NALMCO Certified Apprentice Lighting Technician (CALT) Practice Exam

Which characteristic of LED lighting systems affects their environmental impact?

1. Longer lifespan

2. Higher energy consumption

3. Use of toxic materials

4. Heat output

The correct answer is: Longer lifespan

The characteristic of LED lighting systems that significantly affects their environmental impact is their longer lifespan. LED lights are designed to last much longer than traditional incandescent or fluorescent bulbs, often exceeding 25,000 to 50,000 hours of use. This extended lifespan reduces the frequency of replacements, leading to less waste in landfills and lower consumption of resources associated with manufacturing and distributing replacement bulbs. Additionally, by lasting longer, LEDs contribute to reduced energy consumption over their lifetime. While the question focuses on the environmental impact, it is essential to recognize that a longer lifespan means fewer bulbs need to be produced and disposed of, decreasing the overall environmental footprint. In contrast, options related to higher energy consumption and use of toxic materials are typically associated with less environmentally friendly technologies, reinforcing the sustainable advantage of LEDs.