As research and development within the lighting market sees newer and improved solutions cascading onto retail shelves, Philips has announced that it has been able to create the world's most energy-efficient LED bulb to be used in general lighting applications.
The new tube light replacement TLED prototype produces 200 lumens per watt of white light, compared to the 100 emitted by fluorescent lighting and 15 for traditional light bulbs. Therefore, the prototype creation is twice as efficient as these predecessor lamps for ceiling light fittings, while consuming half of the energy.
According to the manufacturer, it is the first time that 200 lumens per watt worth of efficiency has been reached without compromising on the quality of light, as it still adheres to the rules and regulations about the standard of light in offices.
Lighting currently accounts for more than 19 per cent of the world's electricity consumption. Head of technology and delivery at the Carbon Trust Geoff Smith recently told the BBC that in commercial properties, lights are using up between 20 and 50 per cent of the total amount consumed. Furthermore, outdated fluorescent tube lights used in office blocks are guzzling power comprising half of the world's total lighting usage.
If all of the fluorescent lights in the US were replaced by these new lamps, the country would save more than $12 billion (£7.8 billion) and reduce the nation's emissions by around 60 million metric tonnes, according to a report by the nation's Department of Energy.
For companies wanting to cut back their operational costs, the new bulb will be available for purchase in 2015 for office and industry applications - before later launching for domestic properties as well.
As Rene van Schooten, chief executive of light sources and electronics for Philips, said: "This again is a major breakthrough in LED lighting and will further drive the transformation of the lighting industry." He described the potential money to be saved and benefits for the planet from the new lamp as "exciting".
