Lighting designers have a responsibility to implement sustainable practices into their work. These can take the form of attention to lighting power density, advanced lighting controls, and use of long-life sources. However, since the major green building ratings systems, like LEED, do not require lighting fixtures to comply with their material sourcing guidelines, sustainable specification is not always given the same consideration.
Practices such as specifying manufacturers and materials regional to the project site, choosing fixtures made of recycled materials, and opting for manufacturers who operate using sustainable practices can allow designers to significantly influence the built environment.
Sustainability has become a critical focus in the AEC industry due to global warming. This warming is primarily caused by the greenhouse effect where fossil fuel emissions in the atmosphere trap heat from the sun. Human impact has already raised the temperature of Earth’s atmosphere by over 1 degree Celsius compared to preindustrial levels (IPCC SR15, 2018). Without intervention, temperatures are projected to rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius by 2040 and 4 degrees Celsius by 2100. Such increases are catastrophic, leading to rising sea levels, failing agriculture, and the extinction of half of all species.
Lighting designers can take sustainable initiatives, in addition to other practices among all project partners, to lessen the environmental burden of constructed spaces.
Material Sourcing:
Sourcing lighting fixtures made of sustainable materials encourages an extended lifespan, reuse of parts, and recyclability of fixtures. The objective is to transition from a “Cradle to Grave” approach to a “Cradle to Cradle” model, where materials and resources are continually recirculated into new production and uses. This approach minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency. Recycled materials have lower embodied carbon, therefore reducing greenhouse gas emissions
“To reduce the overall CO2 content of luminaires, it is beneficial to use materials with lower embodied carbon. Both steel and aluminum, which are fundamental to most luminaires, are infinitely recyclable. Recycled aluminum and steel contain approximately 20% of the embodied CO2 found in their virgin counterparts,” explains The Lighting Practice Associate Matthew Fracassini MIES, LEED AP BD+C.
By sourcing recyclable materials, designers can make a significant impact on the lifecycle of the fixtures and materials used within the project.
Regional Manufacturer Specification:
Standardizing lighting procurement by specifying regional manufacturers can significantly lower a project’s carbon footprint. Since transportation and shipping contribute to about a quarter of global CO2 emissions, sourcing luminaires locally and minimizing the distance they need to travel can make a meaningful impact.
“Specifiers can maximize this benefit by focusing on the types of luminaires with the greatest impact—those that are most numerous in the project,” explains Matthew Fracassini.
Sourcing a large quantity of luminaires in a local capacity will significantly reduce CO2 emissions. Less packaging is typically used, reducing the environmental impact associated with shipping and waste. In addition, replacement parts are more accessible, supporting refurbishment rather than replacement.
By choosing regional manufacturers, lighting designers can enhance the sustainability of their projects while also supporting local economies and promoting environmentally responsible practices.
Materials Transparency:
Light fixtures, like most building components, consist of many parts and materials. If information about specific parts is provided, it is not consistent between manufacturers. The Declare label was developed by the International Living Future Institute as a remedy for this situation. The label functions like Nutrition Facts for building products, providing a transparent overview of the materials used within a product.
“Declare labels list harmful chemicals in the component including Red List & Watch Listed chemicals. In addition to noting hazardous & problematic chemicals, they also require final assembly location and percentage of recycled content,” says Matthew Fracassini.
This transparency allows designers to make informed choices regarding the sustainability of fixtures. Thereby avoiding materials that are detrimental to human health and the environment.
By utilizing Declare labels, or other product declarations, designers can streamline procurement of sustainable fixtures, ensuring that chosen products align with environmental and health standards.
Integrating sustainable practices as a lighting designer is crucial to working towards a brighter future.
“Sustainable environments can support the health, wellness, and mood of occupants. And push towards a more equitable society. In lighting design, we can create spaces that provide what people need to live better,” explains Matthew Fracassini.
Every action counts towards a more sustainable future that combats the impact of the built environment on the planet. Executing a comprehensive sustainability strategy showcases a commitment to environmental stewardship and sets the precedent for what lighting design can accomplish.
