Can smart lighting solutions help businesses meet their energy and sustainability goals?

Smart lighting technology offers numerous advantages - from reducing energy use to enabling precise energy reporting - which can support businesses in their sustainability journeys. Dean Campbell-Smith, Director of Sustainable Innovation at Fagerhult, discusses how implementing smart lighting systems can help companies reach their goals efficiently and sustainably.

What sort of energy efficient targets are customers working to?

“At a super high level, net zero is certainly a target that we find ourselves talking to customers about more and more, particularly for larger clients who signed up to be net-zero by a certain date and have had their net-zero target endorsed by the science-based targets initiative.

“For the Fagerhult Group, we need to account for the GHG emissions from the use of our products as part of our net-zero target. These emissions also need to be accounted for by our customers in their reporting – so it is a common goal – we are in this together.

“Customers also need to be aware of Part L of the building regulations, which focuses on the conservation of fuel and power, and sets standards for meeting energy efficiency goals, reducing operational costs, and staying compliant with legal requirements in the UK.”

How does smart lighting play into these targets?

“From a smart lighting perspective, it’s twofold; one is the lighting control piece. By putting in a sensor and measuring occupancy and daylight, energy consumption can be reduced by something like 35 to 45%, and that's great. But with smart lighting, the light can be controlled autonomously, whilst also connecting with other sensors and systems to share information - we can start to learn how the building is actually being used.

“For instance, if a building has different tenants with different ways of working, the lighting control system can be adjusted or optimised based on those tenants’ actual usage. We might find, for instance, that some staff come in at the weekends, walk through the office, all the lights come on, then they sit down in their corner and work. But all those lights might remain on for a period of time, so we look at how can we adjust the settings to take advantage of these kind of occupancy behaviours. Often this is where we can see up to 25% in energy savings.

“It's obviously very dependent on the building, but what smart lighting solutions give customers is the ability to make energy savings based on behaviour, and it allows customers to report on their own energy consumption.”

Is it mandatory for customers to report on their energy consumption?

“It’s not currently mandatory for all businesses, but it’s on the horizon. However, even if it’s not compulsory to report energy consumption yet, it’s important to understand where emissions are coming from, that’s how we effect change. Smart lighting solutions produce reports which allow customers to have this kind of visibility, which is fantastic.”

Are there other areas where smart lighting solutions can help reduce emissions?

“Absolutely. In offices for instance, occupancy sensors are distributed throughout the space for the lighting control system, and that information can be shared with the heating and ventilation systems, which can then be optimised based on our information. This allows us to come together and potentially create more savings for the building.

“Smart lighting will also be a key enabler (likely the key enabler) for transitioning to circular solutions, by providing real-time updates on repair or replacement needs, enabling proactive maintenance planning, and reducing service costs.

“Additionally, by tracking luminaire usage, smart lighting allows warranties to be based on actual burn time rather than fixed durations. This not only extends the lifespan of the lighting asset but also supports the reuse of luminaires and or components through more realistic and adaptable warranty terms.”

What factors should building owners take into consideration when looking to implement a smart lighting solution?

“It’s important to understand the system that they already have, and what their journey is: are they constructing a new building? Are they renovating an existing building? What kind of technology do they need?

“The Fagerhult Organic Response system is very compelling for renovation projects because it’s wireless. A light with a mains plug can be taken down, and a new smart light, with a mains plug and wireless technology, starts working from day one. For customers, having a vision for how their building can become more intelligent by sharing data with other systems and therefore saving energy is really exciting.

“There are other benefits too of course; people want to work in nice places, and creating an environment with excellent light quality that can be tuned according to individual needs has significant benefits for occupants’ comfort and wellbeing.”

Smart lighting: a forward-thinking solution

In addition to being an effective tool for reducing energy consumption, smart lighting is a forward-thinking solution that supports sustainable practices, health, and long-term cost savings. By embracing these systems, businesses can meet their energy targets more effectively, prepare for future regulations, and create a positive impact on the environment and their bottom line.