LED Lighting has developed far beyond a trend – it’s now an established fixture and as such, it will play a crucial role in the lighting industry’s sustainability-focused future.

Right now, manufacturers of all products linked to the built environment are mindful of this one key topic. Sustainability sits high on the agenda of any business regardless of size, speciality, or audience base.

The LED Revolution

LED Lighting has grown dramatically in popularity in recent years. This isn’t because traditional fluorescent lighting has been phased out and banned in the UK, it’s because the benefits for customers, installers, and end users are vast, from longer product lifespans to increased flexibility and control, but there is also a real environmental impact it brings to the table.

With an estimated energy efficiency of 80-90 percent when compared to traditional lighting and conventional light bulbs, it stands out as the most energy-efficient and cleanest method of illumination, without the need for any compromise on performance.

But as we accept LED Lighting as the new norm, is there a danger of potentially hitting a ceiling when considering its environmental impact?

Put simply, with such huge advances already made in terms of energy efficiency, where is there to go that can make a real difference?

What Can Be Done?

It’s important to note that there are still improvements that can and will be made in this area. The industry is constantly looking for ways to improve the efficiency of NVC products – the LED Lighting evolution in and of itself is a perfect example of this.

However, they believe that change can also come from looking at the role as a manufacturer and assessing how business practices can complement the technological advances of LED Lighting.

Taking this approach also means that everyone in the lighting industry can play a role in ensuring they are being as positive and proactive with their environmental responsibilities as possible.

So – what can be done to help?

Assessing the finer details of your supply chain can illuminate potential areas where environmental efficiencies can be made.

Partnerships and Progress

At NVC Lighting, their supply chain plays a crucial role in achieving their sustainability goals, and they understand the importance of their responsibilities as suppliers within a global business. Engaging in open discussions with their supply chain partners and customers, who are also on their own sustainability journeys, often reveals valuable insights and opportunities for improving efficiency.

To ensure continuous progress, they are committed to hitting key milestones and targets. For instance, they have partnered with Carbon Neutral Britain to achieve their goal of becoming Carbon Neutral. This partnership involved measuring other greenhouse gas emissions and identifying effective offsetting strategies.

In addition, they are taking significant steps to minimise waste, lower emissions, and enhance efficiency. NVC initiatives include replacing company cars with electric vehicles, achieving a 50% reduction in electricity usage through improved logistics and management, and securing ISO 50001 energy management certification. As a result, they have already reduced emissions from 462 tonnes to 265 tonnes and are on track to meet the government-mandated target of a 50% reduction by 2025.

Moreover, they have reduced packaging and eliminated printed instruction leaflets, recognising that even small changes contribute to overall sustainability efforts. They are also developing products designed for reuse, recycling, and reducing environmental impact. To further support customers and potential clients, they are in the process of creating Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs). Additionally, they have maintained a zero-waste-to-landfill status from a recycling perspective for the past four years.

The Way Forward

LED lighting has already revolutionised energy efficiency in the lighting industry, but they cannot stop here. The lighting industry needs to undergo a similar revolution to help reach its full sustainable potential. This means continually pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with LED technology while also embracing sustainable practices at every level of the supply chain.

By doing so, they can ensure that LED lighting not only remains the most efficient lighting solution available but also contributes to a broader culture of sustainability within the industry.