Net Zero Lighting Conference 2024: Companies must adopt a holistic approach

Achieving Net Zero for lighting must encompass everything from supply-chain sustainability and logistics to customer engagement. This was one of the key messages to come from the Net Zero Lighting Conference in London last week.

The event was organised by The Lighting Industry Association (LIA) and Recolight. It brought together 120 delegates and speakers for a comprehensive review of the challenges around the decarbonisation of manufacture in the industry.

Lighting manufacturers Ledvance, Whitecroft, Stoane Lighting, and Knightsbridge, shared some of the strategies they have adopted to reduce carbon emissions.

“What’s clear to me is that moving towards Net Zero and sustainability is not a tick-box exercise, but more about changing the culture of your organisation,” said conference chair, Ray Molony. “And when you change that culture, good things flow. For instance, staff, especially younger members of the team, become energised and engaged in a way few management initiatives can achieve.”

Ray added “A number of companies said that they gained enormously from beginning their sustainability journey. Far from being a burden, gathering and analysing data on their processes such as their energy use and their supply-chain, helped organisations identify waste and potential cost savings. In some cases, the savings were dramatic.”

Bob Bohannon, Head of Policy and Sustainability at The LIA, gave a comprehensive overview of the wide range of certification schemes that manufacturers can use to measure, set targets and give clear evidence on their actions towards net zero. Bob said “Manufacturers need to choose the right one that best fits their company’s size and position on their sustainability journey, with particular consideration given to scope:  some schemes are focused on carbon emissions, others cover a wider range of environmental, sustainability and governance parameters, whilst others are full life cycle assessments of a product’s impacts.  What I would say is don’t wait, choose a scheme based on clarity and science and start your net zero journey as soon as possible.”

Nigel Harvey, Recolight CEO, said “It has been inspiring to hear of the work some lighting manufacturers are now undertaking as they start to decarbonise their operations. Nobody should underestimate the challenge this involves. But the commitment to make change was tangible, and the number of delegates confirming that they would implement changes as a result of the conference was very encouraging.”

Ayça Donaghy, LIA CEO, said “It’s evident that the journey towards sustainable lighting products and operations is both urgent and ongoing. Our discussions underscored that this isn’t merely about reducing emissions – it’s about reimagining how we operate across every aspect of our business. From enhancing our product designs with sustainability at the core to engaging deeply with our supply chains and customers, every step we take is critical to achieving our goals. As we continue to set transparent, science-based targets and improve our practices, the commitment from every stakeholder across the industry will be essential for turning these ambitions into reality.”