External LED lighting is not only capable of providing a feast for the eyes, it’s also allowing companies to improve the performance of their lighting systems and make the most efficient use of energy.
The last few years have seen LED lighting emerge as a tried and tested technology. In terms of flexibility and pure efficiency, there are few other technologies that can boast the same ability to make a dent in carbon dioxide emissions – and also shave zeros off the bottom line. The arena of outdoor lighting, in particular, has marked itself apart in terms of its early adoption of LEDs.
The global LED market is expected to be worth £32 billion by 2016 (according to McKinsey research), and when it comes to architectural lighting, we are likely to see 85% LED penetration by 2020.
It’s the ability to create an architectural ‘wow factor’ that first drew many in the sports, stadia, leisure and hotel sector to LED lighting. The broad colour spectrum of LEDs, which have also been proven to be both long-lasting and highly weather-resistant, make it easier than ever to create spectacular lighting effects on the façade of a hotel or venue.
Although it’s popular to use LEDs for the wow factor, many in the industry are instead taking advantage of the subtlety allowed by LEDs to bring out the nuances of architecture. At night, certain building materials look better when lit by a different type of lighting: glass and steel benefit from cool white light, whereas brick facades look better bathed in a warm white light. LED lighting makes it possible to fine-tune the natural appearance of buildings at night as never before.
The aesthetics of outdoor LED lighting might be one draw, but it’s the functional features that are cementing its place in the leisure industry. Safety has always been the primary reason for outdoor lighting. In the past, it was felt that stronger lighting better safeguarded against crime and traffic accidents, even at the risk of over-lighting an area. High-pressure sodium vapour lamps, which were previously the norm, produce a yellowish light that makes it difficult to distinguish colours and gives objects an unnatural cast. LEDs also offer a level of controllability simply not achievable with high-intensity discharge lamps (HIDs).
LED lighting is becoming the preferred option when ensuring safety, because its crisp, white light makes people easier to recognise and potentially reduce night time crime rates. What’s more, LEDs are perceived by the public as brighter than sodium vapour lamps, even if the volume of emitted light is identical. With the combination of power saving and technology such as proximity sensors; this delivers maximum security whilst ensuring the most efficient use of power.
The inherent energy-saving potential of LEDs is only really realised by their use with intelligent control systems. Previously, switching large arrays of outdoor lighting on and off was an inflexible process and required on-site manual operation. However, outdoor lighting can now be controlled remotely – or it can simply be left to control itself. Intelligent light management systems include sensors that automatically detect if people in the area and the level of daylight.
This means energy is no longer wasted by lighting empty car parks or footpaths that are bathed in evening sunlight. In fact, the savings available are so big that OSRAM’s intelligent lighting systems can potentially consume 80% less energy, compared to conventional lighting solutions without control. What’s more, outdoor LEDs are frequently termed ‘fit and forget’, because their lifespan is typically more than 50,000 hours. For areas where the lighting is hard to access, and maintenance may require disruption to business; removing the burden of replacing end of life lamps is an important tick in the box.
LED lighting is frequently trumpeted as a means to drive down costs. However, it’s important to be aware that the largest energy and maintenance savings are in fact only available by taking a holistic approach – that is, using a combination of an LED light source, a highly-efficient luminaire and intelligent lighting controls.
Working with a company that can provide LEDs, luminaires and controls means it’s possible to ensure that every part of the lighting system is energy-efficient. For this reason, OSRAM has extended its expertise across the lighting spectrum, with the acquisition of companies that are market leaders in producing efficient luminaires and innovative LED solutions: Siteco, Traxon Technologies and E:cue.
External-use LEDs may have first flooded the market as a means to create ‘wow factor’ for the hotel and leisure industry, but they are now coming of age. LED lighting has proven itself to be a reliable and flexible solution to many of the nagging headaches of outdoor lighting. At OSRAM, we are at the forefront of using the incredible energy efficiency of LEDs to light the way in a simpler, greener approach to outdoor lighting.
