Reducing carbon dioxide emissions by global transition to LED lighting in residential buildings

The global potential for reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions was estimated by the means of energy-efficient LED lighting in residential buildings. LED lamps typically have greater luminous efficacy compared to conventional lamps used in residential lighting, which suggests potential for energy savings and reducing CO2 emissions. In addition to evaluating the CO2 emission reduction, the study included a cost analysis and evaluated indirect (life cycle) CO2 emissions of the transition to residential LED lighting. The life cycle costs were estimated based on purchase prices and operating costs (energy). Results indicated that approximately 5.0 Gt of CO2 emissions could be reduced with high (90 %) adoption of LED lamps in residential buildings over the 30-year period (2015-2045). The transition to LED lighting was estimated to start from 3 % adoption in lumen-hours in general lighting applications in 2014 and to result to 90 % of lumen-hours in 2045. Changing from conventional residential lighting to LED solutions is clearly an important means for CO2 mitigation. In order to realize this great potential for CO2 emission reduction, good quality LED lamps need to be available at a reasonable purchase price and their luminous efficacy must continue to be improved.