SUSTAINABILITY AND LED LIGHTING 

In an increasingly environmentally conscious business world, companies are looking to make small changes to become a bit more sustainable and reduce the impact of their carbon footprint. A strong point where companies can make a difference is in lighting, by using customized sustainable luminaires.

Although it may not seem like it, sustainability and lighting are closely related. The way we light our businesses, spaces, or projects has an impact on the environment and energy consumption. In addition, the design and manufacturing of luminaires also have a negative influence on environmental impact.

At SuperTwin, we are aware of this and have been committed for over 20 years to providing more environmentally responsible solutions. We recognize and understand the importance of minimizing the use of aluminum in the production of luminaires to have a lesser impact on the carbon footprint. That's why the luminaires we offer are manufactured with a lower percentage of aluminum without this implying any compromise in terms of quality or efficiency, and therefore, we offer sustainable and customized luminaires for each project considering the needs of each business.

In this blog, you can find two very interesting topics that refer to sustainability and lighting.

• Sustainable Lighting
• Light Pollution

What is Sustainable Lighting? 

Sustainable lighting involves the creation and application of energy-efficient lighting systems that reduce the environmental footprint and enhance the quality of light. This approach seeks to minimize the use of resources and waste, ensuring responsible lighting that is respectful of the environment.

Sustainable and unsustainable lighting differ in their approach and results. The former prioritizes efficiency and sustainability, using advanced technologies such as LED luminaires that consume less energy and last longer. On the other hand, unsustainable lighting tends to be less efficient and can contribute to light pollution, emitting unnecessary light that affects the environment and the quality of the night sky.

Why Do Some Luminaires Have a Negative Impact on the Environment? 

As mentioned, some luminaires on the market can have a negative impact on the environment due to various factors such as high energy consumption, large emissions of gases, and excessive use of resources, but above all, the design and production of some of these luminaires can affect the environment.

A large number of luminaires available on the market are made with aluminum, a material whose production involves a great deal of energy expenditure. To be more precise, approximately 14 kilowatt-hours are needed to obtain 1 kg of luminaire. To put it in perspective, the energy required to manufacture 1 kg of luminaire would be enough to charge a smartphone every day for almost a year.

At SuperTwin we are aware of this, and that is why we supply luminaires with a reduced level of aluminum without losing the quality or efficiency of these, making these luminaires more sustainable.

On the other hand, there are luminaires like the traditional ones that are not sustainable and therefore harm the environment due to their lower energy efficiency and shorter lifespan, which increases electricity consumption and waste generation.

Benefits of Sustainable Lighting 

Using customized sustainable lighting brings a series of benefits that extend beyond the environment. These benefits span both the economic realm and energy savings. Some of the advantages you can achieve with customized sustainable lighting include:

1 ENERGY SAVINGS

Sustainable lighting, specifically that which uses LED technology, consumes less energy than traditional lighting systems. This is because LED lighting, instead of generating heat and then light, as traditional luminaires do, converts most of the energy directly into light. This makes such luminaires more efficient, requiring less energy and electricity, and therefore, a more sustainable option.

2 COST REDUCTION

Revisiting what has been mentioned before, the fact of needing less energy and electricity has a direct impact on energy costs over time. Furthermore, the lifespan of LED luminaires is longer than that of traditional ones, which means that it is not necessary to make more frequent changes in luminaires due to wear and tear.

Therefore, it can be said that although the initial investment for an LED lighting system may be higher, the extended lifespan and lower energy consumption of the luminaires result in a short-term return on investment and considerable savings on bills.

3 CARBON FOOTPRINT REDUCTION

Sustainable lighting helps to reduce the carbon footprint. This is because it uses less energy to produce light. As previously mentioned, LED luminaires are more efficient because they do not waste energy generating heat to produce light as traditional luminaires do. In addition, by using less electricity, fewer energy resources are needed, such as fossil fuels, which emit gases that damage the environment. This way, greenhouse gas emissions that can harm the environment are avoided.

Tips for Lighting Your Business in a More Sustainable Way 

Before making any random changes, it is important that the first step is to conduct a lighting study to analyze and check the type of lighting system installed. This way, you will come to understand how lighting is used in the store and will be able to identify areas for improvement and determine which aspects need attention.

The second step focuses on taking concrete measures to reduce the carbon footprint through lighting. Once this study is done, it is important to change obsolete and inefficient luminaires. This way, you will achieve a significant impact on energy efficiency and carbon emissions. We recommend installing LED luminaires, as they use more modern and efficient technologies and are more sustainable.

The third step is to perform regular maintenance on these luminaires. It is important to clean and check the luminaires periodically to ensure their proper functioning and prolong their lifespan. It may happen that a luminaire emits light, but it has lost intensity and may not produce the same amount of light, but it has the same energy cost or even higher. Just because problems are not 100% visible, doesn't mean they don't exist!

To conclude, we want to add that although lighting your space in a sustainable way may seem like a very large investment, this investment will be quickly recovered, between 3 and 5 years thanks to the energy savings that can be achieved with this updated lighting system.

LIGHT POLLUTION 

Light pollution is another issue closely related to sustainability. This term refers to the excessive and poorly directed emission of artificial light, whether internal or external, in the nocturnal environment. This phenomenon, mainly caused by the improper use of lighting sources, leads to the dispersion of light into the sky and unwanted areas, negatively affecting the starry sky, nocturnal ecosystems, and the quality of human sleep.

Light pollution not only wastes energy but also interferes with natural rhythms and biodiversity.

Problems 

Some of the problems that light pollution can cause in the environment include:

1. HARM TO THE NIGHT SKY: The impact of artificial light in the atmosphere creates a glow that hinders the observation of stars and planets in the night sky. This affects the beauty and visibility of astronomical events.
2. DISORIENTATION OF WILDLIFE: Artificial light can confuse certain animals, such as migratory birds, insects, and other nocturnal species that use the night and darkness for orientation. This can disrupt their life cycles and migration patterns.
3. ECOSYSTEM DISRUPTION: Artificial light can alter the natural patterns of light and darkness in ecosystems. This can affect animal behaviors such as hunting, feeding, and reproduction, but can also impact the circadian rhythms of plants.
4. ENERGY WASTE: Light that is wasted into space and misdirected leads to unnecessary energy consumption, increasing the carbon footprint and electricity costs.
5. HUMAN HEALTH: Some studies show that artificial light at night can affect human health as it may interfere with heart rhythms, disrupt sleep creating insomnia, or even lead to metabolic disorders.

Solutions to End Light Pollution

If we all contribute our grain of sand and take action, we can find a solution to light pollution. Some of the measures that can be taken are the following.

The first solution we believe should be adopted is the use of LED technology. Adopting this type of technology can allow for more precise and efficient control of light. This type of lighting is more efficient and consumes less energy than other sources.

On one hand, directional lighting can be used. This refers to the use of luminaires and light sources that are designed to direct and orient light where it is needed without wasting it in other areas. In this way, energy consumption is also not wasted.

Another measure that can be taken is controlling light intensity. There are versatile luminaires with which you can control the intensity of the light they emit. In this way, the intensity can be adjusted to the real needs of the space.

If you are ready to take the step towards more sustainable and environmentally friendly lighting, we are here to help! Do not hesitate to contact us through our email contact@supertwin.es

MORE INFORMATION ON SUSTAINABLE LIGHTING FOR RETAIL PROJECTS

In today's era, efficient lighting plays a crucial role in the world of sustainable commerce. The correct choice of customized luminaires and eco-friendly lighting solutions can make a significant difference in customer experience and business sustainability. If you are in the retail sector and are looking for lighting solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also energy-efficient, we have the information you need. We invite you to learn more about LED lighting for sustainable commerce and the latest trends in international lighting materials. Don't miss our detailed article published on page 50 of Just Retail magazine. In it, we delve into the best practices and tips for implementing lighting that enhances your commercial space and is environmentally friendly at the same time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT SUSTAINABLE LIGHTING

What is sustainable lighting?

Sustainable lighting encompasses the design and implementation of lighting systems that seek to minimize environmental impact and promote sustainability. This is achieved through the use of low-consumption technologies, such as LED bulbs, and strategies that encourage energy saving and energy efficiency.

How to implement a sustainable lighting system in businesses?

To implement a sustainable lighting system in the home, it is advisable to follow a series of sustainable lighting tips, such as opting for low-consumption bulbs, using motion sensors to avoid wasting light, and making the most of natural light. In addition, sustainable residential lighting can be considered, which includes home automation systems for intelligent lighting control.

What types of bulbs are more sustainable?

The most recommended types of sustainable bulbs are LED bulbs and low-consumption bulbs, as they have a long lifespan and consume less energy compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

How does sustainable lighting contribute to energy saving?

Sustainable lighting contributes to energy saving by using energy-efficient technologies, which reduce electricity consumption and, therefore, decrease CO2 emissions. It also promotes the conscious use of light, avoiding waste and fostering sustainability.

What advantages does sustainable lighting offer compared to traditional lighting?

Compared to traditional lighting, sustainable lighting offers multiple advantages, such as greater energy savings, a reduction in environmental impact, and a longer lifespan of lighting elements. In addition, it can contribute to improving the well-being and health of the occupants of a space.

Are there government incentives for the implementation of sustainable lighting systems?

Yes, in many countries there are government incentives and subsidies for sustainable lighting that seek to encourage the adoption of cleaner and more sustainable technologies. These incentives can include tax discounts, grants, and other types of financial support.

How does sustainable lighting affect well-being and health?

Sustainable lighting can have a positive impact on people's well-being and health, as it allows for the creation of more comfortable and healthy environments, reducing visual fatigue and improving sleep quality, thanks to more natural and balanced lighting.

What role does technology play in sustainable lighting?

Technology plays a crucial role in sustainable lighting, facilitating the development of sustainable lighting innovations, such as intelligent control systems, low-consumption bulbs, and solutions that maximize the use of natural light.

How to calculate the return on investment (ROI) of a sustainable lighting system?

To calculate the ROI of sustainable lighting, it is necessary to consider the initial costs of implementing the system, the savings generated by the reduction of energy consumption, and the benefits derived from the greater durability of the lighting elements. This calculation allows determining the time it will take to recover the initial investment.

What certifications exist for sustainable lighting?

There are several sustainable lighting certifications that endorse the quality and sustainability of lighting products and systems. Some of the most recognized are LEED, BREEAM, and WELL, which focus on promoting sustainable construction and design practices, including sustainable lighting.