Build Back Better Awards

Revealed: The full 𝗡𝗲𝘁 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 programme! This Recolight conference – taking place on 29 April in London – is shaping up to deliver top actionable insights. Here's the programme: 9.30am Welcome Nigel Harvey, CEO, Recolight. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗗𝗥𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗦 9.35am 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗗𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 Public bodies such as the NHS and the Highways Agency are rolling out procurement policies that demand suppliers’ sustainable policies. Here Robert Allison of Auditel explores the trend. 10.05am 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗸𝗲𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 Rahul Shah of BSI takes us through the key carbon-reduction standards. How will these force change in the lighting sector? 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗧𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗧𝗦 10.35am 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲-𝗯𝗮𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘀 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺 𝗮𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗱 The most credible sustainability policy is the setting of ‘science-based targets’. Here Maria del Mar Rojas of SBTi outlines how to set targets and get them validated. 11.00am Q&A 11.15am Coffee and networking 11.45am 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝗲𝘁 𝗮 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗯𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗱𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗻 Michael Collett of Auditel outlines the pitfalls and the opportunities in setting a Carbon Reduction Plan. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦 12.10pm 𝗕 𝗖𝗼𝗿𝗽: 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 B Corp certification requires firms to meet rigorous standards. Here Irene Mazzei, PhD Mazzei from Stoane Lighting explains the process. 12.30 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗩𝗮𝗱𝗶𝘀: 𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 EcoVadis provides a scorecard based on a company's performance in areas like environment and ethics. Here John Gorse of Signify explains the commitment. 12. 50pm Q&A 1.00pm Lunch and networking 2.00pm 𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗘𝗟 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗖𝗨𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗢𝗡: 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀: 𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗲 𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲? Joining programmes such as B Corp or EcoVadis represent a major commitment in time, expense and process . Are they worth it? Our panel – which includes Mike Collett of Auditel UK, John Gorse of Signify and Emer Gillespie of Spark & Bell – weighs up the issues. 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗟 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 2.40pm 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆: 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗻 𝗟𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 Thorn Lighting’s factory in Spennymoor has cut energy use by 1.3 million kWh and water use by 50%, and is set to cut gas use by 900,000 kWh. Here Mark Helm of Thorn shows us how the targets are being achieved. 3.00pm Q&A 3.10pm Coffee and networking 3.40pm 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆: 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿𝘀 Triton Showers has achieved carbon neutrality year on year. Here Daniel Lintell of Triton shares his insights and learnings from the firm’s environmental journey. 4.05pm 𝗖𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝘆: 𝗕𝗲𝗸𝗼 Andrew Mullen of Beko looks at the steps this appliance manufacturer is taking to achieve its sustainability goals. 4.25pm Q&A 4.45pm Closing remarks • Learn more: Link below

French firm unveils wood downlight French luminaire manufacturer KRAKEN-LIGHTING Lighting has become the latest brand to unveil a downlight with a part-wooden structure. The K'Dow 7 has an aluminium body but features a bezel in solid oak or ash plywood sourced from eco-managed forests. The company says the wood is non-flammable and passes the 850C glow wire test.  It’s available with either a GU10 socket or an LED module in a choice of colour temperatures (2700K, 3000K or 4000K) and three beam angles (12, 24 or 36 degrees). Control is via a dimmable Dali or Casambi Technologies Bluetooth driver. Last month, Slovakian firm Setup.lighting s.r.o. introduced a hardwood downlight. Kraken Lighting, based near Nantes, uses reclaimed windows and doors to make light fittings such as 600x600 modular ceilings panels. The founders say the business is based on their ecological, social and societal convictions, but there is a commercial motive as the use of reused wood is a rare differentiator in a crowded commercial lighting market.  Kraken co-founder Nicolas FORGET says the company designs its products so that they are repairable and can be partially or fully assembled by disabled workers. The company originally used regular timber but were encouraged by the French waste agency, ADEME, to develop the products based on waste wood that would otherwise be buried or incinerated. • See more: Link in the comments • The Circular Lighting Report is powered by Recolight • Diary date: Circular Lighting Live 2025 takes place on Thursday 25 September. Link below

Everest trek inspires sustainability concept A trek to Everest base camp by the founder of lighting technology firm Prolojik Limited and a leading Scottish architect has inspired an ambitious sustainability concept. Project Next explores the environmental principles that Asela Rodrigo and Hamish Angus McAndrew encountered during their recent expedition through the Sagarmatha region of Nepal. It draws insightful parallels between the construction industry and practices in the developing world. This HAM x Prolojik collaboration focuses on revolutionising construction practices through sustainability and the use of organic materials to achieve sustainable architecture.  This concept Rodrigo and McAndrew first met during their trek, where they experienced the remote villages and challenges of construction in such extreme environments.  This highlighted the urgent need for sustainable solutions in the face of adversity.  They gained valuable insights from the journey, including Sagarmatha. Project Next is an initiative exploring how to extend the lifecycle of materials and repurpose waste into valuable resources.  This innovative concept aims to rethink construction methods in disaster-prone regions while reducing our environmental footprint. In terms of lighting, it focuses on DC networks specifically. Prolojik has long been a pioneer in the use of DC Power-over-Ethernet networks in advanced buildings.  • See more: Link in the comments • The Circular Lighting Report is powered by Recolight • Diary date: Circular Lighting Live 2025 takes place on Thursday 25 September. Link below

AlphaLED reuses 214 luminaires at Volve dealership Manchester-based alphaLED has reused and reconditioned 214 luminaires at the Volvo dealership in Kista, Sweden, as part of an extensive showroom and office renovation.  Prioritising sustainability, the company said the project aligned with its circular economy principles, which focus on reducing waste and extending product life cycles. Project architects Wingårdhs and lighting designers Rejlers worked closely with Stockholm Lighting Company AB to integrate a lighting concept that retained 85 per cent of the existing fixtures.  Instead of replacing them entirely, the luminaires were modified by reconfiguring their internal components and separating direct AlphaLED light sources, ensuring optimal energy efficiency and performance. By opting for refurbishment over replacement, the dealership reduced its carbon footprint by approximately 23.8 tonnes of CO2e—equivalent to the emissions from driving over 200,000 kilometres in an average petrol car. Additionally, the approach saved an estimated 3,500 kilograms of raw materials, including aluminium and copper, which would have otherwise been used in manufacturing new luminaires. • See more: Link in the comments • The Circular Lighting Report is powered by Recolight • Diary date: Circular Lighting Live 2025 takes place on Thursday 25 September. Link below

Want to cut carbon? Learn from the experts… There’s no need to embark on your sustainability journey alone! At next month’s New Zero Lighting conference, we’ll help you on your way with actionable insights and learnings from those who’ve made the same trek. Organised by Recolight and chaired by me, the lighting industry’s sustainability authority, and taking place on Tuesday 29 April 2025 at Coin Street Conference Centre in Waterloo, London, this one-day event brings together a stellar line up of speakers to share their knowledge with you. Also included are brands from outside the lighting industry, such as Beko appliances and Triton Showers, who will share their experiences and hard-won advice. See the full programme: Link in the comments. 

Reuse of lights at hospital saves 40 trees The reuse of luminaires at a hospital in Ipswich has saved the equivalent of almost a tonne of carbon dioxide, or 40 mature oak trees. CBRE's maintenance team at @Nuffield Health Ipswich Hospital faced failing fluorescent bedhead lights – but replacing them entirely would have been costly and disruptive.  Instead, Suffolk-based Light Years Ahead Ltd, the original manufacturers of the Rotalux luminaires installed 25 years ago, took on the challenge to remanufacture the 40 luminaires.  ‘The chance of finding the original company, still going strong – and just down the road in Suffolk – was unbelievable,’ said facilities manager, Michael Tubby. Part of the problem that Nuffield Health had were that the controls for the luminaires integrate with the internal nurse call system which runs into the walls and they were operated via a handheld control which had on/off switch, a dimmer, and the nurse call button. Simply installing a new dimmable bedhead light would not only be costly, but also require significant electrical work, including chasing new wiring into the walls. There would also be a need for new controls for the light, but this would then leave most of the buttons on the existing control redundant without simultaneously installing a new nurse call system. Light Years Ahead reused the existing body, lens and a significant amount of the wiring, disposing of the fluorescent electronics and lamp itself to replace with a modern driver and LED array. This all fit within the original casing and would mate to the click-in brackets that were already on the wall to retain the original controls. • See more: Link in the comments • The Circular Lighting Report is powered by Recolight • Diary date: Circular Lighting Live 2025 takes place on Thursday 25 September. Link below

Lumiadd unveils pendants printed from plant polymers British 3D printing specialist LumiAdd has unveiled a pendant range made from plant polymers.  The company says that the plant polymers it uses are significantly more sustainable than conventional materials currently used in the lighting industry. The Lacrimosa Pro – ‘tears’ in Latin – is made with what’s termed ‘true 3D printing’. The printer constantly moves in all three dimensions, rather than vertical or planar layering, to give a seamless finish. LumiAdd offers two versions of the pendant, a translucent effect or opaque depending on the customer choice.  The Lacrimosa pendant design features an asymmetric form in a slightly twisted tear drop shape with the light source tucked up inside, resulting in a low glare pendant. It’s available in various sizes and curated arrangements. Available with a 340 degree optic that gives the form a strong glow or a narrow beam that has a more subtle glow but creates a soft pool of light below the pendant and boasts up to 121 luminaire lumens per circuit watt. Standard finish options include white, textured, super matt black, stone effect, moss green stone and red brick as well as any RAL colour. • See more: Link in the comments • The Circular Lighting Report is powered by Recolight • Diary date: Circular Lighting Live 2025 takes place on Thursday 25 September. Link below

Lug achieves Platinum EcoVadis rating Polish luminaire maker LUG Lighting UK has been awarded the prestigious Platinum EcoVadis certification, placing the company among the top 1 per cent of businesses worldwide in terms of corporate social responsibility and sustainable business practices.  ‘While achieving the certification is a significant milestone, we’re continuing to push the boundaries of sustainable innovation in the lighting industry,’ Darrell W., country manager UK, told the Circular Lighting Report. ‘We’re committed to continually improving our sustainability practices to ensure that our journey makes a positive impact on the world.’ The company has taken some bold steps to challenge conventional industry norms in order to promote environmental responsibility. Last year, it called on the industry to rethink the practice of large-scale exhibitions, citing the urgent need to reduce the environmental impact associated with such events. The company made the conscious decision not to attend Light + Building 2024, stating that participation would have incurred a significant carbon footprint due to travel and logistical emissions.  • See more: Link in the comments • The Circular Lighting Report is powered by Recolight • Diary date: Circular Lighting Live 2025 takes place on Thursday 25 September. Link below.

Light Projects unveils remanufacturing division Light Projects Evolve Ltd has unveiled a specialist remanufacturing division to upgrade and reuse luminaires for commercial and educational clients. The brand has formed a sister company, Light Projects Revolve Limited, which will be headed by former Silent Designs chief John Bowden 💡🔧. Bowden, managing director of the new enterprise, is a highly experienced lighting remanufacturer with a host of successful projects, including the Build Back Better Awards-winning Building Crafts College in east London. In a statement, Light Projects Evolve said it was ‘committed to delivering the most efficient and sustainable lighting upgrades to our clients’. Light Projects Evolve was been setup by Ellis Titheridge and Brendon Airey after becoming shareholders of the long-established brand Light Projects in November 2023.  • See more: Link in the comments • The Circular Lighting Report is powered by Recolight • Diary date: Circular Lighting Live 2025 takes place on Thursday 25 September. Link below.

Is the lighting community in the Middle East going green? The Middle East, once criticised for energy profligacy, is waking up to environmental responsibilities, not least in lighting. Specifiers in the region are increasingly asking manufacturers for detailed information on their luminaires in the form of environmental product declarations. In this video short, TRILUX sustainability expert Neethu Susan George tells Circular Lighting Report editor Ray Molony that things are changing ‘considerably’ as the design community responds to climate change.