Sustainable practices are a key driver in many of today's industries, and the lighting industry is no exception. Circular concepts in lighting are a conscientious approach to the way lighting is manufactured and used, helping it to be more environmentally friendly. The term 'circular' comes from the way in which products are manufactured to minimise waste while increasing their lifespan by making them repairable and reusable. This approach means that the lighting industry can meet the needs of consumers while reducing its environmental impact. Here are ten environmental goals that circular lighting achieves.
1. Lower Energy Use
Modern lighting makes use of technology such as LEDs, which use far less electricity to power than traditional incandescent bulbs. By incorporating energy-saving features, it helps to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and lowers carbon emissions. Many modern lighting products have smart features and sensors, giving users more control as to when and how lighting is used and helping to reduce the use of electricity. This could include sensors that turn outdoor lights on only when the ambient light has reached a low point or control via an app to manage lighting remotely.
2. Increased Product Lifespan
By increasing the lifespan of lighting products, fewer parts have to be made, reducing the manufacturing processes required. Over time, this will help to lower the environmental effects that manufacturing has on the planet.
3. Use of Renewable Energy
New lighting products are designed to be more compatible with solar or wind power compared to traditional lighting. With more using renewable energy, the industry is working towards reducing carbon emissions that negatively impact the environment.
4. Reduced Light Pollution
You may have noticed the glow that comes from built-up areas at night-time. The problem with this is that it can create a confusing environment for wildlife and their habitats, leading to a decline. It can also affect human health by disrupting our natural circadian rhythms. With new types of lighting, light is only used where needed, helping to create a healthier environment for plants, animals and people.
5. Reusable Components
Modern lighting design moves away from components that are simply discarded once they have reached the end of their lifecycle. Instead, as the design of light fittings becomes more modular, many small parts can be removed from worn-out lighting products, refurbished, and used on new lighting products. This focus on modular lighting and reusing helps to reduce the number of new parts needed, as well as reducing waste.
6. Reduced Manufacturing
Because many components of modern lighting can be reused or refurbished, this reduces the amount of manufacturing required compared to traditional lighting. As discussed above, less manufacturing means fewer emissions and waste materials, which is better for the environment. Not only that, but it can save businesses a substantial amount on the cost of new lighting, as well as their environmental footprint of acquiring it.
7. Driving Environmental Change
The lighting industry is taking control of its environmental impact, and by doing so, it is driving forward changes in other manufacturing industries. With more industries focusing on sustainable materials, remanufacturing and reducing waste, it further helps to strengthen the movement of environmentally friendly practices across many industrial sectors.
8. Improves Indoor Environments
Traditional lighting can often be a cause of a variety of human ailments, such as headaches, migraines, and eyestrain. Modern lighting gives people more control over their interiors, including promoting more natural colour ranges, reduced glare, and even lighting that works with our circadian rhythm, which is essential for healthy sleep. Improving indoor environments also helps to improve human well-being.
9. Sustainable Development
Circular concepts in lighting can be used as part of sustainable developments, enhancing the visual appeal as well as the environment for people who live there. Whether it is street lighting, buildings or other public spaces, modern lighting can enhance the look of an area as well as make it safer at night, all while keeping energy use low.
10. Raising Awareness of Innovation
The lighting industry is helping to raise awareness of sustainable practices across other industries, further increasing the drive to reduce waste and make more efficient use of energy. By sharing information and leading by example, the industry is helping to educate both business leaders and the public about what is possible in terms of the environment.
The Future of Circular Lighting
Rather than how lighting was made and used in the past, for example, extracting resources to be made into lighting products which are discarded after use, a circular concept significantly reduces waste and is better for the environment. It keeps products in use for much longer, meaning there is less strain on resources and benefits the consumer's pocket. As circular lighting continues to develop, there will be even more innovations that reduce the industry's effects on the environment.
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