Over the years, many businesses have made the switch to LED lighting, benefiting from its superior efficiency and cost savings. However, if you’ve already transitioned to LED, you might be wondering whether it’s worth upgrading again.
The truth is that LED technology has continued to evolve at an impressive rate, offering even greater brightness, efficiency, and sustainability benefits than ever before. With this in mind, Woodward Group explores why now could be the perfect time to upgrade your LED lighting to take it to the next level.
The evolution of LED technology
In 2014, the Nobel Prize in Physics was awarded to three scientists – Isamu Akasaki, Hiroshi Amano, and Shuji Nakamura – for their pioneering work in developing blue light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Their breakthrough revolutionised lighting technology, leading to rapid improvements in efficiency, brightness, and lifespan. The Nobel committee recognised that LED lamps could transform energy consumption and provide sustainable lighting solutions for communities worldwide.
Over the last decade, LED lighting has continued to advance significantly. Early LED Highbay units, for example, offered efficiencies of just 80 to 100 lumens per watt. In contrast, modern Highbay LEDs can now achieve around 200 lumens per watt, doubling their efficiency and significantly reducing energy costs. These improvements mean businesses that upgrade their lighting now can enjoy even greater savings and performance enhancements.
Greater brightness, greater efficiency
One of the most noticeable advancements in LED technology is the increase in brightness. Early LEDs often required multiple fixtures to achieve adequate lighting levels, whereas today’s LEDs are far more powerful.
Moreover, integrating dimmable controls and daylight sensors allows for even greater efficiency. By adjusting light output based on available daylight or occupancy, businesses can further optimise their energy use. The most efficient light fittings are, after all, ones that are turned off when not needed to light the space.
LED lighting has always been known for its energy efficiency. However, the latest developments take this a step further. Newer LED models use even less power while providing superior colour accuracy, longer lifespans, and smaller, more versatile designs.
In addition, as touched on above, smart controls and sensors have revolutionised how LED lighting is used. Motion sensors can turn lights off when spaces are unoccupied, while dimmable settings allow fixtures to reduce output to a standby level (often around 10%) when full brightness isn’t necessary. These intelligent lighting strategies can significantly cut energy consumption and costs.
For businesses still using fluorescent or discharge lighting such as SON or Metal Halide, the potential savings are even greater. Upgrading to modern LED systems not only reduces energy bills but also minimises maintenance costs and enhances workplace lighting quality.
How we can help upgrade your LED lighting
At Woodward Group, we understand that every business has unique requirements. That’s why we specialise in bespoke LED lighting upgrades tailored to your specific needs and budget. Our expert team will assess your current setup and provide solutions that maximise efficiency, brightness, and cost savings.
If you’re ready to upgrade your LED lighting to the lastest technology and enjoy the benefits of smarter, more efficient lighting, get in touch with us today to discuss your options