Net Zero Lighting Conference: Companies must adopt a holistic approach
Achieving Net Zero for lighting must encompass everything from supply-chain sustainability and logistics to customer engagement. This was one of the key messages to come from the Net Zero Lighting Conference in London last week.
The event was organised by The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and Recolight. It brought together 120 delegates and speakers for a comprehensive review of the challenges around the decarbonisation of manufacture in the industry.
Lighting manufacturers Ledvance, Whitecroft, Stoane Lighting, and Knightsbridge, shared some of the strategies they have adopted to reduce carbon emissions.
‘What’s clear to me is that moving towards Net Zero and sustainability is not a tick-box exercise, but more about changing the culture of your organisation,” said conference chair, Ray Molony. “And when you change that culture, good things flow. For instance, staff, especially younger members of the team, become energised and engaged in a way few management initiatives can achieve.“
Ray added “A number of companies said that they gained enormously from beginning their sustainability journey. Far from being a burden, gathering and analysing data on their processes such as their energy use and their supply-chain, helped organisations identify waste and potential cost savings. In some cases, the savings were dramatic. “
Bob Bohannon, Head of Policy and Sustainability at The LIA, gave a comprehensive overview of the wide range of certification schemes that manufacturers can use to measure, set targets and give clear evidence on their actions towards net zero. Bob said “Manufacturers need to choose the right one that best fits their company’s size and position on their sustainability journey, with particular consideration given to scope: some schemes are focused on carbon emissions, others cover a wider range of environmental, sustainability and governance parameters, whilst others are full life cycle assessments of a product’s impacts. What I would say is don’t wait, choose a scheme based on clarity and science and start your net zero journey as soon as possible.”
Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO, said “It has been inspiring to hear of the work some lighting manufacturers are now undertaking as they start to decarbonise their operations. Nobody should underestimate the challenge this involves. But the commitment to make change was tangible, and the number of delegates confirming that they would implement changes as a result of the conference was very encouraging.”
Ayça Donaghy, LIA CEO, said “It’s evident that the journey towards sustainable lighting products and operations is both urgent and ongoing. Our discussions underscored that this isn’t merely about reducing emissions – it’s about reimagining how we operate across every aspect of our business. From enhancing our product designs with sustainability at the core to engaging deeply with our supply chains and customers, every step we take is critical to achieving our goals. As we continue to set transparent, science-based targets and improve our practices, the commitment from every stakeholder across the industry will be essential for turning these ambitions into reality.”
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About Recolight
Recolight is the leading UK WEEE compliance scheme for the lighting industry, taking on responsibility for its Members’ WEEE compliance, giving their customers access to the UK’s most comprehensive free lamp collection and recycling service, and helping to ensure that as many lamps as possible are kept out of landfill. Recolight is not-for-profit and funded by their lighting producer Members.
Recolight’s comprehensive offering makes it the preferred WEEE scheme for the lighting industry, setting the standard for the sector. It is the only WEEE compliance scheme in the UK to provide integrated Lamp and Luminaire collection and recycling. It has the biggest UK-wide network of collection points for all WEEE lighting. As a result, since its founding in 2007, Recolight has funded the recycling of over 370 million lamps, LEDs and luminaires, more than all other UK WEEE schemes put together.
Recycling isn’t always the best solution, Recolight go beyond recycling.
Working with the lighting industry, Recolight offer support and services to help their Producer Members transition to a Circular Economy. With a Re-Use Service, workshops, webinars, Circular Lighting report, and Circular Lighting Live, Recolight is the Compliance Scheme that gives much more.
visit the Recolight website www.recolight.co.uk or follow Recolight on LinkedIn.
About The LIA
The LIA is the largest lighting trade association in Europe dedicated to serving the UK lighting industry and its supply chain. The LIA aims to connect, support and represent its members. Members benefit from up-to-date advice, technical support, discounted laboratory testing services, professional development courses, and fantastic networking opportunities.
At the heart of the lighting industry, The LIA promotes good practice, shares information and knowledge, and provides a wide range of services for its members and the industry.
BE PART OF IT.
Contact enquiries@thelia.org.uk to find out how.
Issued by Megan Henshaw, The LIA Marketing Manager, 07955441861
Visit The LIA website www.thelia.org.uk or follow The LIA social media on LinkedIn and Instagram.
