Sukura season in Tokyo, just one of many public uses of LED lighting.  The famous cherry blossom of Chidorigafuchi Park in Tokyo has replaced much of its halogen lamps this year with a new LED based lighting system.  The new lights have reduced energy costs greatly and saved the trees from damage caused by the heat and ultraviolet rays of the halogen lamps.

This is just one example of LED’s used in public places to great effect, but of course the outdoor application of LED lights encompasses every from skyscrapers to road signs. They can provide an illumination solution to much of public infrastructure.

In LA a five year plan was announced this year by the Clinton Climate Initiative (CCI) to replace 140,000 street lights with LED alternatives. These are claimed to last longer than the current lights (10 to 12 years over the 4 to 6 years of the current lights). Over a seven-year period, the city is estimated to save $48 million and reduce carbon emissions by 197,000 tons.

LED lighting when managed well in public infrastructure has the potential to reduce a great deal of unnecessary energy waste. It also has the potential to bring a greater range of public light display and utilisation.

From the Sukura display in Tokyo to public works of art such as the series of man made waterfalls installed around New York harbour in 2008. These waterfalls were lit at night using LED’s simulating a moonlight effect on the water.

LED Lighting is also commonly used in Schools these days as its makes students mroe likely to concentrate due to the lower amount of glare and saves the School money due to it being more cost effective over the long-term.

From the essential lighting we expect to find in urban environments to the enhancement of natural and artistic works, LED’s hold much value as the future of artificial lighting.