14th November 2017
LED lights used to be those tiny lights that showed your TV was on standby. But turns out they can do a lot more than that.
They only need a fraction of the amount of energy old bulbs use, which is great for the planet, and cuts energy bills too. Replacing the bulb you use most at home can save you £30 for the life of the bulb. And you won’t have to change is as often because they last a lot longer.
LEDs are already lighting up some of our favourite places. Here are five who’ve made the switch.
1. Stamford Bridge
Chelsea are the first professional club to go LED at their stadium. It means no flicker on TV, super high definition shots, and light shows at half time. Just imagine David Luiz taking a penalty with the whole stadium in total darkness save for a single spotlight shining on him. With this system (and some serious bending of Premiership rules) it could happen.
2. The Empire State building
The new LED lighting system offers 16.7 million colours in different combinations, including ripples, sparkles, sweeps and strobes. Look out for those on TV at new year.
3. The Castles of Wales
The LED lights in Welsh castles are all switching to LED. It’ll save them 92 tonnes of CO2 every year (that’s 92 baby elephants!). They developed a brand new candle-shaped LED bulb especially to keep the medieval castle vibe going.
4. Tower Bridge
London’s Tower Bridge had an LED makeover in 2012 - just in time for the Olympics! They used strips of lights moulded to the bridge to pick out the iconic shape at night. It’s cut energy use by 40%, and you can change the colours.
5. Penshaw Monument
If you’re not from Sunderland, the Penshaw monument is a half size replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens built in the 1840s (seriously, look it up). For natives of the north east, the LED lights make it a shining beacon to show they’re almost home.
...Your Neighbourhood?
LED street lamps could save councils in the UK £200 million a year, and prevent 600,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions - the equivalent of taking 400,000 cars off the road. They’re good for light pollution (the light is much more directional and they have clever central control systems) and make people feel safer. Leicester, Southend and Blackpool are among areas already feeling the benefits. But across the UK only 20% of street lights have switched. Find out if your neighbourhood has seen the light.
This blog was written by our climate activist pals over at 10:10. Find out more about the great work they do here.
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