Sustainable lighting

Environmental Impact and Sustainable Solutions in Lighting

Have you ever wondered how your light bulb affects 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 started using sustainable alternatives. Let's take a look at the environmental impact and solutions in the field of lighting.

Environmental impact of lighting

First, it is important to understand that lighting accounts for a significant portion 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 incandescent light bulbs are particularly problematic. They convert only about 5% of the energy they consume into light, while the rest is lost as heat. In addition, incandescent bulbs have a very short lifespan compared to more efficient alternatives, which leads to increased waste.

There is also the issue of light pollution. The excessive use of lighting in urban areas not only affects 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 solutions in the field of lighting

The good news is that we already have solutions available to address these issues. Energy-efficient light bulbs Firstly, we should focus on energy-efficient light bulbs such as LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs and CFLs (compact fluorescent lamps). LEDs are particularly efficient and long-lasting.

They consume 75% less energy than conventional incandescent bulbs and have a lifespan up to 25 times longer. CFLs are also a good alternative, although they are not as efficient, sustainable, or durable as LEDs.

Smart lighting

Integrating technology into our lighting system offers further savings opportunities. Smart lighting systems that can automatically adjust light intensity and color depending on the time of day, the presence of people, or even the mood reduce energy consumption and increase comfort.

Natural light

Wherever possible, natural light should be used. Through smart design and planning, buildings can be designed to make optimal use of daylight, reducing the need for artificial lighting.

Reducing light pollution

To combat light pollution, we should Focus on reducing unnecessary lighting, especially at night. This can be achieved by using motion sensors, timers, and shielded lights that direct the light downward, reducing "light loss" 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 bulbs, using smart lighting systems, favoring natural light, and helping to reduce light pollution, you can make a difference. Because every step counts when it comes to preserving our planet for future generations. 

"If you want to implement sustainable lighting, start by replacing existing incandescent and halogen bulbs with sustainable and energy-efficient LEDs. Look for integrated LEDs for longer life and consider dimmable options to adjust energy consumption and light intensity as needed."

More sustainable lighting solutions

Solar lighting

Another sustainable lighting solution is the use of solar energy. Solar-powered lighting systems are increasingly found in various contexts, from street lights to portable lanterns for outdoor use, all of which are sustainable lighting solutions

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These systems use sunlight during the day to charge batteries, which then provide power for lighting at night. Not only are they sustainable and environmentally friendly, but they can also be a valuable resource in remote or rural areas where access to the power 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 bulbs, especially CFLs, contain materials such as mercury that can be harmful to the environment if disposed of improperly. Proper recycling allows these materials to be safely recovered and reused instead of ending up in landfills.

Lighting efficiency labels

Finally, it is also important to look for light efficiency labels when purchasing light bulbs. In many countries, light bulbs are labeled with information about their energy consumption and light output (measured in lumens per watt). These labels can help you choose the most efficient light bulbs for your needs.

Conclusion on sustainable lighting

It is clear that we still have a long way to go in terms of sustainability when it comes to lighting. But by being aware of the environmental 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 little action helps to preserve the health of our planet. Energy-efficient light bulbs, smart lighting, using natural light, fighting light pollution, recycling light bulbs, and using 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 some important technical terms related to lighting design?

Playing with color temperature in sustainable lamps

The right color temperature can create a specific mood or atmosphere in your store. A warm color tone (less than 3000K) creates a cozy, inviting feeling and is well suited for areas where comfort and relaxation are paramount. A cooler color temperature (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 experiment and test different color temperatures to find the best lighting for your specific products and displays.

The key to color accuracy in sustainable lighting: 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 the products to appear distorted or inaccurate, which can ultimately affect customer satisfaction and sales.

Conclusion: Pay attention to Kelvin and CRI in sustainable lamps

The color temperature and CRI value of a light source are important factors to consider when choosing lighting for your retail store. 

Not only can they affect the appearance of your products and your store as a whole, but they can also influence 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 at s.luce

SustainableLED lighting has gained popularity in recent years, mainly due to its energy efficiency and durability. It is one of the most sustainable lighting solutions available to us today, and brands such as 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 to outdoor lights and lights for special applications.

Sustainable LEDs (light-emitting diodes) are semiconductors that emit light when an electric current flows through them. They differ from traditional incandescent bulbs and compact fluorescent lamps in that they are much more efficient.

While conventional incandescent bulbs convert only about 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 bulb.

Modern, sustainable LED technology

s.luce uses LED technology to create lighting solutions that are both environmentally friendly and practical. An example of this is the use of dimmable LEDs in some of their lights.

This feature allows you to adjust the brightness of your lighting as needed, which can further reduce energy consumption and extend the life of the lamp.

Another outstanding feature of s.luce products is the use of integrated LEDs.

Unlike luminaires where the lamps can be replaced, integrated LEDs have such a long service life that lamp replacement is not necessary.

This not only contributes to sustainability by reducing waste, but also makes the luminaires lower maintenance.

In addition to the environmental factor, s.luce's LED products are known for their sophisticated and modern design. They offer a variety of styles and shapes to fit into any interior design.

Active in sustainable lighting

In summary, s.luce uses LED technology to offer a range of lighting solutions that are not only energy-efficient and durable, but also stylish and user-friendly.

They demonstrate how sustainability and design can go hand in hand to create products that benefit both the consumer and the planet. LED lighting has gained popularity in recent years, primarily due to its energy efficiency and longevity.

It is 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 building. We live by the motto "act, don't react" and aim to be 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.

We switched the production of our own brand s.luce from incandescent and halogen lamps to modern, energy-saving LED technology at an early stage. Most of our lighting series now consist of LED lights, which are not only energy-efficient and durable, but also stylish and user-friendly.

Sustainability at s.luce - That's why s.luce stands for eco-friendly lamps and sustainable lighting.

Conclusion – How to do everything right!

Sustainable lighting is a key component for a more environmentally friendly 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 decisions and support the transition to sustainable lighting.

If you are still undecided about how you want to implement lighting in your home, please feel free to make an appointment with the lighting designers at 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.

If you already have a specific idea of how you want the lights in your home to look, we can help you turn that idea into reality—our in-house workshop makes it possible.