While simply replacing light sources with newer, more efficient ones might seem like a straightforward way to improve your building’s lighting, there’s a strong case for taking a more holistic approach when it comes to refurbishment.
Here’s why we need to rethink how we update our lighting:
Moving beyond basic efficiency
- Smart controls: Modern lighting control systems go beyond just dimming lighting. They can adapt to occupancy, daylight availability, and even user preferences, leading to significant energy savings beyond just using efficient light sources.
- Human-centric lighting: Lighting plays a crucial role in human health and well-being. Refurbishment should consider factors like circadian rhythm, glare control, and colour to create a comfortable and productive environment.
- Integrated design: Lighting isn’t just about individual fixtures; it’s part of the overall building design. Refurbishment should consider how lighting interacts with other systems like HVAC and blinds for optimal efficiency and user experience.
Sustainable benefits
- Circular economy: Repurposing existing components, upgrading with modular systems, and using recycled materials minimises waste and reduces the environmental footprint of refurbishment.
- Long-term cost savings: While the upfront cost of a comprehensive revamp might seem higher, the long-term energy savings, reduced maintenance costs, and improved asset utilisation can lead to significant financial gains.
- Futureproofing: Choosing adaptable and upgradable systems ensures your lighting infrastructure can accommodate future technological advancements and changing needs.
Additional considerations
- User engagement: Educating occupants about lighting controls and responsible use can further enhance energy savings and user satisfaction.
- Data-driven decisions: Utilising data collected from lighting control systems can inform future maintenance, identify areas for improvement, and optimise performance.
- Policy and incentives: Government policies and financial incentives can encourage investment in sustainable lighting refurbishment practices.
By rethinking how we approach lighting refurbishment, we can move beyond simply replacing light sources and create lighting solutions that are not only efficient but also contribute to human well-being, environmental sustainability, and long-term cost savings. It’s a shift towards creating a smarter, healthier, and more responsible built environment for the future.
As part of that review, we mentioned controls and this is where careful consideration must be given to the technology platform and security of supply of hardware. Both are key indicators as to the potential lifespan of a system as well as the building reliability.
Part of that refurbishment should be the repurposing of controls wherever practical and/or possible. Repurposing is a significant step towards achieving net zero. I’ve tried to list some of these reasons below:
Environmental benefits
- Reduced energy consumption: Repurposing existing controls instead of producing new products minimises the environmental impact of manufacturing and disposal.
- Extended lifespan of resources: By extending the operating life of existing controls, we utilise resources more efficiently and reduce the need for virgin materials.
- Lower CO2 emissions: By reducing energy consumption, repurposing controls leads to lower greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to combating climate change.
Economic benefits
- Cost savings: Repurposing reduces the need to purchase new controls, leading to substantial cost savings for businesses and individuals.
- Reduced waste disposal costs: Disposing of old controls can be expensive. Repurposing diverts them from landfills, minimising disposal costs.
- Increased asset utilisation: Repurposing maximises the value of existing assets, promoting efficient resource management.
Technical benefits
- Potential for improved performance: Upgrading older controls with newer technology can enhance functionality and performance, leading to better energy savings and control of lighting systems.
- Reduced downtime: Repurposing existing controls often involves less disruption than installing new systems, minimising downtime and maintaining operational continuity.
- Promotes innovation: The process of repurposing may encourage innovative solutions for integrating older controls with newer technologies, leading to advancements in the field.
Social benefits
- Job creation: Repurposing controls can create new jobs in the repair, refurbishment, and reinstallation sectors.
- Promotes circular economy: Repurposing aligns with the principles of the circular economy, minimising waste and extending the lifespan of resources.
- Raises awareness: By promoting repurposing, we raise awareness about the environmental and economic benefits of responsible resource management.
It’s important to consider that repurposing may not be suitable for all situations. Some older controls may be outdated or inefficient, making replacement necessary. However, when feasible, repurposing lighting controls offers a compelling solution for achieving net zero goals while promoting economic and technical benefits.
In addition to the above, repurposing can also contribute to:
- Improved occupant comfort and satisfaction by providing better control of lighting and creating a more pleasant environment.
- Enhanced safety and security by ensuring proper lighting levels in critical areas.
- Increased property value by demonstrating commitment to sustainability and resource efficiency.
By considering these various aspects, repurposing lighting controls emerges as a valuable strategy for achieving net zero and promoting a more sustainable future.
I mentioned that not all systems can be updated and its true of some legacy systems that might rely on components that are no longer available so updating the hardware becomes impossible.
When I ran R&D departments, we always had a review stage where we looked at the technology platform and considered the potential design life of say a micro controller as an example of a component. Using the same chipset as per a previous product wasn’t always the smartest approach if that platform was going to be made obsolete in two years.
Also we must remember that designing for repair or upgrade wasn’t a thing and what tended to restrict innovation was the price point the market wasn’t prepared to pay for a modular or upgradeable product.
Thankfully that approach has changed and newer platforms have been developed with the ability to upgrade firmware, as well as functionality.
Limitations of ageing electronic circuits
It’s worth mentioning that whilst upgrading of lighting and controls is highly desirable there are some limitations and ageing electronic circuits often need to be updated or replaced.
Performance degradation
- Component wear: Over time, electronic components like capacitors, transistors, and resistors can degrade, leading to decreased efficiency, increased power consumption, and reduced functionality.
- Thermal stress: Heat generated by the circuit can accelerate component degradation, further worsening performance over time.
- Software obsolescence: Embedded software in circuits can become outdated and incompatible with newer systems, creating security vulnerabilities and limiting functionality.
Safety concerns
- Increased fire risk: Degraded components can generate excessive heat, increasing the risk of overheating and fire.
- Electrical failure: Faulty components can lead to electrical shorts, circuit malfunctions, and potential damage to equipment or injury to people.
- Data security vulnerabilities: Outdated software may be susceptible to cyberattacks, putting sensitive data at risk.
Compatibility issues
- Newer technology: As technology advances, older circuits may no longer be compatible with newer devices and systems, limiting their usefulness.
- Interoperability challenges: Older circuits may not be able to communicate with newer components, making it difficult to integrate them into modern systems.
- Maintenance challenges: Finding replacement parts for outdated circuits can be difficult and expensive, making repairs and maintenance challenging.
Economic considerations
- Energy inefficiency: Outdated circuits may be significantly less energy-efficient than newer models, leading to higher operating costs.
- Repair costs: The cost of repairing older circuits may be higher than replacing them due to limited parts availability and increased labour costs.
- Downtime: Failure of outdated circuits can lead to downtime and lost productivity, impacting business operations.
Environmental impact
- E-waste: Disposal of outdated electronics can contribute to electronic waste (e-waste) and its associated environmental impact.
- Resource scarcity: Replacing outdated circuits with newer, more efficient models can help conserve resources and reduce the environmental footprint.
It’s important to note that not all ageing circuits need immediate replacement. Regular maintenance, monitoring, and risk assessment can help determine when updating or replacing a circuit becomes necessary. The decision should be based on a balance of factors, including the circuit’s performance, safety, compatibility, cost, and environmental impact.
At zencontrol, we prioritise open standards and future-proof solutions. Our hardware and software are built on widely adopted protocols like DALI-2 and the emerging DALI wireless standard, DALI+. This ensures compatibility with a vast ecosystem of devices and eliminates vendor lock-in.
We go beyond just standardised protocols. Our smart and durable chipsets can run multiple technologies, allowing for seamless firmware upgrades throughout the product’s life. This future-proofs your investment and extends the useful life of any zencontrol platform, regardless of individual hardware components.
When refurbishing lighting controls, it’s crucial to consider both the legacy systems and the long-term benefits of open standards and future-proofed solutions. Here’s how you can approach this:
Respecting the legacy
- Assessment: Before diving in, thoroughly assess the existing systems. Evaluate their current functionality, compatibility, and potential for repurposing components.
- Integration: Look for refurbishment solutions that can integrate seamlessly with the existing infrastructure, minimising disruption, and maximising value from existing investments.
- Modular upgrades: Consider modular upgrades that allow you to replace outdated components while retaining compatible elements. This approach minimises waste and ensures a smoother transition.
Embracing the future
- Open standards: Opt for lighting controls based on open standards like DALI-2 and DALI+. This ensures compatibility with a wide range of devices and avoids vendor lock-in, making future upgrades easier and more cost-effective.
- Future-proof technology: Invest in lighting controls with modular designs and upgradeable firmware. This allows you to adapt to evolving technologies and maintain compatibility without replacing the entire system.
- Long-term partnerships: Choose suppliers with a proven track record of supporting legacy systems and offering upgrade paths for future needs. This ensures long-term support and minimises the risk of obsolescence.
By balancing the value of your legacy systems with the long-term benefits of open standards and future-proofed solutions, you can ensure a cost-effective, sustainable, and future-proof lighting control system for your building.
You can ensure that your lighting control refurbishment project delivers both immediate and long-term benefits for your building and its occupants.
Author: Stewart Langdown FSLL (Fellow of the Society of Light & Lighting)