Improving lighting efficiency

The lighting industry is set to undergo a series of adaptations in favour of greener lighting technologies. A forum for discussing the new lighting sources and applications of lighting technologies will occur at an international conference- the Lighting and Building Conference, hosted in Frankfurt from 11 April to the 16.

Several budding technologies will factor into the conference, but older and more proven technologies will likely be the basis for mitigating energy expenditure. One key focus will be abolishing the use of incandescent bulbs. Either CFL (Compact Fluorescent lights), or newer and even more efficient LED's (Light Emitting Diodes) are alternatives that allow for less energy consumption, have longer durability, and save money. Incandescent light bulbs are startlingly inefficient. Only 10% of the energy expended to force electrons through their Tungsten filaments is converted into light-the remaining 90% is lost to heat.

CFL's last 10x longer than incandescent bulbs and although CFL's initiallycost more money, the longer durability and energy savings quickly offset the costs. A downside of CFL's is that they contain traces of Mercury, which is detrimental to human and environmental health-care must be taken to ensure the bulbs do not break. An even brighter future lies in LED's - a relatively new technology.

LED's use a solid semi-conductor rather than the glass tube found in CFLs or fragile filaments found in incandescent bulbs, making them more durable than either lighting alternative. LED's are more expensive than either incandescent bulbs or CFL's-however, much like CFL's versus incandescent bulbs, LED's pay for themselves by using less energy than CFL's and lasting 10x longer than CFL's, - that's 100x longer than an incandescent light bulb.

Yet, the most proven and oldest technology is simply utilising the sun effectively. Natural lighting is the most efficient and reliable energy source. As such, architectural planning that favours increased sunlight in new buildings or refitting old buildings will allow for a reduced cost in lighting. Science has sought to maximise the potential of sunlight and an emerging technology seeks to use solar panels and fibreoptic networks from roof-to-ceiling to spread natural light throughout homes. The small amount of energy required by LED's to be effective make a combination of solar panels with LED lighting incredibly appealing.

Sustainable lighting figures to be an easy-to-approach strategy to save people and businesses money on lighting costs while reducing man's carbon footprint. Lighting accounts for approximately one quarter of the energy costs in commercial buildings, and about one fifth of the energy costs in the average house. Adapting lighting practices for the future will help mitigate CO2 emissions.

Over 2,000 businesses will take part in the Frankfurt's Light and Building conference, and application of lighting technologies to homes, businesses, urban, and outdoor lighting will all factor into discussions.

Michael Good | Climate Action

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amsfrank| Flickr