Category: insight extra

Tamlite Lighting, one of the UK’s largest independent lighting manufacturers, has welcomed the Investment Property Forum (IPF)’s latest research, which examines the cost of energy efficiency improvements in existing commercial property.

In the 81-page report, the IPF concludes that lighting upgrades “should always be considered in a package of improvement measures” for enhancing energy efficiency in commercial buildings. The IPF is an individual members’ organisation for those operating in the UK commercial real estate investment market.

The report assesses a range of discrete and combined packages of improvement measures for their impact on Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings, energy use, carbon emissions, and cost. These assessments take into account changes in the EPC modelling method that took place in June 2022, which could result in a change (downgrade) in EPC rating for some buildings.

Meanwhile, the Minimum Energy Efficiency Standard (MEES) regulations for commercial property are set to tighten: Commercial property landlords have until 2028 to improve the EPC of their assets to a C rating, with a minimum EPC of B required by 2030.

Improvement options for complying with EPC post-2022

Previously, if buildings were aiming for an EPC rating of C, changing the lighting (from T5 to LED) would be a relatively cheap option and could, in many scenarios, achieve an EPC of C. For a B rating, a building would typically need LEDs and an air source heat pump (ASHP).

Under the latest methodology, IPF’s analysis shows that to achieve an EPC B, asset owners may need to invest between £200/m² and £800/m² on a package of the three key improvement measures – lighting, heat pumps, and ventilation.

The report authors applied the seven years payback test, as defined in the MEES guidance, to all energy and carbon-saving packages across all building typologies. The results show that the only improvements that pay back within seven years are those that are part of a planned refurbishment scenario, and these are limited to lighting and ventilation improvements.

Commentary from Tamlite Lighting

Richard Wharrad, Group Manager & Head of Sustainability and Social Value at Tamlite Lighting, commented:

“As a lighting manufacturer committed to a more sustainable built environment, we welcome the IPF’s recognition of the role modern LED lighting systems play in delivering more energy-efficient buildings, and the return on investment they offer.

“Commercial property landlords face considerable challenges as the sector transitions to net-zero carbon, with the need to adhere to regulatory compliance, and achieve a return on investment. Lighting upgrades continue to represent a highly cost-effective strand of the solutions available for improving buildings’ EPC.”

Lighting upgrades considered in IPF report

The report assesses cost scenarios across a range of building typologies where upgrades are carried out for general lighting systems that have an average lamp efficacy of less than 60 lamp-lumens per circuit watt (60 lm/W) and that serve areas greater than 100m².

Upgrades include the replacement of existing lighting and controls with new LED luminaires delivering over 120 (lm/W), together with presence detection sensors and daylight harvesting sensors to relevant spaces.

The report’s methodology

2024’s ‘Costing Energy Efficiency Improvements in Existing Commercial Property’ represents an expanded and updated version of the 2009 edition. The data-driven study, was led by Currie & Brown with additional modelling support from Introba, and is based on a set of seven building typologies, now including build-to-rent and student accommodation. It reflects the latest EPC methodologies and has been expanded to reflect the implications for net-zero carbon targets, in particular, Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM) pathways.

A range of discrete and combined packages of improvement measures have been assessed, and a fully downloadable Excel tool is available that allows the user to apply the findings to specific cases they might be working on.

Richard Wharrad added: “The IPF’s new research serves as an essential resource for commercial property asset managers striving to balance the often complex and competing demands for improving property performance.”

Summary of the report’s key findings:

• The only energy and carbon-saving improvement packages for buildings that pay back within seven years are those that are part of a planned refurbishment scenario, and these are limited to lighting and ventilation improvements.
• For most buildings, a combination package of three improvement measures – lighting, ventilation and heat pumps will meet the requirement of an EPC B.
• Changing the heating type to direct electric or heat pumps can significantly improve the EPC rating of any building, assuming it is replacing gas. This is due to the decarbonisation of the UK grid and therefore lower carbon factors for electricity.
• As the carbon emissions factor for electricity will continue to fall, the impact on EPC rating will continue to favour heat electrification, and by 2030 some buildings may find it impossible to achieve an EPC B without electrifying heat.

Lighting control specialist Pharos Architectural Controls and world leader in smart lighting controls Lutron Electronics have expanded their joint integration capabilities.

Pharos has been working with Lutron to provide integration of Pharos Designer systems with Lutron commercial systems, using Pharos flexible IO modules. The Pharos systems now support integration with Athena; Lutron’s flagship control offering for commercial installations.

The Designer range from Pharos Architectural Controls boasts a wide selection of controllers – including the original and award-winning LPC (Lighting Playback Controller) – to suit any DMX, eDMX and DALI lighting project.

Integration is now also possible with Lutron Vive and solutions from the Pharos Designer range. Vive is a wireless commercial lighting control system, helping new and existing commercial buildings to be more efficient, comfortable and productive.

To deliver the highest levels of protection, the Athena and Vive integrations are fully secured using Lutron’s LEAP API integration protocol. 

The collaboration will be formalised with the addition of Lutron as a ‘Friend of Pharos’ on the Pharos website. This considered network of manufacturers share the Pharos ethos of putting customers first. Through this approved list, Pharos is able to ensure any integration project will mean customers get the best of two leading companies, without the risk of being sidelined and manufacturers not taking responsibility.

Bas Hoksbergen, Commercial Director at Pharos Architectural Controls, said: “I am very happy to see the Pharos Designer and Lutron Athena integration now available for all our users. Combining Lutron and Pharos systems gives our users unprecedented control flexibility over both functional lighting, as well as dynamic lighting control.”

Electronic Manufacturing Service (EMS) provider Mackwell Solutions, which forms part of the hugely successful Mackwell Group, has fully opened for business.

Expanding the capabilities offered within the Group, Mackwell Solutions will offer services from PCB assembly to full box-build production, plus engineering-innovative technical solutions for partners across a diverse landscape of market sectors. This includes sensing & detection, test & measurement, health, infrastructure and safety-critical industries.

With the capability to offer dedicated support from design to delivery, Mackwell Solutions is ideally placed to meet the unique needs of its clients.

The business is being led by co-founder and General Manager Graham Leonard. Graham brings his extensive experience in the electronics sector to Mackwell Solutions, which will undoubtedly be of great benefit to this new offering.

Graham said: “It’s fantastic to see Mackwell Solutions move from a concept to a reality. We’ve taken our time to plan our offering carefully and ensure we can deliver quality engineering and production solutions for our customers and partners. Now that we’re officially live, we’re incredibly excited to build our customer portfolio and start supporting clients throughout the engineering and production cycle.

“They can take assurances from the fact that Mackwell Solutions has the backing of a market-leading and respected brand. The synergy between Mackwell Group and Mackwell Solutions is clear for all to see, sharing the same values, and commitment to quality, compliance and safety.”

As well as the direct benefits of working with Mackwell Solutions, clients can take advantage of improved efficiencies as they can access even more services from one successful and renowned business group.

Studio Lumen, a leading lighting design powerhouse in the Middle East, proudly announces an expansion of its Dubai office, solidifying its status as an industry leader committed to innovation and creative excellence. This strategic move includes the establishment of a dedicated floor for its dynamic design team labelled Studio 9. Within the building Studio 1 remains the creative space for the rest of the team, together effectively creating a vibrant and collaborative hub space all under one roof.

While the Dubai office has always served as the headquarters for Studio Lumen, this significant expansion onto an additional floor within the same building marks a pivotal moment for the firm. The move signifies a substantial investment in fostering a work environment that promotes continuous growth, development and above all, unwavering creativity.

Siddharth Mathur, Founder and Director stated: “The decision to allocate an additional floor for our design team is a testament to Studio Lumen’s commitment to shaping the future of design. This expansion is not just about physical space; it’s about creating an ecosystem that stimulates collaboration, fuels innovation, and facilitates the unrestricted flow of creativity.”

By redistributing the team throughout the office space Studio Lumen aims to enhance communication and synergy among team members, ensuring a seamless exchange of ideas and expertise. This strategic move aligns with the firm’s vision to be at the forefront of cutting-edge lighting design solutions.

The expansion is a reflection of Studio Lumen’s deep-rooted confidence in the region’s burgeoning creative landscape. Studio Lumen has always considered Dubai as a cornerstone of its operations, and this development affirms the region’s importance in the firm’s global strategy. The Dubai office, now spanning multiple floors, serves as the central hub for the firm’s innovative operations, allowing for streamlined project management, increased collaboration, and an enhanced client experience. With Studio 1 and Studio 9 now firm locations for the company’s creativity it leaves room for Studios 2-8 in the future, with new locations and further expansion on the horizon.

Studio Lumen’s continued investment in its Dubai office underscores its commitment to providing clients with top-tier design services while fostering an environment where talent can flourish. The recent expansion demonstrates the firm’s confidence in the region’s ability to attract and retain top industry talent.