7 minute read
Embracing Sustainability in Lighting Design
A Call to Action for a Brighter Future
By Amanda Thornton, ERW Lighting + Controls
Dear esteemed colleagues, friends, and industry advocates,
As I pen this article, I reflect on my journey—a journey that began with a passion for environmental education, evolved through the rigorous study of sustainable business, and now finds me deeply embedded in the lighting industry. As a mother, I carry a profound sense of responsibility for the world we leave behind for our children. Today, I reach out to you not just as a lighting manufacturer’s representative, but as a fellow advocate for sustainability, urging us all to embrace practices that not only illuminate our spaces but also nurture our planet.
The lighting at the ERW office in Seattle is designed to automatically adjust color temperature in response to natural daylight, promoting energy efficiency and adaptability to changing workspace needs.
Architect: Weber Thompson
Lighting Design: Coruscate Lighting Consulting, LLC
Understanding the Urgency of Our Moment
The statistics are alarming. June 2023 was recorded as the hottest June since reliable temperature records began in the late 19th century, and the children born today will face extreme weather events that previous generations have never encountered. The construction industry accounts for nearly 40% of global CO2 emissions. As lighting designers, architects, manufacturers, and advocates, we are uniquely positioned to lead a transformative charge towards sustainability. The time for reflection, innovation, and collective action is now.
The Role of Material Transparency
One of the most impactful steps we can take towards sustainability is advocating for material transparency. By prioritizing products that come with Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), Health Product Declarations (HPDs), and Declare labels, we can ensure that our choices are informed and responsible. These documents provide crucial information about the materials used in our products, allowing us to make decisions that align with both environmental and health standards.
Incorporating transparency into lighting schedules is not merely a best practice; it is a necessity. By focusing on the most commonly used products in projects, we can streamline efforts and ensure that we are making a meaningful impact. For instance, targeting large quantity fixture types for material ingredient reporting can help us establish a baseline of sustainability across designs.
Engaging with Clients and Teams
Client buy-in is essential for the success of any project and design consideration, whether they are aiming for product labels and verification, organizational standards, building standards or frameworks. Many clients already have values and mission statements that align with sustainable practices, so it is our responsibility to bring these conversations to the forefront. During the concept and schematic design phases, we should build awareness among clients and teams about the importance of material transparency. This includes having budget conversations that prioritize sustainable lighting solutions.
As we move into the design development phase, it is vital to engage in discussions with your lighting reps about the products being considered. Preliminary pricing meetings should include conversations about material transparency labels and commitments. By formalizing these requirements in specifications and fixture schedules, it is ensured that sustainability is woven into the very fabric of lighting designs.
The Power of Advocacy
The Lighting Advocacy Letter serves as a vital instrument for lighting specifiers aiming to enhance the sustainability of lighting products. By signing this letter, you make a public commitment to informed material choices and to fostering ongoing dialogue with your representatives and manufacturers. This collective action is essential for aligning intentions with practical measures within a shared framework.
Transparency regarding material ingredients is fundamental to sustainable building practices. Engaging with initiatives such as LEED and the Living Building Challenge promotes chemical disclosure, which contributes to healthier environments. Manufacturers are encouraged to create documentation like Health Product Declarations (HPDs) and Declare labels, which enhance product accountability and support eco-friendly construction efforts.
I urge each of you to sign the Lighting Advocacy Letter and share it with your colleagues, lighting representatives, and manufacturers. Together, we can showcase our commitment to specifying holistically sustainable lighting products and inspire others to join us in this crucial mission.
Innovations in Design
Sustainable design extends beyond material selection; it encompasses the entire lifecycle of products. While exploring innovative approaches to luminaire design, we must consider end-of-life strategies that facilitate recycling and refurbishment. By partnering with local companies for material salvage and luminaire rebuilding, we can extend the life of our products and minimize waste.
The shift to LED technology has already transformed our industry, but we must continue to challenge conventional concepts and explore new paradigms. For example, maximizing performance while reducing material usage can lead to significant environmental benefits. By embracing designs that facilitate disassembly and recycling, we can create solutions that are not only visually captivating but also environmentally responsible.
A Holistic Approach to Sustainability
As we strive for quick adoption of frameworks, we must also adopt a holistic approach that considers human health, ecosystem health, and social equity. The negative impact of the construction industry unfairly burden marginalized communities, and it is our duty to design spaces that promote health and well-being for all.
Research has shown that employees in green buildings are healthier, happier, and more productive. By prioritizing sustainable practices, we can create environments that foster well-being and enhance quality of life. This commitment to social health and equity is not just a moral imperative; it is a business strategy that can attract talent and increase property values.
The Business Case for Sustainability
The lighting industry is experiencing a significant market shift driven by evolving consumer preferences towards sustainability. Recent studies indicate that 90% of millennials are willing to pay a premium for environmentally friendly products, while 80% would pay more for products with a compelling social sustainability narrative. This trend is particularly evident in major markets and is increasingly influencing the Seattle area, where younger designers entering the workforce are prioritizing sustainable practices.
For lighting manufacturers, lighting designers, and architects, this shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Companies that incorporate sustainable practices into their business strategies and product designs are likely to gain a competitive edge. This includes developing luminaires with lower environmental impacts, transparent supply chains, and end-of-life recycling programs.
As this trend continues to grow, we can expect to see more manufacturers responding with innovative, sustainable lighting solutions. Those who fail to adapt may risk losing market share to more environmentally conscious competitors. For professionals in the lighting industry, staying ahead of this curve by prioritizing sustainable design and manufacturing practices is not just an ethical choice, but increasingly a business imperative.
A Collective Commitment to Change
As lighting designers, architects, agencies and manufacturers, we have the power to influence the future of our industry. By embracing sustainable practices, advocating for transparency, and fostering innovation, we can create a built environment that is not only beautiful but also responsible.
The path forward is not without its challenges, but together, we can overcome them. Let us commit to this journey together, illuminating a path towards a sustainable future for all. Our children deserve a world that is not only bright but also thriving. Together, we can make this vision a reality.
Warm regards and unwavering commitment to our craft,
Amanda Thornton, MBA, MIES
Lighting Specification and Advocate for Sustainability
Additional Resources
LUMA Lighting Design, Turning wood waste into creative lighting systems with Stickbulb
American Institute of Architects (AIA), Materials Pledge Starter Guide
Metropolis Magazine, Climate Toolkit for Interior Design
A unique private residence above Alta Lake in Whistler features stunning views, a verdant courtyard, and a design inspired by the Fibonacci sequence, seamlessly connecting manicured spaces with the surrounding wilderness.
Architect: Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
Lighting Design: Lightplan
Featured Product: Lucifer Lighting 2 Series
