Energy consumption has rapidly increased for several years, in line with quickly declining natural resources; this has to change. Many businesses have identified problems with the current linear economy where products have a shelf life and then are discarded. There is a growing desire to move towards a circular economy to ensure sustainability.
What is circular economy lighting?
A circular economy uses resources more effectively by creating rather than wasting, using rather than owning, and reusing rather than disposing. So how does the issue of lighting fit into this circular economy picture? When we relate the circular economy to lighting, products are designed in a fully sustainable way. When the lighting product comes to the end of its lifetime it can be upgraded and reused, or the materials and parts can be returned for repurposing or recycling.
LED lighting has revolutionized lighting as we know it, with its great many benefits and environmental aid, relieving the issues associated with fluorescent lighting. However, some LED lighting, particularly grid ceiling luminaires can have their own problems which seem to have been largely overlooked, until now. Traditional LED panels contain a large amount of plastic in the refractor and diffusers. This is a cause for concern as the chemicals used in the manufacturing of acrylic products, the chemical waste from the acrylic plants and what happens to the materials after they have served their life can be a big issue for the environment.
Recycling vs Repair & Reuse
There is nothing wrong with recycling but it is not the most efficient way to conserve resources
Repair and reuse are much better options because they keep products in use for longer, which reduces the need for new resources.
In a circular economy, products are designed to be repaired, reused, and recycled instead of being disposed of after just a single use.
This not only conserves resources but also reduces waste and pollution.
Circular lighting design takes into account the entire life cycle of an LED light fixture or light bulb, from manufacture to disposal.
Reduce: Use less material in the first place by designing products that last longer or can be reused.
Reuse: Repair or refurbish products instead of throwing them away.
Recycle: Recycle materials from old products to make new ones.
For this to truly happen, a product must be designed to yield the benefits of repair from its inception as a product
How You Can Implement Circular Lighting Design
As a business or homeowner, there are many ways you can incorporate circular lighting design into your projects
Some things to consider include:
Using LED lights, there is little reason to use traditional fixtures anymore. LEDs last much longer and use less energy, so they are a more sustainable option.
Installing occupancy sensors or timers to reduce the amount of time your lights are on.
Choosing fixtures that can be repaired and reused at the end of their lifespan.
Working with a lighting consultant or distributor that offers sustainable, circular lighting products!
Circular lighting design is a more sustainable way to approach lighting projects, both commercial and residential.
It conserves resources, reduces waste, and can save you money in the long run.
In summary, the Circular Economy is something we all need to embrace and move towards in every aspect of our lives. The world is becoming more environmentally aware and the process of having a luminaire for a few years and then disposing of it doesn’t support a sustainable world therefore there needs to be a shift to much sustainable way of lighting.
