Verena W.
Published on
"If you are running or planning a retail business, lighting is an important factor to consider. Lighting can have a significant impact on your customers' shopping experience, from the presentation of your products to the overall atmosphere in your store. But how do you choose the right lighting for different shopping areas?"
Environmental impact and solutions in the field of lighting
Have you ever wondered what impact your light bulb has on our planet? The lighting we use every day has a significant impact on the environment and it's time we became aware of this and use sustainable alternatives. Let's explore together the ecological impact and solutions in the field of lighting.
Ecological impact of lighting
First of all, it is important to understand that lighting accounts for a significant proportion of global energy consumption. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), lighting accounted for about 15% of global electricity consumption and about 5% of global greenhouse gas emissions in 2018.
Conventional light bulbs are particularly problematic. They only convert around 5% of the energy consumed into light, while the rest is lost as heat. In addition, the lifespan of incandescent lamps is very short compared to more efficient alternatives, which leads to increased waste generation.
There is also the problem of light pollution. Excessive use of lighting in urban areas not only interferes with the natural darkness of the night and disrupts human sleep patterns, but also has a negative impact on wildlife by disrupting natural rhythms and behavior patterns.
Sustainable lighting solutions
The good news is that we already have solutions available to tackle these problems. Energy-efficient light sources Firstly, we should focus on energy-efficient light sources such as LED lamps (Light Emitting Diodes) and CFLs (Compact Fluorescent Lamps). LEDs are particularly efficient and long-lasting.
They consume 75% less energy than conventional light bulbs and last up to 25 times longer. CFLs are also a good alternative, although they are not as efficient or long-lasting as LEDs.
Intelligent lighting
Integrating technology into our lighting system offers further opportunities for savings. Intelligent lighting systems that can automatically adjust light intensity and color depending on the time of day, presence of people or even mood, reduce energy consumption and increase comfort.
Natural light
Wherever possible, natural light should be used. Through intelligent construction and planning, buildings can be designed to make optimum use of daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting.
Reduce light pollution
To combat light pollution, we should focus on reducing unnecessary lighting, especially at night. This can be achieved through the use of motion sensors, timers and shielded lights that direct light downwards, reducing 'light leakage' into the sky.
Lighting plays a crucial role in our everyday lives and it is important that we make it sustainable. By choosing energy-efficient light sources, using smart lighting systems, favoring natural light and helping to reduce light pollution, you can make a difference. Because every step counts in preserving our planet for future generations.
"If you want to implement sustainable lighting, start by replacing existing incandescent and halogen lamps with energy-efficient LEDs. Look for integrated LEDs for a longer lifespan and consider dimmable options to adjust energy consumption and light intensity as needed."
Expert tip from Roland H.
Lighting designer at skapetze®
Further sustainable lighting solutions
Another sustainable lighting solution is the use of solar energy. Solar-powered lighting systems can increasingly be found in various contexts, from street lamps to portable lanterns for outdoor use.
These systems use sunlight during the day to charge batteries, which then provide power for lighting at night. Not only are they environmentally friendly, but they can also be a valuable resource in remote or rural areas where access to the electricity grid can be difficult.
Recycling and disposal of light bulbs
The end of a lamp's life cycle is also an important aspect of sustainability. Many light sources, especially CFLs, contain materials such as mercury that can be harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly. Through proper recycling, these materials can be safely recovered and reused instead of ending up in landfill.
Light efficiency label
Finally, it is also important to look out for light efficiency labels when buying light sources. In many countries, light sources are marked with labels that provide information about their energy consumption and light output (measured in lumens per watt). These labels can help you choose the most efficient light sources for your needs.
Conclusion
It is clear that we still have a long way to go in terms of sustainability in lighting. But by being aware of the ecological impact and using the solutions available, we can make a difference.
It is up to all of us to accelerate the transition to sustainable lighting, because every action, no matter how small, contributes to preserving the health of our planet. Energy-efficient light sources, smart lighting, the use of natural light, the fight against light pollution, the recycling of light sources and the use of solar energy are all options available to you. It's time for us all to play our part and pave the way for sustainable lighting.
What are the key technical terms relating to lighting design?
Playing with the color temperature
The right color temperature can create a specific mood or atmosphere in your store. A warm hue (less than 3000K) creates a cozy, inviting feeling and is well suited for areas where comfort and relaxation are the focus. A cooler hue (above 4000K), on the other hand, creates a fresh, energetic feeling and is ideal for areas where accurate color perception or high visual performance is required.
It's also important to remember that different products and materials can look different under different color temperatures. You should therefore conduct experiments and test different color temperatures to find the best lighting for your specific products and displays.
The key to color accuracy: CRI
A high CRI value is particularly important in areas where color accuracy plays a crucial role. This could include areas such as clothing, art galleries or areas with high-end products. In such areas, light sources with a low CRI can cause the colors of products to appear distorted or inaccurate, which can ultimately affect customer satisfaction and sales.
Conclusion: Pay attention to Kelvin and CRI
The color temperature and CRI value of a light source are important factors to consider when selecting lighting for your retail store.
Not only can they affect the appearance of your products and your store as a whole, but also the mood and atmosphere you want to create. By choosing the right combination of color temperature and CRI value, you can ensure that your store is always presented in the best light.
Sustainability with s.luce
LED lighting has gained popularity in recent years, mainly due to their energy efficiency and longevity. They are one of the most sustainable lighting solutions available to us today, and Brands like s.luce are leading the way in the use of this technology. s.luce integrates LED technology into a wide range of its products, from ceiling and wall lights up to outdoor lights and luminaires for special applications.
LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) are semiconductors that emit light when an electric current flows through them. They differ from traditional incandescent lamps and compact fluorescent lamps in that they are much more efficient.
While conventional light bulbs only convert around 5% of the energy they consume into light, LEDs can convert up to 95% of their energy into light.
They also generate less heat and have a longer lifespan, often more than 25,000 hours compared to 1,000 hours for a typical incandescent lamp.
Modern LED technology
s.luce uses LED technology to create lighting solutions that are both environmentally friendly and practical. One example of this is the use of dimmable LEDs in some of their luminaires.
This function allows you to adjust the brightness of your lighting as required, which can further reduce energy consumption and extend the life of the lamp.
Another outstanding feature of the s.luce-products is the use of integrated LEDs.
In contrast to luminaires where the lamps can be replaced, integrated LEDs have such a long service life that it is not necessary to replace the lamp.
This not only contributes to sustainability by reducing waste, but also makes the luminaires lower-maintenance.
In addition to the environmental factor, LED products from s.luce for their sophisticated and modern design known. They offer a variety of styles and shapes to fit into any interior design.
Active for ecological lighting
In summary, it can be said that s.luce uses LED technology to offer a range of lighting solutions that are not only energy-efficient and long-lasting, but also stylish and user-friendly.
They show how sustainability and design can go hand in hand to create products that are beneficial to both the consumer and the planet. LED lighting has gained popularity in recent years, mainly due to its energy efficiency and longevity.
They are one of the most sustainable lighting solutions available to us today, and brands such as s.luce, our own brand, are leading the way in the use of this technology.
We are committed to sustainability and have installed solar panels on the roof of our company. We live by the motto "Act, don't react" and aim to act as a pioneer and role model for other companies in the industry.
A continuous improvement process is an integral part of our product management, which is constantly being expanded, particularly with regard to sustainable product development.
At an early stage, we have optimized the production of our own brand s.luce from incandescent and halogen lamps to modern, energy-saving LED technology. Today, most of our luminaire ranges consist of LED luminaires that are not only energy-efficient and durable, but also stylish and user-friendly.
Sustainability with s.luce - Therefore stands right now s.luce for ecological lamps and sustainable lighting
Conclusion - How to do everything right!
Sustainable lighting is a key building block for a greener future. With technologies such as LEDs, intelligent control systems and the use of solar energy, we can save energy and reduce our environmental impact.
We with our own brand s.luce are leading by example by combining innovation and sustainability. Ultimately, it is up to each and every one of us to make more conscious choices and support the transition to sustainable lighting.
If you are still undecided about how to implement lighting in your home, why not make an appointment with the lighting designers from skapetze®, for a personal consultation and the development of an individual lighting concept.
You are also welcome to visit us on site in Simbach am Inn in Bavaria's largest lighting studio come and visit us.
If you already have a concrete idea of what the lights in your home should look like, we can help you turn this idea into reality - our in-house workshop makes it possible.
Verena W.