A new generation of light source for comfortable climate solutions

Chemistry is behind great innovation, transforming light bulbs into much smarter energy users. Switching from conventional bulbs to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs gives far more illuminating power per consumed watt and enables energy savings of up to 70%.

This is a way to reduce our carbon footprint and the related greenhouse gas emissions we need to tackle in the light of climate change.

Did you know?

That using innovative lighting (CFL) saves 700 million tons of greenhouse gases in the world? Lighting and domestic electric devices account for 12% of the energy consumption of households in the European Union. Using certain chemicals in glass creates a better conversion of electricity into light. Modern compact fluorescent lamps offer superior luminous efficacy and a longer lifetime compared to incandescent bulbs.

Understanding the impact  of switching to new light bulbs

One has to know the current global production of CFLs – some 2.82 billion of these bulbs are manufactured annually. Research into the major markets for these lamps shows that 47 percent are sold in the US, 34 percent in the EU and Japan, and 19 percent in the rest of the world, allowing the calculation of the weighted average of lighting electricity emissions: 590 kgCO2e/MWh. During an average lifetime of 7,000 hours, a CFL bulb can save 434 kWh of electricity, i.e., 256 ton CO2 equivalent per bulb.

Nevertheless, low quality CFLs are on  the market showing a 70 percent reduced lifetime and energy efficiency of 50 percent compared to high quality CFLs. If the current trends go on, in 2030, the savings due to innovative lighting could jump up to 3,400 million tons or even 4,100 million tons if appropriate measures are taken by decision makers for consumers to improve the dissemination of high quality CFLs.
The next generation of light bulbs is already ready for use: these are the OLEDs, tiny organic light emitting diodes that contain thin plastic films. They are a modern answer to the dissemination of more and more electric devices such as flat TV screens, computers, PDA…

 
As Professor Kandel states in his book Turning the tide on climate change, this example shows that “the chemical industry is positioned to offer CO2 savings through its downstream products. As compared to lifestyle, lighting technology makes the biggest difference, and the chemical industry’s contribution is essential”.

Related documents:

Booklet on “Turning the Tide on Climate Change”

Building Blocks for climate change solutions exhibition video

Panel dedicated to lighting