Leading the way for sustainable lighting solutions

In the evolving world of lighting technology, Les Thomas, Lighting Technology Manager at Fagerhult UK, stands out as a leader in sustainable innovation. With a broad technical background, gained through years of overseeing design teams and managing technical support for diverse lighting projects, Les's expertise extends beyond the technical to encompass strategic roles in marketing and thought leadership.

Below, Les shares insights into his multifaceted role, the complexities of modern lighting projects, and the innovations driving the industry toward a greener future.

What does a typical day look like for you?

“My daily responsibilities are a blend of creative and technical challenges, but I really enjoy the creativity involved in lighting, particularly when putting together some of the more architectural schemes.

“My interest in the technical side comes from studying mechanical design at university, but I was also influenced by my father, who was an engineer. A large part of my role involves answering questions and resolving challenges presented by sales engineers and consultants.

“A typical example includes providing guidance on lighting levels for specific environments, such as a recent project for a racecourse. In this case, the team and I had to assess the appropriate lighting levels for various spaces, including a weighing room for horses and jockeys, changing rooms, and an interview room, ensuring that each area met its specific requirements.

“This kind of problem-solving is central to my role, I’m often the final check before a project is forwarded to our team in Sweden for further development.”

Are there any projects that stand out as particularly challenging?

“One of the most complex and rewarding projects I’ve worked on involved using Power over Ethernet (PoE) as the supply method for light fittings, rather than the traditional 240-volt supply.

“This approach required significant modifications to existing fittings, including the integration of special drivers capable of accommodating ethernet cables. The project involved extensive collaboration with the factory to determine the appropriate driver, output, and wiring adjustments for LED boards within the fittings.

“Despite the challenges, the project was successful, resulting in a continuous line of lights adapted for the PoE system—a significant achievement in a demanding technical environment.”

How do you stay at the forefront of lighting technology and standards?

“Lighting technology is constantly evolving, so I stay abreast of developments by being an active participant in specialist lighting groups and engaging with industry experts. I’m also the Honorary Treasurer at the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL), which keeps me connected with the latest industry discussions and developments.

“That role often involves reviewing draft copies of SLL’s publications. So, this involvement with the SLL, combined with regular trips to Fagerhult Head Office in Sweden for group sessions with New Product Development (NPD) teams, ensures I’m up to date with the latest trends and advancements in lighting, particularly around sustainability.”

Are you able to give some examples of sustainability initiatives?

“I think Sweden is slightly ahead of the UK in terms of their focus on sustainability, particularly in terms of energy production and material innovation.

“A recent pilot initiative in Sweden with Norsk Hydro explored recycling aluminium from old light fittings to create new profiles, a process that has proven to be quite complex. Sweden’s work with bioplastics and hemp-based fittings is also impressive and reflects their strong commitment to reducing environmental impact. The UK is gradually catching up, but I think there’s still a lot we can learn from Sweden’s proactive approach to sustainability.”

What are some of the challenges you encounter around adopting sustainable initiatives?

“One of the biggest challenges is helping customers understand the complexities of sustainability data. Producing Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) can be time-consuming, and even though in the UK we have TM65, a tool that can be used to determine the embodied carbon that a light fitting contains, it still requires significant effort. On top of this, understanding what a ‘good’ number is for a fitting is challenging, and comparing products based on CO2 emissions is difficult due to variations in data collection methods.”

What’s driving innovation and creativity within the industry?

“Rising energy prices have been a driver of change, as people look for ways to reduce their costs. But change has also come about because of new regulations; the ban on fluorescent lamps and the push for higher Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) ratings by 2030 will accelerate the shift to LED lighting and smart controls.

“We’re seeing a lot of innovation in materials used for luminaires, for instance the Superdupertube, which uses hemp, and Kvisten, which utilises reflectors taken from end of life TV sets. Both of these products represent significant progress in material innovation.

“There’s also a growing interest in the potential of a second-hand market in lighting, similar to the automotive industry, where old fittings can be reconditioned and reused -a concept that is beginning to gain traction with initiatives like Recolight’s Reuse Hub.”

Find out more about Fagerhult’s approach to sustainability here, or read more about innovations in materials in our latest blog.

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