Net Zero Lighting Conference Highlights Holistic Approach to Sustainability
Last week in London, the Net Zero Lighting Conference, organised by The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and Recolight, the UK’s leading scheme for WEEE compliance and recycling of lighting products, called for a holistic approach to achieving net zero in the lighting sector. This pivotal event emphasised the need for comprehensive strategies that address everything from supply-chain sustainability to customer engagement.
The conference gathered over 120 delegates and speakers, including prominent lighting manufacturers such as Ledvance, Whitecroft, Stoane Lighting, and Knightsbridge. These industry leaders shared their experiences and strategies for reducing carbon emissions, highlighting the cultural shifts necessary within organisations to truly embrace sustainability.
Ray Molony, the Conference Chair, noted, “Achieving sustainability is not just a tick-box exercise. It’s about fundamentally changing the culture of your organisation. This shift can energise staff, particularly younger team members, and lead to innovative management practices that significantly enhance engagement.”
Manufacturers are finding that sustainability efforts, far from being a burden, offer opportunities to identify inefficiencies and potential cost savings. By analysing data on energy use and supply-chain processes, companies are not only reducing their carbon footprint but also improving their bottom line.
Bob Bohannon, Head of Policy and Sustainability at The LIA, provided an overview of various certification schemes available to manufacturers. “Choosing the right certification scheme is crucial,” he explained. “It should match the company’s size and stage in their sustainability journey. Some schemes focus solely on carbon emissions, while others encompass a broader range of environmental, sustainability, and governance issues, or even full life cycle assessments.”
Nigel Harvey, CEO of Recolight, remarked on the commitment to sustainability expressed at the conference, saying, “The dedication to initiate change was clear, and many delegates left the conference with plans to implement new strategies to decarbonise their operations.”
Ayça Donaghy, CEO of LIA, emphasised the ongoing nature of this journey: “Our discussions highlighted that achieving sustainable lighting solutions is not only about reducing emissions but also about rethinking our entire operational approach. From product design to supply chain management and customer engagement, every aspect is crucial.”
sayelectric.co.uk 