LED lighting also impacts human well-being, boosting mood, productivity, and sleep. In educational settings, it fosters better learning environments, and in healthcare facilities, it aids patient recovery
With the rapid acceleration in development across the globe, sustainability has come out as of the top priorities for brands to ensure a cleaner, greener, and brighter environment. Over the last few years, brands across sectors have taken conscious steps to make the necessary changes for a better tomorrow. Highlighting how energy-efficient the products are and how sustainably they're made and packaged goes a long way in creating a sense of trust for legacy brands. Sharing the brand’s sustainability journey, including milestones, challenges, and future goals, fosters trust and allows consumers to connect with the brand's commitment to a greener future.
Enhancing Sustainability, Safety, Comfort, and Well-being
Efficient lighting plays a transformative role in enhancing safety, well-being, and delivering cost savings. In India, street lighting is a major municipal electricity expense. However, the Ministry of Power's innovative initiatives have turned the tide; by 2020, under the Street Lighting National Programme (SLNP), LED streetlights will have helped save 6.97 billion kWh of energy. This not only lightened the financial load but also cut carbon dioxide emissions by 4.80 million tonnes CO2 annually, showcasing a brighter, greener future.
LEDs are notable for their versatility; their superior colour rendering enhances night-time visibility, ensuring safer streets, thereby going beyond energy savings to improve public safety.
LED lighting also impacts human well-being, boosting mood, productivity, and sleep. In educational settings, it fosters better learning environments, and in healthcare facilities, it aids patient recovery. Advanced LED systems integrated with automation technologies, such as dimming and occupancy sensors, adjust lighting based on usage and natural light, providing optimal illumination while minimising energy waste.
Building a Resilient and Sustainable Economy
India’s rapid economic growth has led to a surge in energy demand, making the power sector a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. In this regard, transitioning to energy-efficient lighting is a simple yet impactful solution. The UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme is a prime example, having distributed over 367 million LED bulbs and saving approximately 47,778 million kWh of electricity annually. Energy-efficient lighting not only eases the strain on electrical grids, particularly during peak demand, but also significantly lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
Moreover, for households and businesses alike, the reduced energy consumption and maintenance costs are noteworthy. LED lights boast a lifespan of up to 50,000 hours, compared to just 1,000 hours for incandescent bulbs and 8,000 hours for CFLs. This impressive longevity translates to fewer replacements and lower maintenance expenses, making LED lighting a cost-effective and sustainable choice for the long term.
Additionally, the manufacturing and deployment of LED lighting systems stimulate job creation and drive innovation in the green technology sector, further enhancing economic resilience.
Driving Growth Through Innovation and Circular Economy
The lighting industry stands at the vanguard of innovation, spearheading the transition to a circular economy. Unlike traditional linear production methods that deplete resources and generate waste, a circular economy focuses on the reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing of materials. Modern lighting solutions, such as modular LED luminaires, are crafted with replaceable components made from recyclable materials. This design extends their lifespan and minimises waste.
Pioneering advancements in lighting controls and automation are also pivotal to enhancing sustainability. Smart lighting solutions, including connected systems and automation, mark the next frontier. Technologies such as daylight harvesting and demand response systems optimise energy usage, significantly reducing the overall carbon footprint. These advanced systems not only conserve resources but also protect biodiversity by minimising light pollution, which can disrupt ecosystems and wildlife behaviour.
A Collective Call to Action for Brighter Lives and a Better World
As India strides forward into a future marked by progress and urbanisation, the urgency to adopt sustainable lighting practices cannot be overstated. The production cost of LED lights has also steadily decreased over the past decade and continues to do so, positioning India to become one of the largest markets for these lighting systems. This shift will propel our country towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals faster. By embracing and championing sustainable lighting solutions, we will set an example of the tangible benefits of a greener approach. The time to steer ahead is now for a brighter tomorrow.
(Nikhil Gupta - Head of Marketing, Sustainability, Strategy, Govt. Affairs, & CSR - Signify, Greater India)