In order to improve green behavior, it is not always necessary to radically change ones approach. Sometimes saving energy and money can be very easy. This is the case of the National Gallery of London, the first Museum that is turning to LED light bulbs. The aim of this change, a result of a three year project, is to reduce CO2 emissions, save maintenance costs and, not least, improve light quality in the rooms. A new automatic system of lighting will help the regulation of the light in the rooms using natural light as much as possible. Besides this, the lights will never switch off suddenly, which is a very good aspect for visitors.

Currently six galleries have adopted this system and a saving of 3600 pounds has been calculated on the energy consumption together with a saving of 3100 pounds on maintenance costs and 29 tons of CO2 have not be emitted. After the end of the projects, in 2013, the expected saving will have been the following: 400 CO2 tons/year and 85% energy consumption. The initial cost of LED lamps is very high but the lamp life is so long (25 times more than traditional ones) which will result in the maintenance costs also being strongly reduced.

This choice is part of a bigger project that will let this Museum reduce its overall emissions by 43%. The admirable behavior of the National Gallery is confirmed once more, after its free entrance to all visitors, is now a green approach.

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