LED lights
Light-emitting diodes (LEDs) contain solid semi-conductor materials that convert electrical impulses into light through a process of electroluminescence. LEDs may include fluorescent materials that alter the colour of the light.
LED lights are packaged arrays of light emitting diodes that create uniform and bright light. They have high electrical efficacy, good reliability, and long lifespan. This results in energy savings, lower maintenance costs, and good environmental performance.
An LED light fixture will typically use 90% less electricity than an equivalent incandescent fixture. They have a similar efficiency to compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) but are longer lasting. A good quality LED light can have a useful life of 25,000 hours or more. This is more than 25 times longer than traditional light bulbs. LEDs also lack filaments or glass enclosures, making them more durable than traditional alternatives.
Wall washing, cove lighting, backlighting, in ground lighting, and speciality lighting are the prime applications for LED products. The global LED lighting market was valued at approximately USD 20.0 billion in 2014. The market is dominated by Europe, which accounted for more than 30% of total demand in 2014.
Solar LED products and conventional LED products are the two major segments of the global market. The conventional LED products segment dominates the market at present.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
The benefits of engaging with insulation manufacturers
When considering ground floor constructions.
Lighting Industry endorses Blueprint for Electrification
The Lighting Industry Association fully supports the ECA Blueprint as a timely, urgent call to action.
BSRIA Sentinel Clerk of Works Training Case Study
Strengthening expertise to enhance service delivery with integrated cutting-edge industry knowledge.
Impact report from the Supply Chain Sustainability School
Free sustainability skills, training and support delivered to thousands of UK companies to help cut carbon.
The Building Safety Forum at the Installershow 2025
With speakers confirmed for 24 June as part of Building Safety Week.
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.