As the global push towards sustainability intensifies, businesses and building owners alike are increasingly focused on achieving net zero – balancing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted with the amount removed from the atmosphere. This ambitious goal is vital for combating climate change and ensuring a sustainable future for all.

One often overlooked but highly impactful area in this journey is lighting controls. Intelligent lighting control solutions can be a cornerstone in the drive toward net zero, helping buildings optimise energy use while maintaining the highest standards of comfort and functionality.

With buildings responsible for nearly 30% of global final energy consumption and 26% of global energy-related carbon emissions (IEA, 2023), integrating smart lighting solutions is just one effective efficiency measure.

 

Daylight Harvesting

Daylight harvesting is one of the most effective strategies for reducing lighting energy use in buildings. By using sensors that detect the natural light levels within a space, lighting controls automatically adjust artificial lighting. When there’s ample daylight, lights dim or switch off, ensuring zero energy waste.

Studies show that daylight harvesting can reduce lighting energy consumption by up to 40% in commercial buildings (Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory). Daylight harvesting also reduces reliance on grid electricity and lowers Scope 2 carbon emissions, which result from purchased energy use.

This small shift in how lighting interacts with the natural environment can contribute significantly to reducing a building’s overall energy demand, leading to substantial savings and reduced carbon emissions.

 

Absence Detection

A major cause of energy waste in buildings is lighting left on when no one is present. Absence detection through motion and occupancy sensors ensures that lighting only activates when needed and turns off when a space is unoccupied.

A study by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) found that occupancy sensors can reduce lighting energy use by 30%–60%, depending on the space type.

Self-Learning Capabilities

Perhaps one of the most exciting features of lighting control solutions are the self-learning capabilities. These systems continuously analyse data and adjust to usage patterns, ensuring that energy use is optimised at all times. Over time, the system “learns” the best lighting schedules and conditions for each space, creating a more efficient and sustainable lighting environment.

These intelligent systems can also adapt to changes, such as seasonal shifts in daylight or changes in room usage. By automatically adjusting lighting settings based on real-time needs, self-learning lighting controls ensure that energy is used only when necessary, further supporting sustainability goals.

Intelligent lighting control systems can enhance efficiency by an additional 10–20% compared to traditional automated lighting (World Green Building Council).

 

Achieving Up to 85% Energy Savings

When combined, daylight harvesting, absence detection, and AI-driven lighting controls can cut lighting energy consumption by up to 85%. Given that lighting accounts for 10–15% of total energy use in commercial buildings (IEA), these savings translate into significant carbon reductions.

Regulatory Alignment:

• The EU Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD) is pushing for stricter energy efficiency measures in new and existing buildings.

• The UK Net Zero Strategy requires commercial buildings to achieve substantial reductions in carbon emissions by 2030.

• The Paris Agreement targets net zero emissions by 2050, making building decarbonisation a priority.

For businesses, these solutions not only lower operational costs but also ensure compliance with future energy efficiency standards.

 

Supporting Net Zero: Beyond Lighting

The role of lighting controls extends beyond just the immediate savings in energy and emissions. As part of a larger sustainability strategy, intelligent lighting solutions integrate seamlessly with other building management systems (BMS) like HVAC, blinds, and heating controls. This creates a holistic approach to energy management, where all systems work together in harmony to optimise building performance and further reduce energy waste. By combining these elements, buildings become truly intelligent and aligned with global net zero strategies.

Moreover, smart lighting systems contribute to the longevity of the overall building infrastructure. By reducing wear and tear on lighting fixtures through intelligent dimming and scheduling, the need for replacements is reduced, which also reduces material waste.

The Future of Lighting in a Net Zero World

As we continue to innovate, the future of smart lighting looks even brighter. New technologies and features are being developed to enhance energy efficiency further and support the decarbonisation of buildings. At Helvar, our vision is to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in intelligent lighting, ensuring that our customers have the tools they need to succeed in their net zero ambitions.

By leveraging the full potential of smart lighting, businesses are not just investing in energy efficiency; they are also making a tangible impact on their sustainability targets, driving a cleaner and greener world for generations to come.

For more information on how intelligent lighting control can contribute to achieving energy and carbon emission savings, click here. To access our latest Sustainability Report, click here.