Establishments around the world are realizing the potential energy and maintenance savings associated with LED technology. Eco-responsibility is proving that it is not just a passing fad. Countries all over the world, including the United States, have created programs and incentives for companies switching to LED technologies. In fact, the European Union began a ban of incandescent bulbs in September 2009. Sources predict that by the year 2016, incandescent lighting will be completely phased out of commercial and residential settings to make room for more energy efficient lighting, namely LEDs. Cell phones, DVDs, CDs, and MP3s have all popularized this technology years ago. It was only a matter of time before LED lighting was paid proper attention. For restaurants, LEDs benefit include 90% less energy consumption, no radiant heat or UV, no mercury or hazardous materials and useful life that is double that of traditional sources.

Aside from opting for eco-responsible products being a good business practice, it also does wonders for a restaurant’s finances. As all business owners know, costs have a direct and significant impact on an institution’s bottom line. In an economic downturn companies often have to cut corners to cut costs. Fortunately, LED technology makes it possible to upgrade and save money. One bulb uses 90% less energy than traditional sources. This has huge implications for any restaurant that has a substantial utility bill. They are able to cut their utility bill to 10% and actually benefits associated with eco-responsibility and reduction in energy consumption. In addition, LED bulbs lasts 10 times longer than fluorescent. This means LEDs virtually eliminate the cost of maintenance for over 10 years after installation. In addition, LED lighting gives off substantially less heat, reducing air conditioning costs.

Companies all over the world have taken advantage of LED technology. Macy’s has one of the historically biggest plans for LED lighting in their stores. By replacing a 75W bulb with a new 10W LED bulb, they are on tract to save $45,585,056 in the first year, alone. McDonalds and Dunkin Doughnuts have switched lighting, signs, and menu board lighting to LED technology to become more efficient.

In addition to all the financial benefits there are to switching to LED technology, the switch can have some great implications for the restaurant’s environment and the environment at large. Most importantly, LED technology does not contain Mercury or other hazardous materials that would be harmful in any environment and especially food service.

For more information about LED technology please feel free to call Dave Goldberg at Millennium Visual Systems, (845) 356-4100.

This entry was posted on Monday, March 1st, 2010 at 8:57 am and is filed under Various LED Information. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.