Author: russellcoombes

In January 2023, Tridonic was awarded the EcoVadis Silver Medal for the first time in recognition of its EcoVadis rating for sustainability. This puts Tridonic in the top 25 percent of more than 100,000 EcoVadis rated companies worldwide.

With 68 points out of a 100, Tridonic was placed well above the industry average by rating agency EcoVadis, especially in the Environment category where it scored 90. Its overall rating places Tridonic in the top four percent of companies in the lighting industry. EcoVadis is a leading international agency that rates the sustainability performance of companies in more than 175 countries. The rating platform assesses the performance of companies in the Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Sustainable Procurement and Ethics themes. 

Tridonic had its sustainability activities evaluated by this independent institute to increase transparency, meet the expectations of customers and partners and identify potential for improvement. “The EcoVadis Silver Medal is independent confirmation that validates our efforts and achievements on our path to sustainability. We are delighted to have received such a high rating the first time. We see this as an incentive to make further improvements in preparation for the next rating,” said Tridonic CEO Hugo Rohner.

Sustainable Tridonic

This was the first time that Tridonic put itself forward for the sustainability assessment. The company was able to draw on a wide variety of sustainability activities that it has been implementing over many years. Back in August 2022 Tridonic was the first company in the electronics industry to be given the Cradle to Cradle Certified® sustainability award in bronze for a lighting component. With its LED modules in the LLE, QLE and CLE product groups Tridonic has met the strict requirements of the standard for recyclable and responsibly manufactured products. The company has bundled all its sustainability measures in the “Sustainable Tridonic” programme, which is part of the company’s target of achieving climate neutrality by 2025. Other aspects of the programme include the introduction of fully recyclable packaging materials by 2024 and certification according to the Cradle to Cradle Certified® Product Standard for all premium products by 2030 at the latest.

Lighting controls specialist Pharos Architectural Controls has started 2023 with a high-profile promotion, following the appointment of new Chief Executive Officer, Simon Hicks.

Bas Hoksbergen has been promoted to Commercial Director, a role that sits within the company’s leadership team. Bas will be responsible for building an extensive picture of Pharos Architectural Controls’ customer base; understanding their needs and what developments will most support them. The new role has been created to ensure customers get the unrivalled levels of customer service they have come to expect from Pharos as the company grows.

Bas, an engineer by trade, has been with Pharos Architectural Controls for 7 years, having worked with Pharos control technology for many years prior to this. His knowledge and in-depth understanding of the solutions, the market challenges, and the future of controls technology makes him ideally placed for his new role.

He will remain based in the Netherlands, with an international remit.

The Pharos Architectural Controls leadership team now encompasses Simon Hicks as CEO; Chris Hunt as CFO; Thomas Ladd as Sales Director; Tim Edwards as Operations Director; Renu Sharma as Finance Director and Bas in the newly created position of Commercial Director.

Speaking about his new role, Bas said: “It’s exciting to have a new challenge and focus. Pharos Architectural Controls is growing at a fast pace, and we want to ensure our service levels remain and improve, as customer satisfaction is always a priority for us as a company.”

The new role comes at a time when the organisation is reshaping the way it works under the leadership of Simon Hicks. Bas will focus on the strategic long-term goals of the company, with a significant proportion of work on the development of the new Pharos Expert range.

Clarence Faulkner will join Bas as a Product Consultant in a newly created Commercial team. The intention is to grow the team’s headcount over time.

Bas will be on the Pharos Architectural Controls stand (7B500) at Integrated Systems Europe (ISE), Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via between 31 January and 3 February.

Innovative approach to ‘wrap’ Brent Cross Town’s new electrical substation creates one of the UK’s largest public artworks and a new landmark for London 

Brent Cross Town, one of the largest urban regeneration projects in Europe, today unveils a new 21-metre-high and 52-metre-long permanent public artwork. The artwork has been created by celebrated London-based artist Lakwena and architects IF_DO, and is formed of a ‘wrap’ around the new electrical substation for Brent Cross Town.

The exuberant colour scheme and vast scale of the artwork, which at its highest point is taller than the Angel of the North (at 20 metres), ensures that it will become a new local landmark. The artwork, titled “Here we come, here we rise”, sits next to London’s A406 North Circular at the junction with the M1 motorway, and adjacent to both the Thameslink railway line that connects central London with the home counties north of the city, and the new Brent Cross West station, which is due to open this year. It is estimated that some six million people each year will see it from the road and rail alone.

Lakwena, who is known for her joyful technicolour murals and graphical text poetry, has applied her signature colour, pattern and language to the design. The inspirational statement “Here we come, Here we rise and shine” reflects the ambition to inspire and bring people together in the local community.

Working with Lakwena, IF_DO created a unique structure and façade design comprised of four undulating bands and triangular-shaped “lenticular” panels that create a kaleidoscopic visual effect to emphasise the idea of movement as viewers move around the structure. Lakwena and IF_DO drew on influences as varied as Eadweard Muybridge’s motion studies and historic forms of roadside structures, such as billboards, funfairs and industrial sites that make use of a skeletal frame supporting a brightly coloured skin.

Brent Cross Town, which is being delivered in partnership by Related Argent and Barnet Council, is being designed to be a net zero carbon development by 2030, and investment in efficient new infrastructure is a key part of this. The substation will supply electricity to all of Brent Cross Town, including the 6,700 new homes, 3 million sq ft of offices and new retail and leisure spaces, as well as to the low-carbon district heating/cooling networks operated by Swedish energy company Vattenfall. Brent Cross Town will source all electricity supplies within its control from 100% renewables sources.

In addition to being a colourful and dynamic beacon for north London, the electrical substation is also notable for its sustainable innovations.  Global engineers, Arup, led the design team with a focus on minimising the environmental impact of the structure. The project puts circular economy principles into action with circa 50% of the structural steel being salvaged from unused oil pipelines, reducing embodied carbon emissions by over 40%. The concrete used is a combination of low cement concrete and the new ‘Earth Friendly Concrete’ – a cement-free concrete. Using these alternative concrete mixes saves up to 33% and 70% of embodied carbon respectively compared to standard mixes.

Galldris were the main contractor responsible for the delivery of the overall project, undertaking the civil engineering, working with Bourne Group, the specialist technology-led construction engineering company, to deliver the wrap. Bourne Group also worked closely with Arup to progress the design philosophy into a solution that could be efficiently fabricated and constructed, and undertook the project’s steelwork construction. TPS Project Management, acting as project manager, supported on delivery overseeing design management and construction of the wrap, substation and off-site reinforcement.

Lighting plays a key part in the design of the artwork and specialists Michael Grubb Studio designed the lighting scheme to be discreet and attract attention to the artwork during the day and at night. The lighting creates a halo around the façade’s wrap which filters down through the structure, allowing the light to fade away at lower level.

The project has also brought back to life a piece of brownfield, ex-industrial land with the creation of a newly landscaped embankment designed by Gillespies Landscape Architects. Newly planted trees and wildflower meadow provides a naturalistic setting to the artwork, as well as increasing site biodiversity, enhancing local wildlife corridors and tying in with the wider network of green infrastructure within the masterplan and surrounding area.

The launch of the new public artwork adds to the growing momentum behind Brent Cross Town with affordable, student and homes to buy all under construction, and the recent announcement that Sheffield Hallam will open its first campus outside of Sheffield at the new town.

Nick Searl, Partner at Related Argent, commented: “This amazing piece of public art, designed in collaboration between artist Lakwena and architect IF_DO, is set to become a great landmark for London in this highly visible location. It sets the tone for the wider Brent Cross Town neighbourhood and demonstrates our commitment to art, culture and low carbon development. It would have been easy to take the more traditional route of enclosing the substation in a nondescript box and to miss the opportunity that is now so evident. Instead, we have demonstrated that even the most functional pieces of infrastructure can play an important role in defining place and lifting the spirits.”

Councillor Barry Rawlings, Leader of Barnet Council, said: “We are investing in public art across Barnet because we recognise the potential to improve the wellbeing of our people and its positive role in building a sense of place. Not only will this iconic large-scale artwork put Brent Cross Town on the map, but it also showcases a talented London artist, and wraps an important piece of sustainable infrastructure that is key to meeting Brent Cross Town’s aspirations to achieve net zero Carbon by 2030 – this really is green innovation and creativity at its best.”

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said: “Lakwena has created an incredible artwork that brings together creativity and sustainability and will be enjoyed by millions of people. London is a world class cultural capital and this major addition to our public realm in the heart of Brent Cross is another example of how we’re working together to build a better London for everyone.”  

Lakwena, the artist, said:“The key pledges of the Brent Cross Town development highlight a commitment to play, inclusivity, sustainability and connectivity. All of these themes are expressed through a messaging approach which alludes to movement, togetherness, ambition and a sense of newness.”

Sarah Castle, Director at IF_DO, said: “It is rare to have the opportunity to work on a project of the scale and ambition of this, and to be able to realise it with such conceptual purity. Combining architecture, infrastructure and art, it has been a wonderfully collaborative process from the start, with IF_DO manipulating form and shape, and Lakwena exploring colour and poetry. The structure is inspired by movement: it is designed to be viewed both in motion by the millions that pass the site by train and by road, and to convey a sense of motion as it is viewed from across the neighbourhood. The architectural wrap transforms utilitarian infrastructure into a major new landmark for Brent Cross that celebrates the spirit of the local community.” 

Ben Glover, Associate Director, Waste and Energy Buildings Business Leader at Arup, added: “Brent Cross Town’s substation presented a unique opportunity to be part of a project which equally prioritises environmental, social and economic factors – driving sustainable development. By choosing materials based on their carbon impact, reusing materials and reducing waste, we’re proud to have met this challenge with circular economy principles and deliver a net-zero substation for the development.”

 

Full project team 

Project Manager – TPS Project Management LLP

Cost Consultant & Employers Agent – Gardiner & Theobald

Civil, Structural, MEP, VT, Acoustic, Fire Engineer, Sustainability, Utilities and Infrastructure Engineer – Arup

Architect – IF_DO

Landscape Architect – Gillespies

Executive Lighting Consultants – Michael Grubb Studio

Lighting Controls Designer – Control Lighting

Client Planning Consultant – Carney Sweeney

Off-Site Re-Enforcement, PSS Fit-Out and Power Supplier – Power On

Client BIM Advisor – PCSG

Client CDM Advisor – BCAL

Infrastructure Contractor – Galldris

Wrap Contractor – Bourne Group

 

 

During 2022, Recolight has been working hard to help get sustainability and climate action higher on the agenda.

In January they set a target of reducing their carbon emissions by 10% in 2022.

In March their 2022 webinar series started. Topics covered included “How to be a sustainable lighting manufacturer”, “Remanufacture of lighting equipment”, and “Six lights for a sustainable future”. Hosted by Ray Molony, they were attended/listened in by over 1500 delegates.

In April their first ever training workshops were launched “Lighting product design for a circular economy”.  Developed and delivered by Simon Fisher of F-Mark, the workshops ran on 6 occasions with 64 delegates, including two company-specific events.

Recolight launched the Circular Lighting Report in June. Edited by Ray Molony, it is a dedicated, independent information channel covering all matters related to sustainability for the lighting industry. In six months there have been over 100 posts, and 1500 followers on LinkedIn.

In September Circular Lighting Live was a sell out success with 225 delegates, 25 panellists and speakers, and 15 corporate sponsors. The packed agenda covered: EU and UK legislation,  environmental metrics, including assessments of circularity (TM66), embodied carbon (TM65), environmental product declarations, life cycle assessments, and practical discussions included how to encourage more remanufacture and reuse in the lighting sector.

During the course of the year 21 companies joined the Recolight WEEE scheme for compliance in 2022 and/or 2023.

Commenting on the year, Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey said “I am thrilled by the way the Recolight team has helped to drive sustainability up the agenda for the lighting industry.

Located in Dubai’s premier lifestyle and business destination, ICD Brookfield Place, 1Rebel has brought the most luxurious fitness destination to the region. The 11,500 sq. ft space features two beautifully crafted studios where 1Rebel’s famous full-body classes will take place, and an open gym with over 100 pieces of premium equipment. The gym is known for its nightclub aesthetic, featuring dark rooms with dynamic LED lighting and innovative design, for an exciting atmosphere that gets the blood pumping.

Interior Design practice AAID appointed SoMA Lighting for the lighting design, and they specified bespoke lighting solutions from leading lighting manufacturer LEDFlex Group to fit the brief. The aim was to provide RGB lights with DMX controls to create dynamic lighting displays. LEDFlex Ultra Bright in 120 RGB and Pro Profile 3409 Grey were selected as inground and wall lights and placed throughout the corridors. The lighting was controlled with the LEDFlex Flex Drive 180D controller – this allowed the whole gym to be synchronized to an AV system for all RGB lighting, music, and signage to be programmed and controlled via DMX control.

The dynamic lighting design created a modern gym-slash-nightclub feel, enveloping the entire space, from the studios to the changing rooms, in an exhilarating, colour-changing environment.

Rich Semple, Founder of SoMA Lighting, said: “The lighting and control solutions provided by LEDFlex were the perfect match for our lighting design and allowed us to meet the brief perfectly to exceed the client’s expectations. The RGB lighting produced an exciting, dynamic atmosphere which brings the studio to life, and the Flex Drive controller offered the ultimate control and flexibility to create various displays and shows to match the vibe of different classes and workouts.”

The lighting plays an important role in motivating and exciting gymgoers, providing the ultimate environment for a fun and luxurious workout in the heart of Dubai.

Following a rigorous assessment, technical solutions specialist White Light (WL) is now a certified B Corporation (B Corp), joining a socially and environmentally conscious movement of 1000 UK-based and over 6000 companies worldwide. This news comes just a few months after WL gained ISO14001 accreditation – the international standard for environmental management systems (EMS).

B Corp was conceived in 2006 by B Lab – the non-profit network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities and the planet. As such, the certification process comprehensively evaluates a business’s sustainability practices. Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. WL’s commitment to operating its business as a force for good was rewarded with an Overall B Impact Score of 88.8. While 80 qualifies for certification, the median score for ordinary businesses completing assessment is currently 50.9.

At the heart of B Corp’s ethos is a Theory of Change, guiding a mission to transform the economic system into a more inclusive, equitable, and regenerative global economy. WL’s Managing Director, Bryan Raven comments: “Having first been introduced to B Corp whilst undertaking the ISO14001 accreditation process, we soon realised that we wouldn’t have to change any of our behaviours or policies to qualify – we would just have to formalise them. B Corp’s mission aligns perfectly with our own, to work as one to grow a profitable and sustainable business with an international reputation for excellence. After an extensive analysis of every element of our governance as a responsible business, we’re delighted to have joined this community working together to change the economy for the better. This is not a short-term exercise in sustainability measures, this is a driving force for long-term accountability and ownership of these values by every stakeholder in our business.”

Chris Turner, Executive Director of B Lab UK, says “We are delighted to welcome White Light to the B Corp community. This is a movement of companies who are committed to changing how business operates and believe business really can be a force for good. We know that WL is going to be a fantastic addition to the community and will continue driving the conversation forward.”

B Corporation certification is valid for three years, during which WL is fully committed to striving for continuous improvement, leading to recertification under even higher standards.

Ansell Lighting has significantly enhanced its Prism Pro fire rated (FRD) downlight range with a series of new options offering ultimate user choice and control.

All products in the Prism Pro range – which includes the Downlight, Gimbal,  and Anti-Glare– will benefit from the improvements.

The improvements include increased choice in CCT selection, with products being available in 2,700, 3,000, 4,000, and 6000K options.

In another first, Ansell has introduced selectable wattage – between 5W and 7W – on the downlight element of all products, with the switch to change the wattage located on the downlight element itself.

All Prism Pro products also now come with Ansell’s innovative detachable connector.

This enables the installer to complete the initial wiring and circuit testing using the detachable connector, before installing the actual downlight, ensuring a quick and simple installation.

Mark Abbott, Managing Director at Ansell Lighting said: “Our lighting design engineers strive to build usability and functionality into our products at the outset, and continue to improve and enhance them wherever feasible.

“The new functions are highly beneficial additions to the Prism Pro range and will deliver outstanding added value to installers and retailers.”

Prism Pro FRD fire ratings meet Part C (moisture), Part E (acoustic) and Part L (energy efficiency) of building regulations when installed in Solid Timber, I-joist and Metal Web ceilings.

Ansell also offers the Prism Pro LED Trimless Bezel Kit, which can be used to transform the downlight into hidden fixtures that sit seamlessly in ceiling recesses.

Lodes has renewed its collaboration with Norwegian architecture and design studio, Snøhetta, to expand the Volum collection.

Following the launch of the Volum pendant lamp last year, the collection has been revisited to include new ceiling, wall and table lamps, comprising a series of glass lamps that are poetically simple yet complex in its technically driven solution.

Volum pays homage to the Italian tradition of globe-shaped glass lamps and the wider glassblowing process that morphs glass into naturally imperfect shapes. Simultaneously, it exemplifies the modern architectural sensibilities of the Oslo-based designers.

Volum glows uniformly in all directions providing a calming and coherent radiance. Snøhetta was inspired by the architectural need for a contextually adaptable and scalable light and consequently created four blown glass lamps, measuring 14 cm, 22 cm, 29 cm and 42 cm (diameter), which can stand alone or in a group, complementing each other intuitively and harmoniously. The new additions also feature new functions, exploring the concept of 360° lighting in diverse spaces.

In its table lamp form, Volum features a dimmer that allows users to adjust the intensity of the light to enhance mood and atmosphere. Its clean aesthetic suits a range of applications – ideal for domestic use as well as for public spaces, such as in a lobby or hotel room.*

The new ceiling and wall-mounted versions have an IP 54 rating, which guarantees protection against external agents such as dust or splashing water. This durability allows the new Volum additions to be used in humid environments such as in a bathroom or inside a spa. Furthermore, there is also an option to attach a flange on the back of the base, in order to fix the lamp on mirrored surfaces, creating bespoke lighting compositions.

Volum is completed in a glossy white finish that offers a decorative touch due to the reflections shown on its surface. Its discreet design hides a diffuser and frame within the globe, which illuminates the silicone base.

The latest products can meet challenging and specific design requirements – Volum represents another step in Lodes’ ongoing exploration of the relationship between lighting, space and the ways in which individuals interacts with these elements.

Marius Myking, Director of Product Design at Snøhetta comments: “The Volum series balances technical solutions with the human craft of glassmaking. This in turn has led to one of Lodes´most versatile lighting product to date, ensuring the potential for holistic yet functional lighting scenarios, across the various spaces that we inhabit.”

Linear lighting experts LEDFlex Group are thrilled to announce the expansion of its existing operations in the UK with the opening of a new production facility in Winchester, Hampshire.

The Winchester facility is home to a larger warehouse and four times the office space of the London headquarters, allowing LEDFlex to expand on its services and host a growing team of lighting experts. The new expansion features stellar facilities to accommodate larger scaled projects, increased space for production and machinery to automate processes, and further unique LED customisations. The space also provides improved storage space, allowing the company to undertake larger orders.

London, where the company was formed, still acts as the heart of LEDFlex’s operations, yet the new expansion is testament to the brand’s growing presence and ability to cater to clients across the globe.

Andrew Greenwood, Technical Director at LEDFlex Group, will be leading on operations in Winchester. Speaking of this new venture, he said: “I’m very excited to be heading up this new expansion in Hampshire. I am thrilled to see the company continue to flourish by growing and developing our reputation and presence across the UK. The larger production facility will ensure that we can fulfil more client needs and meet further customisation requests, for clients both in the UK and across the globe, far and wide.”

The Winchester expansions follows LEDFlex’s expansion of its operations in the Middle East in February 2022, with the opening of an experience studio in Dubai. LEDFlex made the investment in its Middle East presence in response to growing interest in its product range across the region. This further expansion in the UK aims to secure LEDFlex as a brand with a global presence.

The new location is Secure House, Unit D Moorside Road, Winchester, Hampshire, SO23 7RX.

Lighting controls specialist Pharos Architectural Controls has announced the appointment of Simon Hicks as its new Chief Executive Officer. Simon takes over from Chris Hunt, a founder of the company, who will continue to serve as Chief Financial Officer of Pharos.

Chris comments, “Simon is the right person to be leading Pharos into its next phase of growth. He has been at the centre of our product innovation and development for many years now, resulting in the expansion of the company’s product portfolio, which now includes our new Expert range, our rebranded Designer range and our remote management solution – Cloud. It’s an exciting time for the business, and with Simon’s appointment Pharos will be in the best possible position as it prepares for significant growth during 2023 and beyond.”

Simon’s extensive experience in the sector spans 20 years and has featured several roles with Pharos and its suppliers, including when he led the team to develop Pharos Cloud under the SixEye brand. He has held executive positions on the board of Pharos for a number of years already, first as Technical Director in 2012 and more recently as Product & Marketing Director.

Speaking about his appointment, Simon Hicks said: “I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve as CEO of Pharos and I’m looking forward to working with our fantastic team and supporting our customers as we execute on our ambitious growth strategy over the next 3 years. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved so far and the new Expert range is a great example of the innovation and teamwork within Pharos that remains strong to this day.”