Times Square Countdown is Green
The Times Square Countdown goes green with LED lighting.
The traditional Ball drop that marks the start of the New Year in times square has gone a bit greener this year. For the fist time the illuminations will be completed powered by Light Emitting Diodes (LED).
Energy usages of LED lighting is around 80% of the power needed to keep those old style incandescent lights going. In addition the reliability is much much longer and should last for many countdowns to come.
Royal Philips Electronic is the company responsible for the balls illumination and had previously used halogen and incandescent bulbs. This year they fitted their LUXEON technology which is also available for commercial and consumer use.
The energy saving technology of these lights are having widespread use around the world as their efficiency potential is recognized. Some countries have even taken steps to introduce legislation to ban the manufacture and sale of the inefficient incandescent light bulb. Even in the home the same for of energy savings can be achieved. Switching all your lighting requirements to LED bulbs could save your the 80% on your utility costs.
When 2010 arrives it might mark the start of Efficient Light Year. When you are watching the ball drop the following year in 2011 much of the lighting you see will already have converted to LED.
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