solar. (source: BBC January 219)
The savings have come from domestic and commercial sectors including supermarkets who have worked hard to improve the efficiency of their lighting and refrigeration. Simon Evans from Carbon Brief told BBC News: “Although the picture is complex it’s clear that energy efficiency has played a huge role in help the UK to decarbonise – and I don’t think it’s got the recognition it should have.
Joanne Wade from the Association for Conservation of Energy told BBC News:
“I haven’t seen these figures before but I’m not surprised. The huge improvement in energy efficiency tends to be completely ignored. People haven’t noticed it because if efficiency improves, they are still able to have the energy services that they want. I suppose I should reluctantly agree that the fact that no-one notices it is part of its appeal.”
LED bulbs have so many benefits - they save money obviously through lower bills. They are incredibly long-lasting and durable so replacements and maintenance are both vastly reduced. Their improved performance makes them more reliable - far fewer unexpected outages! But for the planet, they are kinder and cleaner. The point that we can achieve all of this without it affecting us in any way (except for a slightly higher initial cost) is possibly the key to continued environmental change. If we can find more day-to-day products like LED that make positive strides without compromise, we might actually be able to change the world!