Why LEDs haven't yet cut energy use for lighting

Eamon Barrett, proprietor of Altitude bike shop in Waterford, Ireland, used to illuminate his store with fluorescent bulbs to accentuate the appeal of his bicycles. However, he began to question the environmental impact of using such energy-intensive lighting for a business that promotes eco-friendly transportation. Approximately three years ago, he transitioned to LED lighting, a more energy-efficient alternative, throughout his showroom, workshop, canteen, and back offices. He also implemented motion sensors to ensure lights only activate when someone is present in the room, and installed solar panels and a battery to supplement the power supply.

Barrett expresses satisfaction with the changes, noting improved lighting quality and a 35% reduction in his annual electricity bill. He believes the savings could have been even greater if not for the surge in energy prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, the transition to LED lighting was not without significant upfront costs. Barrett spent approximately €10,000 (£8,800; $10,900) on the new lighting system for his 6-7,000 sq ft property, and he anticipates a seven-year period to recoup this investment, in addition to the cost of the solar panels and battery.

Despite being available for decades, LED lighting has not been universally adopted by businesses, largely due to the initial expense of installation. However, LED lights are gaining traction, accounting for 50% of global lighting sales last year, according to the International Energy Agency. Yet, despite the energy efficiency of LED lights, the total energy consumption for lighting is on the rise due to an increase in the number of people using electric lighting. Therefore, additional measures are needed to curb overall energy usage.