A new report on the life-cycle energy usage of energy-efficient lighting by Cree, Inc. shows that LED lighting products are now more efficient than traditional lighting products when compared across the high-volume applications of recessed downlighting and display spotlighting. Evaluating light fixtures and applications, the white papers energy comparisons demonstrate that LEDs offer clear advantages in terms of energy costs and environmental impact over traditional lighting such as incandescent, halogen and compact fluorescent bulbs.

The conclusion of the Cree Energy-Efficient Lifecycle White Paper is that LEDs are the most efficient light source available today for the examined applications. They are also a greener solution when compared to compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs), as LEDs contain no toxic mercury. Citing recent studies conducted by Carnegie Mellon University and OSRAM Opto Semiconductors, Crees paper assesses state-of-the-art LED fixtures to demonstrate the inherent improvements in lighting efficiency available when using fixtures designed specifically to use LEDs. Additionally, the study examines two of todays dominant lighting applications, downlighting and spotlighting, in order to accurately determine the energy impacts of using LEDs