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How We Help Retailers Achieve Their Environmental Ambitions Through Lighting
Retailers worldwide are stepping up to ambitious climate targets, driven by increasing expectations from customers, regulators, and investors. Many are striving to meet standards such as B Corporation certification, making emission reduction both an environmental and commercial priority. While lighting may not always be the first area people consider, it offers one of the fastest and most effective opportunities to reduce environmental impact. At Fagerhult, we know light matters. Lighting accounts for 15% of global electricity consumption. However, by implementing smart lighting solutions, in combination with the latest LED technology, energy use can potentially be reduced by up to 90%. It is common for 90–95% of a luminaire’s total lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions to come from its usage phase. That’s why we focus on innovative technology and knowledge-sharing to help retailers optimise their lighting. Lighting and Emissions: Scope 2 and Scope 3 Lighting plays a key role in both Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, which are part of the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, the international standard for measuring and managing carbon footprints. The protocol divides emissions into three ‘scopes’ to help businesses understand where their emissions originate and how to address them effectively. Scope 2 covers the indirect emissions from the electricity, steam, heat, or cooling a company purchases and uses, while Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions from activities such as the production of purchased goods, transportation, and waste. niclas Helping Retailers Reduce Scope 2 Scope 2 emissions are often the easiest to measure — and the fastest to reduce. By upgrading to efficient luminaires, retailers cut electricity bills while shrinking their carbon footprint. Controls and sensors can add further savings, particularly in back-of-house areas. “If you add a sensor, you can cut energy use in that area straight away,” Niclas notes. Sensors in dressing rooms, for example, ensure lights are only on fully when the room is occupied and dimmed when not in use, preventing unnecessary energy use. Supporting Scope 3 and Responsible Sourcing For many retailers, Scope 3 emissions — those associated with the purchase of goods and services — represent the biggest challenge. This is also where transparency matters most, especially for those on the path to B Corp certification. To help, Fagerhult produces Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) in-house with our own life cycle assessment (LCA) experts. These third-party reviewed documents set out the environmental footprint of each product, including embodied carbon. They provide retailers with credible data for their own reporting, and a trusted basis for comparing options. “An EPD helps our clients make informed choices,” says Niclas. “By choosing products with a lower footprint, they can reduce Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods.” Many retail lighting products are being designed to use fewer resources. They are becoming smaller and lighter year by year, reducing material use while maintaining performance. We are constantly developing our products to minimise resource use and waste, while increasing the share of recycled and renewable materials. For example, several of our luminaires already incorporate high levels of recycled aluminium or renewable materials, with some product families using 75% post-consumer recycled aluminium. These choices make a measurable difference when used in high volume. Designing for the Future Our ambition is not only to make products efficient today but also adaptable tomorrow. We are working to design luminaires that are easier to upgrade, repair and eventually reuse. “We are working on making products more modular and easier to disassemble. That means they can be upgraded in the future, extending their life and lowering the total footprint,” Niclas explains. A good example is our ReLight programme, a circular initiative focused on reuse. By upgrading end-of-life luminaires and materials, we integrate new technology to extend their lifespan. Since the introduction of ReLight, we have reused more than 15,000 luminaires, making sure that we use our planet’s resources in the most efficient way. This way of thinking supports both circularity and responsible growth. It also reflects our philosophy: to always do our best; to act in a responsible manner; to treat people well; and to continuously lower the impact on the environment. Shared Responsibility, Shared Progress Niclas’s own path into sustainability was shaped by a belief that industry must play its part. “During my studies, I became convinced that if we are going to achieve a sustainable society, companies must act. A large responsibility lies within industry, and I wanted to contribute to that,” he recalls. That sense of responsibility runs through Fagerhult. We are aiming for a 70% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions and a 30% reduction in Scope 3 by 2030, with net zero across our value chain by 2045. These are ambitious goals, but we believe they are necessary. For retailers, partnering with a supplier who takes sustainability seriously offers more than efficient lighting. It offers reassurance, credibility, and a chance to make real progress on environmental and social commitments — whether that is reporting to the Science Based Targets initiative, strengthening sustainability audits, or moving towards becoming a B Corp. As Niclas concludes: “Retailers can make real progress by looking at their lighting – in terms of both energy use and material choices.” Take the Next Step Lighting gives retailers a fast, visible way to cut emissions, reduce costs and support long-term goals. By partnering with Fagerhult, retailers gain: Immediate reductions in energy use and emissions (Scope 2). Credible, transparent data to strengthen sustainability reporting and reduce Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods, supporting B Corp readiness. A partner whose own targets are aligned with the Paris Agreement and United Nations’ Agenda 2030. Lighting is an essential part of every store, and it is also a powerful lever for change. By working with Fagerhult, retailers can reduce emissions, save energy, and take meaningful steps towards their environmental goals. Ready to reduce your Scope 2 and 3 emissions? Get in touch with Fagerhult to discuss how we can support your next retail project.
NEWS ARTICLE |
Reducing Waste and Supporting Seasonal Retail Needs
Retail stores frequently update their layouts for seasonal campaigns. Whether transitioning from summer to winter collections, Christmas to spring promotions, or rotating promotional zones, these changes almost always involve moving displays, fixtures, and signage. When spotlights remain fixed as layouts shift, lighting often ends up directed at empty floors or blank walls. This wastes energy and undermines display impact, making it a key area for improving efficiency strategies. The business case for efficient seasonal lighting According to the Carbon Trust Green Business Fund, energy management is increasingly seen as a profitable focus for retailers: a 20% reduction in energy costs can deliver the same bottom-line benefit as a 5% increase in sales. JW-Q Reducing waste in seasonal lighting layouts is part of this opportunity. Staff awareness and training, intelligent fixture selection, and adaptive control systems all contribute. “Lighting should be a tool that adapts alongside the store, rather than a fixed overhead,” explains Johan. “Displays should stay well lit; empty spaces stay dark. That supports sustainability and operational efficiency without compromising the visual impact or customer experience.” LED technology: directional light for dynamic layouts Movable LED spotlights are well suited to stores with frequently changing displays because they provide directional, controllable, and efficient illumination. “Unlike fixed lighting, these spotlights allow staff to re-aim fixtures more easily as layouts change, ensuring light is used where it’s needed most. For even greater flexibility, some spotlights are mounted on tracks, allowing them to be repositioned forward and back, as well as swiveled to adjust the direction of light – though not all LED spotlights offer this capability. Their efficiency and long lifespan also reduce operational costs and waste,” adds Johan. LED technology continues to evolve rapidly. At Fagerhult, we track these developments closely to ensure our lighting solutions take full advantage of the latest advancements. Staff awareness and training Educating store teams to understand lighting zones, switch off unused areas, and re-aim spotlights after layout changes can deliver savings. “In a retail context where displays shift frequently, encouraging staff to check and adjust lighting after each change helps ensure light stays focused on products, not empty space,” says Johan. “Teams should know how to operate equipment and controls correctly, and understand the impact on visual impact, cost, and sustainability.” Other simple practices that help to reduce waste include regularly cleaning windows and fixtures. According to the Carbon Trust Green Business Fund’s energy-efficiency guide, light levels can drop by up to 30% over just a few years without routine maintenance. A “switch off” policy combined with clear labelling of switches and zones can also reduce lighting costs by up to 15%. Smart and adaptable lighting controls Even with directional LED fixtures in place, lighting can still be misaligned during seasonal display changes. Smart controls allow lights to adapt quickly to shifting layouts, ensuring products and promotional zones are always highlighted appropriately. Features such as zoning, dimming, timers, occupancy sensors, daylight sensors, and schedule-based scenes enable lighting to respond dynamically to store activity and seasonal changes. This flexibility ensures the right areas are lit at the right intensity, supporting both visual impact and operational efficiency. By integrating smart controls with directional fixtures, retailers can ensure that lighting aligns with every seasonal layout change, keeping merchandise in focus while reducing energy wasted on unoccupied spaces. Practical takeaways for retailers For retailers, optimising seasonal display lighting comes down to three core strategies: Invest in directional spotlight LED lighting that is energy-efficient, long-lasting, and compatible with flexible mounting and smart controls. Implement smart lighting controls such as zoning, dimming, occupancy sensors, and daylight harvesting to ensure lights adapt automatically to changing layouts and store activity. Provide staff training to ensure lighting is aligned with seasonal changes, zones are managed efficiently, and maintenance is carried out consistently. “When combined, these strategies create a responsive lighting system that adapts to store needs, maximises the impact of seasonal displays, and minimises energy waste,” says Johan. “Lighting is transformed from a fixed overhead into a dynamic asset that supports merchandising, sustainability, and operational efficiency simultaneously.” For Fagerhult, these principles underpin an approach that aligns environmental responsibility with commercial practicality. Stores using adaptable LED systems and trained staff are well-positioned to deliver vibrant seasonal displays while reducing energy use and operational costs. If you’re looking to optimise your store’s lighting, get in touch with the Fagerhult team. Our retail lighting specialists can help you find the right solution for your space.
NEWS ARTICLE |
How York’s Dark Skies Initiative Is Redefining Responsible Illumination
York is making waves in the fight against urban light pollution. Recently featured on BBC News, the city is aiming to become the UK’s first “dark sky city.” At the heart of this effort is Dr Jenny Hall, whose research is turning York into a living laboratory for responsible urban lighting. In this interview, we speak with Dr Hall to find out what inspired the project, how it’s reshaping thinking about light in cities, why the initiative is capturing national attention, and the research being carried out at York St John University. Plus, we share how Fagerhult is advancing responsible, bio-inclusive lighting solutions to support this movement. A Spark in the Dark What began as a student research project inspired by the North York Moors’ Dark Skies Festival has evolved into an ambitious demonstration of what a city can achieve when science, sustainability, and design come together. “I took my students to the National Park and met with Mike Hawtin, Head of Nature Recovery,” recalls Hall. “He was talking about the Dark Skies Festival, and that really inspired me and my students.” That conversation led Hall to investigate how events like the Dark Skies Festival shape public awareness and behaviour. “We wanted to understand how exposure to these experiences impacts public perception and whether it leads to pro-environmental behaviours,” she explains. The resulting research – gathered through months of fieldwork – became the foundation for something much larger. From the National Park to the City Centre The next step was translating the lessons from the wild into a city context. “We started to ask, how can we take what we’ve learned from the National Park and apply it to a densely populated area like York?” says Hall. That question stemmed from a crucial realisation shared by Hawtin – that the boundaries of the National Park don’t contain the problem. “Nature and natural entities don’t know any boundaries,” Hall explains. “Those lines are human constructs. So, anything that can be done to reduce light pollution near the park is beneficial, as it helps the park itself. The more we extend responsible lighting practices beyond protected areas, the stronger the ecological impact becomes.” The project team is now installing a Dark Sky meter to collect data on light pollution, alongside handheld meters used by students to measure lighting levels across campus. They’re also studying local biodiversity – from moths and bats to hedgehogs – to understand how light affects the life around them. Early research highlights the urgency of this work: light pollution is increasing by as much as 10% each year, with 99% of outdoor light in the Northern Hemisphere wasted rather than useful. Excessive artificial light is known to disrupt ecosystems – lighting hedgerows can reduce nocturnal biodiversity by up to 80%, while moths, which pollinate a third of all plants, are particularly vulnerable to artificial light. Even hedgehogs, naturally light-averse, can become desensitised when fed in lit areas, increasing their risk of road collisions. By gathering data and experimenting with warmer, directional lighting, the University hopes to demonstrate how urban areas can reduce wasted light, protect wildlife, and inspire wider change. “Our work at York St John shows that responsible lighting isn’t just about seeing the stars,” says Hall. “It’s about creating healthier, more sustainable environments for people and nature alike.” Small changes, such as upgrading light fittings, adjusting tones to warmer hues, and running awareness campaigns about switching off unused lights, are already demonstrating how simple, scalable actions can make a measurable difference. Changing Perceptions of Darkness For Hall, one of the greatest challenges isn’t technical – it’s cultural. “We haven’t had our ‘plastics moment’ yet when it comes to light pollution,” she says. “People see brightly lit environments as beautiful or safe, but we don’t yet recognise that excessive lighting is pollution – just like noise or waste.” Public understanding, she argues, is key. “We’re not the ‘light police’. This is about responsible lighting – thinking about what kind of light we need, where we need it, and when. If a university can reduce light pollution without compromising safety, then so can businesses and cities.” The stakes are high. Hall points out that light pollution is increasing by up to 10% each year across the UK and Europe, impacting not only biodiversity but also human health through disrupted sleep and circadian rhythms. A Shared Mission with the Industry The research being done at York has attracted attention from across the lighting sector, including us at Fagerhult UK – a company committed to advancing responsible and bio-inclusive lighting. The work that Dr Hall and her colleagues are leading shows how research, data, and design thinking can come together to make our built environments more sustainable. It reinforces our own journey toward developing lighting solutions that minimise ecological impact while maintaining comfort and safety. This shared vision builds on Fagerhult’s ongoing efforts, such as those explored in our article ‘Lighting the Path Towards Darker Skies’, which highlights how careful specification, smart controls, and spectral awareness can help preserve natural darkness. Science Meets Light: Professor Gaston’s Perspective. Hall’s message also resonates with the work of Professor Kevin Gaston, a leading voice in ecology and a member of the DarkSky International Board. In a recent discussion with Fagerhult, Gaston explained that light pollution is a rare kind of environmental challenge – one we can reverse almost instantly. “Lighting is a problem we can change quickly,” he said. “The task is to minimise biological effects and find the best trade-offs.” Both Hall and Gaston emphasise the importance of collaboration between researchers and lighting professionals. Industry innovation, academic insight, and public engagement must align if we are to restore our connection with the natural night. Lighting the way forward - responsibly York’s Dark Skies Initiative demonstrates how research can directly inform practice – and how lighting can become a force for environmental good. From the wild moors to the city centre, Dr Jenny Hall’s journey shows that every community can take steps toward responsible illumination. It’s a reminder that darkness itself has value – ecological, cultural, and human – and that by embracing it thoughtfully, we can help nature and ourselves thrive. At Fagerhult, we believe that innovation and sustainability go hand in hand. Through bio-inclusive lighting design and continued collaboration with researchers and environmental partners, we aim to create solutions that illuminate responsibly – so that future generations can still look up and see the stars. For more information about how Fagerhult can deliver responsible outdoor lighting projects, get in touch with us
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