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industry updates

Net Zero Lighting 2024: Programme Unveiled

An exciting programme featuring leading experts in lighting and sustainability has been unveiled for the inaugural Net Zero Lighting Conference 24.

Organised by a unique partnership of The LIA and Recolight, the pivotal event is designed to help lighting manufacturers on their Net Zero journey. It takes place on Thursday 2nd May at 15Hatfields, London.

The conference places emphasis on the practical steps that lighting manufacturers can take to reduce the carbon emissions of all parts of their operations to contribute to the low carbon economy.

“This event is coming at a critical time for the industry,” said the event chair, Ray Molony. “The lighting community stands ready and willing to play its part in addressing the climate crisis and we hope this gathering of experts and sharing of information will be a major springboard on our collective journey.”

The programme addresses seven vital areas:

  1. Strategy: Tim Bowes and Oliver Wallace of Whitecroft share their roadmap for achieving Net Zero by 2045. Taran Rai from Epson will present the approach taken by a leading IT company to attain Net Zero. Nigel Harvey CEO of Recolight will share the organisation’s measures to minimise its carbon footprint, its successes – and the challenges it has faced.
  2. Metrics and Measurement: Bob Bohannon Head of Policy and Sustainability at The LIA will give a summary of the differing metrics, (including B Corp, LEED, EcoVadis, SBTi, Earthly, Cradle-to-Cradle and TM65.2) Anton Borovy, Certification Manager for The LIA, will explain how low carbon operations can drive great TM65.2 scores.
  3. Materials: Speakers include a representative from Wieland Nemco who will discuss how the incorporation of recycled metals into lighting products can reduce embodied carbon.
  4. Energy: This topic includes Angus Rose, of Ineco Energy, who will guide delegates through their successful implementation of a solar project on a lighting factory.
  5. Packaging: Two case studies, a packaging materials supplier and a lighting manufacturer, will explore the world of sustainable packaging, and the steps taken to reduce plastic use and incorporate sustainable materials.
  6. Transport: Andreas Adam, of Ledvance, will deliver a case study highlighting their pioneering sustainable transportation of both its luminaires to customers and its intake of raw materials.
  7. Best Practice: The Manufacturer’s Perspective will be presented by Irene Mazzei of Stoane Lighting, a pioneer in sustainable manufacturing. Rebecca Hatch of WSP will explore the lighting specifier’s perspective in consideration of Net Zero credentials.

The day ends with a panel discussion addressing “Commercial Imperative or Environmental Responsibility?”

Commenting on the programme, LIA CEO, Ayça Donaghy said “I am delighted that so many leading experts in this field are willing to share their knowledge and prowess with us all. It is already clear that the event will be filled with essential information to help lighting companies as they collectively work towards Net Zero.”

And Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO, added “Achieving net zero is without doubt challenging, with input and change needed right across an organization. The broad range of presentations will address many of the challenges, giving delegates the tools they need to decarbonise their operations.”

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industry updates

Whitecroft Lighting Goes Nuclear at Hinkley Point C

– UK manufacturer is the first supplier to be approved for the UK nuclear industry

– 40,000 Energy efficient LEDs will save enough power each day to run 3,000 homes

UK commercial lighting manufacturer, Whitecroft Lighting, has secured a landmark contract to supply 40,000 low-energy LED lights to the nation’s newest nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C, in Somerset.

Whitecroft Lighting is the first supplier to have its LED lighting system approved for use in the UK nuclear industry.

The culmination of six years of research, collaboration and customised testing, the Greater Manchester-based company has designed and manufactured a unique LED lighting system.

Although high-quality, energy efficient LED lighting has become the new standard across most industries in the UK, the nuclear industry still mainly uses traditional fluorescent lighting.

LED technology needed to be approved for the UK nuclear industry. Working with EDF, Whitecroft had to test the lighting and supporting electronics to ensure it could operate in areas containing radiation and higher-than-normal heat levels.

Tony Male, Whitecroft Lighting’s Regional Sales Manager, Wales and West says: “This is a landmark moment for Whitecroft UK lighting.

“No credible testing or research existed for LED lighting in these challenging environments, so Whitecroft led an accelerated testing regime that simulated years of constant exposure to radiation at varying levels in each zone.

“Whitecroft embraced this as an opportunity to be part of one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, break new ground for lighting, and set new standards for the UK nuclear energy industry for years to come.”

As part of the construction of Hinkley Point C, EDF was keen to find a UK lighting manufacturer that could make an LED work in this environment, with Whitecroft developing the ideal solution, supported by the Hinkley Point Supply Chain.

Following extensive work undertaken by Whitecroft’s specialist research and development team, LEDs can now be specified for Hinkley Point C and future nuclear projects.

Around 40,000 LED luminaires will eventually be installed across 90% of the Hinkley Point C estate, in a broad range of buildings and facilities, including some specialist environments such as the power generation halls.

Tony Male continues: “The unique nuclear-approved LED luminaires manufactured for the project will be around 40% more energy efficient than traditional fluorescent lighting, and the 40,000 LED luminaires supplied will save around 11,200 KWh each day, or the equivalent of the power needed to run around 3,000 average family sized homes.””

An important legacy for Whitecroft Lighting’s investment in research and development for the Hinkley Point C project is that future nuclear energy developments across the UK will also be able to share in the benefits of high-quality and energy efficient lighting.

Tony adds: “Some obvious potential candidates include Sizewell C in Suffolk, which will be a close copy of Hinkley Point C, and so will benefit from many of the same components.

“There will also hopefully be opportunities to collaborate with the much-talked-about ‘mini’ or ‘modular’ nuclear power stations currently being proposed as the next step in transitioning away from fossil fuel-dependent energy generation.”

Whitecroft Lighting is part of the Fagerhult Group, has 343 employees and turns over £55m. The company undertakes all R&D, product design and manufacturing in its UK HQ and neighbouring 10,000 sqm manufacturing facility.

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industry updates

Studio Lumen Shines Bright with ‘Project of the Year’ Win at Light + Intelligent Building Middle East Awards 2024

Studio Lumen, a leading innovator in lighting design, is proud to announce their outstanding achievement as recipient of a ‘Project of the Year’ award in the MEA Restaurant category at the prestigious Light + Intelligent Building Middle East Awards 2024.

The award, presented at a celebratory ceremony held on the final day of the Light + Intelligent Building Middle East exhibition, at the Dubai World Trade Centre recognised Studio Lumen’s exceptional contribution to lighting design in the Middle East. Their winning project, Chic Nonna, not only demonstrated unparalleled creativity but also showcased a profound understanding of how light can transform and enhance the ambience of restaurant spaces.

The Light + Intelligent Building Middle East Awards 2024, are renowned for celebrating excellence and innovation in the lighting and intelligent building industries, attracting submissions from top-tier professionals and firms across the region. Studio Lumen’s success highlights their commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and setting new standards in the field.

Siddharth Mathur, Founder and Director of Studio Lumen said, “We are honoured and thrilled to receive a ‘Project of the Year’ award in the MEA Restaurant category. This recognition is a testimony to our team’s dedication, creativity, and expertise. Our goal has always been to create immersive and captivating environments through the interplay of light, and this award motivates us to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible.”

One of the biggest challenges in any project is achieving the right balance between functionality and aesthetics while considering factors such as the purpose of the space, energy efficiency, budgets and the desired atmosphere. These must all be considered while ensuring that the lighting design meets safety regulations, interior design principles and the client’s requirements.

As a leader in the industry, Studio Lumen remains dedicated to elevating the art of lighting design through their commitment to delivering unparalleled experiences through the power of light.

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insight extra

Whitecroft Lighting Goes Nuclear at Hinkley Point C

– UK manufacturer is the first supplier to be approved for the UK nuclear industry

– 40,000 Energy efficient LEDs will save enough power each day to run 3,000 homes

UK commercial lighting manufacturer, Whitecroft Lighting, has secured a landmark contract to supply 40,000 low-energy LED lights to the nation’s newest nuclear power station, Hinkley Point C, in Somerset.

Whitecroft Lighting is the first supplier to have its LED lighting system approved for use in the UK nuclear industry.

The culmination of six years of research, collaboration and customised testing, the Greater Manchester-based company has designed and manufactured a unique LED lighting system.

Although high-quality, energy efficient LED lighting has become the new standard across most industries in the UK, the nuclear industry still mainly uses traditional fluorescent lighting.

LED technology needed to be approved for the UK nuclear industry. Working with EDF, Whitecroft had to test the lighting and supporting electronics to ensure it could operate in areas containing radiation and higher-than-normal heat levels.

Tony Male, Whitecroft Lighting’s Regional Sales Manager, Wales and West says: “This is a landmark moment for Whitecroft UK lighting.

“No credible testing or research existed for LED lighting in these challenging environments, so Whitecroft led an accelerated testing regime that simulated years of constant exposure to radiation at varying levels in each zone.

“Whitecroft embraced this as an opportunity to be part of one of Europe’s largest infrastructure projects, break new ground for lighting, and set new standards for the UK nuclear energy industry for years to come.”

As part of the construction of Hinkley Point C, EDF was keen to find a UK lighting manufacturer that could make an LED work in this environment, with Whitecroft developing the ideal solution, supported by the Hinkley Point Supply Chain.

Following extensive work undertaken by Whitecroft’s specialist research and development team, LEDs can now be specified for Hinkley Point C and future nuclear projects.

Around 40,000 LED luminaires will eventually be installed across 90% of the Hinkley Point C estate, in a broad range of buildings and facilities, including some specialist environments such as the power generation halls.

Tony Male continues: “The unique nuclear-approved LED luminaires manufactured for the project will be around 40% more energy efficient than traditional fluorescent lighting, and the 40,000 LED luminaires supplied will save around 11,200 KWh each day, or the equivalent of the power needed to run around 3,000 average family sized homes.””

An important legacy for Whitecroft Lighting’s investment in research and development for the Hinkley Point C project is that future nuclear energy developments across the UK will also be able to share in the benefits of high-quality and energy efficient lighting.

Tony adds: “Some obvious potential candidates include Sizewell C in Suffolk, which will be a close copy of Hinkley Point C, and so will benefit from many of the same components.

“There will also hopefully be opportunities to collaborate with the much-talked-about ‘mini’ or ‘modular’ nuclear power stations currently being proposed as the next step in transitioning away from fossil fuel-dependent energy generation.”

Whitecroft Lighting is part of the Fagerhult Group, has 343 employees and turns over £55m. The company undertakes all R&D, product design and manufacturing in its UK HQ and neighbouring 10,000 sqm manufacturing facility.

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industry updates

Pharos controls ltd

Pharos Architectural Controls is an award-winning British manufacturer of dynamic lighting control solutions for architecture and other specialist industries. Our products are highly flexible, versatile and powerful, and trusted to run day and night illuminating iconic installations around the world from international landmarks and historic architecture to theme parks, airports, stadiums, bridges, shopping malls, art installations, and more.

Pharos is part of the Carallon group of companies, an independently-owned product development house specializing in innovative control systems. Its design team is the best of its kind – a group of highly motivated individuals committed to the creation and ongoing development of industry-leading products. Within that team is a wealth of experience in the field of advanced control solutions, with principal members responsible for ground-breaking entertainment lighting control consoles, architectural lighting systems and video processing technology.

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industry updates

“POWER THROUGH LIGHT: LEDVANCE presents new era of sustainable light at Light + Building 2024”.

From 3-8 March 2024 more than 2,000 exhibitors will be presenting the latest innovations to a worldwide audience at Light + Building in Frankfurt am Main. Visitors to the LEDVANCE booth D10 in Hall 3.0 will discover the full potential of light from classic professional LED solutions to a new photovoltaic range. The new LEDVANCE LOOP product lines will also make their debut and are geared towards creating an effective circular economy to provide sustainable, energy-efficient and environmentally friendly LED luminaires and lamps.

LEDVANCE is enabling its customers to achieve significant energy cost savings, and reduce CO2 emissions and waste through sustainable products, solutions and processes, whilst creating better working and living environments.

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industry updates

Mackwell Solutions is the latest company to join the Mackwell Group

Global manufacturer of emergency lighting technology and systems, Mackwell, has announced the launch of a new business – Mackwell Solutions. 

Mackwell Solutions is an Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) provider, developed to support businesses throughout the entire process of technical and engineering solutions from design to delivery. 

The new business to join the Mackwell Group will offer full-box build production and engineering-innovative technical solutions for medium-size partners across a range of sectors. This included health and safety-critical industries, those working in test and measurement and lighting controls. 

Mackwell Solutions will offer innovation across the whole process, from technical drawings through to full production. Its technology is UK-made, quality-assured and sustainability-focused, with products starting from a solid grounding of more than 40 years of safety-critical expertise. 

Mackwell Solutions is headed up by co-founder and General Manager Graham Leonard. Graham will be responsible for driving forward this new outsourcing programme; working with existing and new Mackwell customers to offer technical, design, innovation and production services. 

Graham brings a wealth of experience with him into his new role. Having spent 34 years in the electronics sector, Graham has worked across a variety of roles including procurement, supply chain, business development and operational positions. He has operated at a senior level on a global basis, gaining excellent insights into the electronics sectors and areas for development. 

Graham’s relationship-building skills will stand him in good stead to engage with new accounts while staying connected with his widespread network of customers, suppliers and partners. 

Graham said: “Mackwell has been a company I have been aware of throughout my career, so to be taking up an integral role in the new business is a real high point of my working life. 

I’m very much looking forward to utilising Mackwell’s technical expertise and innovative capabilities developed over the past 40 years to drive forward this new offering, reaching out to those customers already working with Mackwell and many others for whom Mackwell Solutions will be the answer to their needs.”

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industry updates

Pharos joins Q-SYS Technology Partner Program

Specialist lighting controls manufacturer, Pharos Architectural Controls, today announces it has joined the Q-SYS Technology Partner Program. This program enables software and hardware technology partners to create market-ready solutions that integrate seamlessly with Q-SYS, a cloud-manageable audio, video and control Platform.

As part of the programme, key products from the Pharos range have been verified and endorsed by Q-SYS, following plugin integration with a Q-SYS Ready badge.

Pharos Designer and Pharos Expert will integrate with Q-SYS to provide integration with its ‘architainment’ and show control system for advanced installation through Q-SYS and Expert’s DMX control.

Pharos Designer is the company’s original, award-winning range, which now boasts a wide range of controllers to suit any DMX, eDMX and DALI lighting project, as well as comprehensive show control capabilities and free software that enables users to design and build installations as they wish. Pharos Expert enables the ultimate in dynamic architectural lighting with its practical, straightforward control solution, centred around a single, reliable controller.

Bas Hoksbergen, Commercial Director at Pharos, said: “Our inclusion in the Q-SYS Ecosystem is the next stage in the development of our products to ensure customers have the best possible experience in their integration capabilities. We are excited to announce this partnership and look forward to seeing our customers make amazing projects.”

“We are proud to have Pharos join our program and work collaboratively with us on a plugin integration that will enable elevated experiences across our shared customers,” says Geno Zaharie, Principal, Alliances & Ecosystem, Q-SYS.

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industry updates

Pharos team celebrates key promotion

The team at Pharos Architectural Controls is celebrating the promotion of UK & Ireland’s Regional Sales Manager, Ryan Sainsbury.

Ryan – who has been with Pharos since 2015 – will now take control of key territories in Northern Europe, including Iceland, Scandinavia and the Baltics, while maintaining his role in the UK and Ireland.

The new areas of focus for Ryan will benefit from greater on-the-ground support, with Ryan’s technical expertise put to use across existing and new projects in these regions.

Ryan initially joined the team in a technical role and has contributed to several significant projects for Pharos, including various citywide projects in China and playing a key role in London’s annual New Year’s Eve show. His expertise extends to the application, installation and integration of all Pharos product systems.

On his promotion, Ryan said: “I’m excited to be working with new clients in Northern Europe where I hope I can put my skills to good use and collaborate on new projects together. ”

Simon Hicks, CEO of Pharos Architectural Controls, said: “In our 20th anniversary year, I am extremely happy to see Ryan’s hard work and efforts rewarded and his journey with us continue. This is an exciting time for Pharos and – with Ryan’s expertise and excellent customer support – I am looking forward to seeing him expand our reach into Northern Europe.”

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industry updates

Firstlite introduces Lumaire range of signage lighting solutions

FirstLite LED Systems Limited, a leading supplier of LED modules to the UK sign market, has introduced the Lumaire range of LED Light Panels – a breakthrough in slimline lighting designed to deliver vibrant, practical displays for interior and exterior spaces. The Lumaire LED Light Panels house high-intensity LEDs with low power consumption in a slimline and lightweight frame, ensuring exceptional light uniformity across the entire panel, regardless of size.

Meg Woodcock, managing director of Firstlite, says, “Lumaire LED Light Panels are a game-changer! They provide a fantastic solution that is ideally suited to many sectors, from retail spaces to offices and architectural installations. The magnetic profile ensures effortless installation, while the slim design and user-friendly print interchangeability provide unmatched adaptability in diverse settings.”

She adds, “At Firstlite, we are committed to illuminating spaces with cutting-edge solutions that seamlessly blend precision, innovation, and sustainability. The Lumaire LED Light Panels epitomise this commitment, offering a transformative lighting experience for interior and exterior environments.”

Each Lumaire panel is entirely bespoke, offering a personalised touch to lighting solutions. The panels feature a 5mm sheet of cast prismatic acrylic with a patented uniform grid pattern and a reflective white film on the reverse side to enhance illumination. With low power consumption, Lumaire panels stand out as an environmentally conscious and cost-effective lighting solution.

The Lumaire LED Light Panels feature a slimline design with a frame thickness of just 15mm, providing a sleek and contemporary aesthetic. These panels can also be curved in single or double-sided options for added design flexibility.

Specifications include a maximum size of 2800mm x 1250mm, ensuring versatility for various applications. The magnetic profile, with a thickness of 19mm, offers easy installation and adaptability to diverse settings. Crafted with precision, the panels feature a sleek 2mm clear acrylic material, providing both durability and a contemporary aesthetic. Additionally, the Lumaire panels offer the convenience of easily interchangeable prints, allowing users to effortlessly update and customise their lighting displays according to changing needs or preferences.

The Lumaire LED Light Panels mark a significant milestone in Firstlite’s commitment to excellence. Meg says, “We believe these panels will redefine how spaces are illuminated, offering not just light but an experience. Firstlite continues to pioneer innovative lighting solutions, and the Lumaire series is a testament to our dedication to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.”

About FirstLite LED Systems Limited:

FirstLite LED Systems Limited is a leading supplier of LED modules to the UK sign market, with over a decade of experience in the industry. Independently owned and committed to innovation, FirstLite is dedicated to providing high-quality LED solutions backed by a focus on customer service, training, and consultancy.