LED lamps were compared to other technologies in a recent issue of National Geographic magazine, and LED lighting was also discussed in the House of Commons, the UK’s legislative chamber, on March 5 as part of a debate on energy and climate change.

Joan Ruddock, Under-Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, was asked if there had been discussions between her department and the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) on the effect on electricity consumption and CO2 emissions of the installation and use of LED lighting.

Ruddock said that the Government certainly recognizes the potential energy savings that ultra-efficient lighting technologies such as LEDs can offer. They continue to work to stimulate development and take-up, and officials in the two Departments have worked, and will continue to work, together on this issue.

LED lighting is super-efficient. It uses just 5% of the wattage of a conventional light bulb; it generates very little heat, which means that it reduces fire risk in applications; and it contains no mercury, which means that it is safer to dispose of. Member of Parliament Philip Hollobone said, and then Hollobone asked “may I urge the Minister to have discussions with DEFRA on this issue? Can she also advise the House what the low-carbon business innovation unit within her Department is doing to promote this technology?”

Ruddock said that the government agrees on the “huge potential benefits” of LED lighting. That is why they have put some LED products on to their energy technology product list and why they have made those specific types of lighting available to benefit from the enhanced capital allowance scheme, which has delivered approximately £550 million in tax relief to those who have purchased products on the Carbon Trust’s energy technology list. The potential for the makers and retailers of LEDs is considerable, she is sure that their officials will continue those important discussions.