Some analysts have predicted that LED will dominate lighting market by 2015. However, the US manufacturer Honeywell thinks predicted date of 2015 for market domination by LEDs is too late, and calls for an immediate global switch to LED lighting.

According to John Storey, global business director of LED Lighting for Honeywell, lighting accounts for roughly 19% of global energy production, and a switch to LEDs would be cost effective for companies.

“Currently, around two thirds of lighting is based on older, energy wasting technologies developed before 1970 – this is not sustainable,” said Storey.

“Until now though, the lighting industry has failed to deliver a much superior proposition to be used for general high-quality lighting in almost all applications. But we’re at a turning point. LED lighting is the most exciting thing since the electric light – and every bit as revolutionary.”

Honeywell has set up a free global consultancy service to try to convince companies that the up-front costs will be paid for by power savings, citing the fact that LEDs have a significantly longer life span of 60,000 hours, compared to a traditional fluorescent tube lasting 10-15,000 hours. LED lights also have a wider optimum temperature range.

The company hopes to convince company facility and energy managers of the prudence of shifting to LEDs – their global consulting service includes site surveys, devising bespoke lighting schemes, producing detailed energy and cost saving calculations and offering pilot installations.