Comparison of Life Cycle Assessments of LED Light Sources

Abstract

Several life cycle assessments of light sources have been conducted during last two decades. This article compares their methods and results, and identifies the challenges. Light-emitting diode (LED) is considered as an environmentally friendly solution for lighting. The LEDs have the potential to be the most environmentally friendly light sources not least because of their increasing luminous efficacy and long lifetime. However, there are neither detailed data nor a profound life cycle assessment of a range of LED lighting products to undisputedly prove their environmental performance. Currently, the total life cycle environmental impacts of LED light sources are not known due to uncertainties and lack of peer-reviewed assessments.