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LIGHTING MONTH: The transformation of commercial lighting solutions

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
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The past decade has witnessed a revolution in the realm of commercial lighting. Driven by technological advancements, environmental concerns, and changing aesthetic preferences, the lighting industry has been at the forefront of innovation, bringing about solutions that are sustainable, efficient, and smart. Here we delve into the key developments that have shaped the commercial lighting landscape in the UK over the last ten years, based on input from delegates and suppliers at the Energy Management Summit…

  1. LED Domination: Arguably the most significant shift has been the widespread adoption of LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting. Outshining traditional incandescent and CFL bulbs in terms of efficiency, lifespan, and decreasing cost, LEDs have become the gold standard. Their energy-saving properties align with the UK’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions, making them a preferred choice for businesses aiming for both sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
  2. Smart Lighting Systems: The integration of IoT (Internet of Things) in commercial spaces has ushered in the era of smart lighting. Lights can now be controlled remotely via smartphones or computers, adjust automatically based on occupancy, and even change intensity depending on the time of day. This not only maximises efficiency but also offers unparalleled customisability.
  3. Human-centric Lighting: There’s been a growing recognition of the impact of lighting on human health and productivity. This has given rise to human-centric lighting solutions that mimic natural daylight patterns, supporting the body’s circadian rhythms. Such lighting solutions have proven beneficial in offices and educational institutions, enhancing productivity and well-being.
  4. Architectural and Aesthetic Evolution: Commercial lighting has ceased to be purely functional; it’s now an integral part of a space’s design and aesthetics. Businesses have increasingly turned to bespoke lighting solutions, integrating fixtures seamlessly into the architecture and creating statement pieces that reflect brand identity.
  5. Sustainability and Recycling: With the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive in place, there’s been a strong push towards the responsible disposal and recycling of lighting products. The industry has seen the rise of lighting-as-a-service (LaaS) models, where businesses lease lighting systems and return them to the manufacturer for recycling at the end of their life cycle.
  6. Intelligent Sensors: The integration of advanced sensors has furthered the cause of energy efficiency. Motion, daylight, and occupancy sensors ensure that lights are used optimally, reducing wastage and further driving down energy costs.
  7. Focus on Emergency Lighting: Safety regulations have tightened around emergency lighting, leading to innovations ensuring reliability and efficiency during power outages or emergencies. Modern systems come with self-testing functionalities, reducing the manual workload of safety checks.

The past ten years have transformed commercial lighting from a mundane, functional aspect of infrastructure into a dynamic intersection of technology, design, and sustainability. As the UK continues to pivot towards greener practices and as businesses recognise the multifaceted benefits of advanced lighting solutions, the industry is poised for further innovations and developments in the coming decade.

Are you looking for lighting solution for your business? The Energy Management Summit can help!

Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

LIGHTING MONTH: Choosing energy-efficient commercial lighting suppliers and solutions

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

For businesses, particularly those with substantial commercial spaces, the shift to energy-efficient lighting is both an ecological and economic necessity. If you’re an energy management professional seeking optimal lighting solutions, here are key considerations, based on input from delegates and suppliers at the Energy Management Summit…

  1. Understanding of Regulations and Standards:
    • Compliance: Familiarise yourself with UK regulations like the Energy Performance of Buildings Regulations and EU standards on energy-efficient products.
    • Certifications: Choose suppliers whose products have relevant certifications, ensuring they meet or exceed set standards.
  2. Types of Lighting Technologies:
    • LEDs: Prioritise suppliers specialising in LED technology due to its longevity and energy efficiency.
    • Smart Lighting: Look for solutions that offer smart lighting capabilities, allowing for adaptive brightness based on ambient light and occupancy.
  3. Lifetime Value and ROI:
    • Durability: While initial investment might be higher, premium lighting solutions tend to have a longer lifespan and fewer maintenance needs.
    • Energy Savings: Analyse the potential energy savings a solution offers, considering both immediate reductions and long-term returns on investment.
  4. Lighting Design and Customisation:
    • Consultation: Suppliers should be willing to survey your premises and suggest bespoke lighting solutions.
    • Flexibility: Check if solutions can be tailored based on the specific needs of various spaces within your commercial property.
  5. Ease of Installation and Integration:
    • Compatibility: The lighting system should be compatible with existing infrastructure to avoid costly overhauls.
    • Minimal Disruption: Suppliers should guarantee swift and non-disruptive installations, ensuring business continuity.
  6. Controls and Automation:
    • Dimming: Solutions that allow dimming can save energy during periods of low occupancy or ambient sunlight.
    • Motion Sensors: Systems that automatically adjust or turn off based on movement detection can further reduce energy consumption.
  7. Sustainability and Environmental Impact:
    • Materials: Opt for suppliers who use sustainable or recyclable materials.
    • Carbon Footprint: Consider the environmental footprint of the entire lifecycle of the product, from production to disposal.
  8. Reputation and Credibility:
    • Testimonials & Case Studies: Established suppliers will typically offer client testimonials or case studies.
    • Industry Accreditations: Look for suppliers with endorsements from recognised energy or lighting associations.
  9. Cost Considerations:
    • Transparent Pricing: Ensure a clear understanding of all associated costs, avoiding hidden fees.
    • Financing Options: Some suppliers may offer financing solutions or incentives for adopting energy-efficient systems.
  10. After-sales Support and Warranty:
  • Maintenance and Support: Premium suppliers usually offer robust after-sales support and periodic maintenance.
  • Warranty: Ensure a good warranty period, reflecting the confidence the supplier has in their product’s longevity.

Transitioning to energy-efficient commercial lighting is not merely about reducing bills. It’s about embracing sustainability, enhancing workspace quality, and supporting global energy-saving initiatives. By scrutinising suppliers against these considerations, UK energy management professionals can illuminate their businesses in the most eco-friendly, efficient manner.

Are you looking for lighting solution for your business? The Energy Management Summit can help!

Image by 422050 from Pixabay

Do you specialise in Lighting solutions? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in October we’ll be focussing on Lighting.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Lighting solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Danielle James on 01992 374085 / d.james@forumevents.co.uk. 

Our features list in full:

Oct – Lighting
Nov – Heating & Ventilation
Dec – Onsite Renewables
Jan 24 – Energy Management Systems
Feb 24 – Renewable Energy
Mar 24 – Carbon Management
Apr 24 – Metering & Monitoring
May 24 – Water Management/Strategy
Jun 24 – Energy Storage
Jul 24 – Data Collection & Management
Aug 24 – Waste Management
Sept 24 – Solar PV

Do you specialise in Commercial Lighting? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in October we’ll be focussing on Lighting.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Lighting solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Lisa Rose on 01992 374077 / l.rose@forumevents.co.uk.

Our features list in full:

Oct – Lighting
Nov – Heating & Ventilation
Dec – Onsite Renewables

Do you specialise in Lighting solutions for business? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in October we’ll be focussing on Lighting Solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Lighting Solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Lisa Rose on 01992 374077 / l.rose@forumevents.co.uk.

Our features list in full:

Sep – Solar PV
Oct – Lighting
Nov Heating & Ventilation
Dec – Utility Management

Do you specialise in Lighting for business? We want to hear from you!

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

Each month on Energy Management Briefing we’re shining the spotlight on a different part of the market – and in October we’ll be focussing on Lighting solutions.

It’s all part of our ‘Recommended’ editorial feature, designed to help energy management buyers find the best products and services available today.

So, if you’re a supplier of Lighting solutions and would like to be included as part of this exciting new shop window, we’d love to hear from you – for more info, contact Lisa Rose on 01992 374077 / l.rose@forumevents.co.uk.

Here are the areas we’ll be covering in 2019, month by month:

October – Lighting
November – HVAC
December – Water Strategy

For more information on any of the above, contact Lisa Rose on 01992 374077 / l.rose@forumevents.co.uk.

Image by Michael Gaida from Pixabay

High efficiency stadium lighting set to boom

 960 640 Stuart O'Brien
By:

LED lighting is poised to take over very high-output stadium and arena lighting, accounting for 70% of sports lighting in 2019 and boasting a growth rate of 44% by 2023.

The study from ResearchandMarkets predicts that the stadium lighting market will to grow by almost $200 million by 2023, to reach $622.2 million.

LEDLightExpert.com’s CEO Dara Greaney added: “While the 44 percent is strong dollar growth, the lower price points of each fixture could equal over 65 percent increase in unit volume.”

The driving factor in the adoption is the cost per lumen. Lumen measures light, where the traditional measure of watt is just power used. That cost per lumen improvement is driven by more efficient LEDs and cheaper luminaries.

LEDs in large outdoor fixtures have gone from 80 lumens to watt average in 2013 to now 130 lumens to watt average in 2018. The cost of that watt in high-output fixtures is going down, now at $1.36/watt of street pricing in 2018.

Even with the big energy savings, the upfront cost was the barrier to entry. Now with the high efficiency, dropping costs and versatility, it’s no surprise that LED lights have taken over the world of stadium and arena lighting.

LED lights hit the professional sporting market a few years ago and their stronghold on this market continues to increase. The NFL was introduced to LED lighting back in 2015, while Major League Baseball began adopting LED lighting the same year.

“The San Diego Padres’ Petco Park was one of the first stadiums to make the switch to LED lights back in 2016,” according to LEDs Magazine. “MLB requires an extremely bright playing field with the infield minimum at 250 footcandles and 200 footcandles for the outfield.”

Compare this to the average parking lot which would be around 10-20 footcandles. Even bright retail lighting indoors might go up to 80-100 footcandles for places like department stores or automotive showrooms, still less than half as bright as an MLB baseball infield.

LED stadium lighting trend keeps growing with sporting organisations like FIFA and the English Premier League beginning to adopt LED lighting for many of their events and stadiums. While these major sporting organisations may be the driving force for LED stadium lighting, their use is far more widespread.

For the local community, college and high schools, the shift is even more pronounced. The common sports and stadium lighting currently found in local schools and fields is a 1500 watt Metal Halide.

LEDLightExpert.com now offers an LED replacement 500-watt Stadium Pro light. That light produces about 64,000 lumens at a 30-degree beam angle. Independently certified by UL and DLC for performance. The savings of about 1050 watts on the light and the ballast can save 70 percent on energy, plus benefits like instant-on and no maintenance.

LEDLightExpert.com’s Greaney continued: “Low maintenance and long life are big for districts with limited staffing resources and tight budgets.” For these districts, the 2019 LED penetration could exceed 80%.

The uses of LED stadium and sports lights go well beyond sports. Rodeos and roping arenas, high school and college sports venues, racetracks, concert arenas and more all take advantage of sports lighting. With the cost of LED lighting dropping while the efficiency keeps growing, LED lighting has seen supercharged growth. The last frontier is the extremely large scale lights and it now appears LEDs have conquered that market too.

In January 2019, the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) published an updated ANSI C136.18 for the use of LED lights on roadways.

The same high-altitude application stadium lights can also be used in high-mast applications on road. Since both require precise, clean lighting with low glare, the adoption rate there should be quick, creating a whole additional market.