Signify, the world leader in lighting, has an important role to play in the global transition to net zero. Climate action has been central to Signify’s sustainability strategy for more than a decade. We have taken the lead in helping municipalities, businesses, and consumers switch to energy-efficient LED and connected LED lighting— a fast and effective way to make progress toward sustainability goals.

For example, switching all light points in Hungary to connected LED could reduce CO2e emissions by 0.7 Mt and free up 3 TWh of electricity annually, equivalent to the annual energy consumption of 938,000 households.

A human-centric approach to light

Light accompanies us throughout our lives and has a profound impact on our quality of life. It affects our circadian rhythm, quality of sleep, hormone levels, and cognitive performance. We spend an average of 90% of our time in buildings, which is why it is so important, when modernising lighting, to take care of both improving energy efficiency and adapting lighting to people at the same time.

Imagine that we spend 36% of our time at the workplace, so the right lighting is crucial for helping us see well, feel well, and perform well. The digitalisation of lighting and LED technology allows us to create the smart, connected LED lighting systems that – apart from impactful electricity savings up to 80% – can also provide a noticeable improvement in employee well-being by adapting lighting to our circadian rhythm. Moreover, our innovative NatureConnect lighting systems mimic daylight and replicate a view to the sky using light scenes that boost energy levels and help windowless spaces feel in sync with nature, while enhancing the well-being of those in the room.

The business case for enhancing well-being and productivity

The relationship between office lighting and well-being and productivity is undeniable. However, the impact is often underestimated by companies. It is worth realising that the real costs for most companies are related to staffing costs (salaries and benefits), which account for about 90% of typical business operating costs. Improving the well-being and consequently the productivity of employees can have similar, if not potentially greater, financial implications than saving on energy bills. That is why we at Signify believe that the connected LED systems can deliver much more benefits than just electricity savings.

Supporting the EU’s net-zero ambition

The EU aims for an economy with net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. The Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is one of the critical mechanisms to reach this ambition target. The EPBD requires EU countries to develop long-term renovation strategies that facilitate the cost-effective transformation of existing buildings into much more energy-efficient and livable spaces.

Signify is committed to reach net-zero emissions, through its own products, systems and services. Connected LED lighting as a “technical building system” directly affects building energy consumption and is included in the EPBD’s energy performance calculation. In offices, lighting currently accounts for 17% of all energy use and as much as 40% of electricity use in ambient warehousing, and even more in the school environment. Connected LED lighting is an important contributor to net-zero building renovation plans, especially when integrated with building automation or management systems, referred to in the EPBD as “built-in lighting.” For non-residential buildings, the revised EPBD mandates the use of building automation and controls, including the use of automatic lighting controls with occupancy detection.

A triple win for the climate, the economy, and the society

At Signify, we’ve long believed that well-being is as important as energy efficiency in sustainability considerations. Sustainable buildings are not only more energy efficient, but they are also able to improve the well-being and efficiency of the people working or learning in them. The latest version of the EPBD includes standards for indoor environmental quality (IEQ) recognising that “healthy buildings are vital to the well-being of EU citizens and actively contribute to the productivity, creativity, and safety of their occupants,” as LightingEurope points out.

We believe that thanks to the clear EPBD guidelines for technical building systems, we have a unique opportunity to achieve a triple-win for Climate, Economy and Society in the 21st Century during the upcoming building renovation revolution.