New research shows energy-saving bulbs are the real deal
The verdict was out on whether the latest generation of energy-saving light bulbs actually saves energy, but a comprehensive study conducted by German lighting company, Osram, provides compelling evidence that they do. Skip the PR and look at the science. No one knew if manufacturing LED (light-emitting diodes) lamps required more energy than needed for standard incandescent bulbs, despite the fact that LEDs use about 20% of the electricity of a regular bulb to create the same amount of light. Osram’s new research shows that over the entire life of the bulb, from manufacturing to disposal, the energy used for incandescent bulbs is almost five times that used for compact fluorescents and LED lamps. It also shows the energy used during manufacture of all types of lamps is less than 2% of the total. So that kills that debate. But one wonders what Osram will do about the stark quality and colour of the energy-saving lights, which is a big turn-off for many old-technology habituated consumers. Read more: New York Times
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