Lighting giant Osram this week released a study on the full life-cycle impact of LED lighting. The study considers not only the energy savings from using LEDs versus compact fluorescent and incandescent lamps, but takes into account manufacturing and shipping costs, environmental impact and other factors. The overall conclusion is that LEDs already have a comparatively low impact on the environment beyond their advantages in the efficient production of light.
The study compared Osram lighting products, looking at the entire production, use, and disposal process. The study specifically compared the 8W Parathom Classic A LED bulb against its Dulux Superstar CFL running at 8W and its incandescent Classic A running at 40W, and found the LED is more efficient and has a lower environmental impact than either their CFL or their incandescent lamps.