LONDON–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The use of LEDs to illuminate buildings and outdoor spaces reduced the
total carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of lighting by an
estimated 570 million tons in 2017. This reduction is roughly equivalent
to shutting down 162 coal-fired power plants, according to IHS
Markit (Nasdaq: INFO), a world leader in critical information,
analytics and solutions. LED lighting uses an average of 40 percent less
power than fluorescents, and 80 percent less than incandescents, to
produce the same amount of light.

“The efficiency of LEDs is essentially what makes them environmentally
friendly,” said Jamie
Fox, principal analyst, lighting and LEDs group, IHS Markit.
“Therefore, LED conversion is unlike other measures, which require
people to reduce consumption or make lifestyle changes.”

LED component and lighting companies were responsible for reducing the
global carbon (CO2e) footprint by an estimated 1.5 percent in
2017, and that number is likely to continue to grow as more LEDs are
installed around the world.

LEDs have other positive environmental benefits, too. For example, LEDs
have a longer life span than traditional bulbs and fewer are produced,
so the emissions and pollution associated with the production, shipping,
sale and disposal of the products is lowered. Secondly, unlike
fluorescents, LEDs do not contain mercury. LEDs also decrease air
pollution, since most electrical energy is still generated by burning
fossil fuels. “While other activities affect climate change more than
lighting does, it is still a very strong contribution from a single
industry sector,” Fox said.

IHS Markit has tracked the market share for top LED component suppliers
for many years. Based on an analysis of this data, Nichia can claim
credit for having saved the most carbon overall — accounting for 10
percent of all LED lighting reduction achieved in 2017, which translates
into 57 million tons of CO2 — about the same as 16 coal
plants. Cree followed Nichia with 8 percent, while Lumileds, Seoul
Semiconductor, MLS, Samsung and LG Innotek each have a share in the
range of 4 percent to 7 percent.

Savings achieved by each company relate to the energy saved by the use
of that company’s components while installed in lighting applications.
It does not include a whole lifecycle analysis, which would likely lead
to a small additional positive benefit, due to the longer life of LEDs.

“LED component companies and lighting companies have transformed their
industry,” Fox said. “They are fighting climate change much more
effectively than other industries, and they should be given credit for
it. Unlike in other industry sectors, workers at LED companies can
honestly say that by selling more of their products, they are helping to
reduce global warming.”

IHS Markit figures are only based on the lighting market. They do not
include energy saved by LEDs that replaced other technologies in other
sectors, such as automotive and consumer technology.

About IHS Markit (www.ihsmarkit.com)

IHS Markit (Nasdaq: INFO) is a world leader in critical information,
analytics and expertise for the major industries and markets that drive
economies worldwide. The company delivers next-generation information,
analytics and solutions to customers in business, finance and
government, improving their operational efficiency and providing deep
insights that lead to well-informed, confident decisions. IHS Markit has
more than 50,000 key business and government customers, including 85
percent of the Fortune Global 500 and the world's leading financial
institutions. Headquartered in London, IHS Markit is committed to
sustainable, profitable growth.

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