The conference delivered a clear message: companies MUST adopt a holistic approach to Net Zero.
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Achieving Net Zero for lighting must encompass everything from supply-chain sustainability and logistics to customer engagement Net. This was one of the key messages to come from the Net Zero Lighting Conference in London at the beginning of May.
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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. “
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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.”
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John Bullock writes:
It’s easy to say that achieving Net Zero is impossibly difficult. Who are we to think that we can make a difference when the governments of the world and global businesses are shying away from the real work that has to be done?
And – sad to say – that is true. because without the full impact of global governmental policies and a shake-up in the boardrooms of our global businesses, we will not achieve anything like Net Zero.
And we will all suffer as a consequence.
A report in today’s Guardian is headlined ‘World’s top climate scientists expect global heating to blast past 1.5C target‘. Its a litany of doom from the world’s top scientists who are now convinced that we are headed for catastrophic environmental failure – during the lifetime of many reading this article – and of those who attended the Net Zero conference.
So what’s to be done?
The issues that we’re faced with won’t go away because the governments of the world are too cowardly, craven and self-interested to bring about the changes that we need. And – dare I say it – a lot of us (perhaps humanity in general) are not very good at reacting to something that hasn’t happened yet.
Or, that is to say more accurately – something that hasn’t happened to us – YET.
In the world of nudge culture, where decisions taken at an individual level can influence the mood – and the actions – of the main social body, we can only say that we WILL get something done. Because there is no other choice. Chasing profits today at the expense of our future is a foolish way to behave – for there will be no profits tomorrow.
You can see me scribbling notes here. I was jotting down bullet points and what sounded like keywords from the conference.
Here’s what’s in my notebook.
- Not an aspiration; this is essential. Aim for ACTIONAL OUTCOMES
- FOSTER COLLABORATIONS with others.
- We move TOWARDS Net Zero – (though some of us may personally never make the full journey)
- Find the LEVERS TO CHANGE: short – medium – long term.
- Engage with the process. Make TRAINING a thing.
- We must create a Net Zero CULTURE
- Best advice: TRY!
- and if there is ONE message, its: DO SOMTHING
Let’s just say that again, only larger:
DO SOMETHING!
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The Guardian article ends with a quote from Lia Schipper from the University of Bonn:
‘My only source of hope is the fact that, as an educator, I can see the next generation being so smart and understanding the politics.’
Bob Dylan’s message, intended for my generation is as vital now – probably more so – as it was back in 1964. We managed to lose our focus and turned into Bill Clinton and Tony Blair . . . we failed. Let’s just hope that there’s time left for our sons and daughters – who are beyond our command.
Come gather ’round people
Wherever you roam
And admit that the waters
Around you have grown
And accept it that soon
You’ll be drenched to the bone
If your time to you is worth savin’
And you better start swimmin’
Or you’ll sink like a stone
For the times they are a-changin’
Thanks, Bob. And sorry for not listening.
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