In 2017, the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) prevented 570 million metric tons of CO2 from being released into the atmosphere, according to a U.S. study. LEDs also generate less waste because they last longer than traditional light bulbs.
570 million metric tons of CO2 not released into the atmosphere thanks to LEDs
According to a study by the American company IHS Markit, taken from the website Quartz, in 2017, The use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) has prevented the emission of 570 million metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere. This is a « equivalent to shutting down 160 coal-fired power plants », the American magazine reports! And Quartz It should be added that LEDs, which consume significantly less energy than incandescent light bulbs, « have made it possible to reduce the carbon footprint global figure of approximately 1.5 % in 2017 ». Before concluding: « the LED have a major impact on climate change ».
But all the LED do not consume in the same way. Thus, Those produced by the Japanese company Nichia are the most « clean »": On their own, these measures have reduced global carbon dioxide emissions by 56 million metric tons.
The Japanese manufacturer, which invented the blue diode, is the largest producer of LED components and therefore the biggest contributor to this reduction in the carbon footprint, according to the institute. The institute estimates that the company accounted for 10 % of the carbon dioxide emissions avoided during the year—equivalent to the output of 16 coal-fired power plants.
Coal-fired power plant © DyziO
Less electricity for the same amount of light
In second place among the least polluting LED manufacturers is the American company Cree (8 % reduction in carbon dioxide emissions). The contribution of the other manufacturers listed in the study (Lumileds, Seoul Semiconductor, MLS, Samsung and LG Innotek) is estimated to be between 4 % and 7 %. « No sector is more effective at combating climate change », says IHS Markit. LEDs use less electricity than other light bulbs to produce the same amount of light: 40 % less than fluorescent bulbs and 80 % less than incandescent bulbs.
As a reminder, LEDs were invented in the early 1990s by two Japanese researchers and one American, who were awarded the Nobel Prize. And that’s not the only environmental benefit of these light bulbs: The latter also generate less waste because they last longer than traditional light bulbs. Nor do they contain any mercury. A study by the European Institute Eurostat A study published this week drives the point home: a European household saves an average of 10 euros per year by replacing a traditional 60-watt light bulb with a 10-watt LED bulb. The savings are slightly lower in France, at 8.45 euros per year.
in https://www.consoglobe.com
