Long Term Thinking: Managing the Lifecycle of Lighting Solutions
Sustainability has long been a priority at Schréder – and it always will be. In our recent series of blogs, we explored how the circular economy is integrated into every stage of our work, from the materials we use, to the use of digital twins in development, and throughout the design process. But what happens once a lighting system is up and running? I would like to talk about how we support our customers throughout the entire life cycle of the Schréder solution they have purchased. After all, they do last for decades.
Let’s start with a quick trip down memory lane. “Lighting without taking into account the environmental impact is no longer acceptable, and sustainable development is becoming a priority for those in charge of public infrastructure,” we wrote in a 2013 brochure for the FURYO, a ground-breaking luminaire which offered energy savings, high performance and used 30% less materials than existing luminaires.
Did it work? Yes, it did! Across Europe and beyond, our luminaires have been providing the right light, in the right place, at the right time for ten, twenty years, or more. We hear from customers who have lighting systems installed in the 1970s that are still working fine: that’s sustainability in action.
All the Gear, One Idea: Sustainability
Every luminaire contains a very similar set of internal components. My colleague, Valerio, wrote about the FLEXIA system, which has the same internal platform with a highly adaptable range of luminaires. This was such a win in terms of sustainability and ease of maintenance, and we offer a similar system across our urban and decorative lighting range.
We have created what we call a “common gear compartment” which uses the same base plate across a wide selection of luminaires, so different components can be fitted as necessary. This makes maintenance and replacement easier and cheaper, without sacrificing the individual look and feel of each style. Sustainability can be taken to the next level with a Central Management System (CMS) like Schréder EXEDRA, which enables the lighting to be infinitely adjusted once installed.
The power supply, fuses and other common elements are located in an easily accessible compartment, separate from the LED module. Currently available with the CITEA NG2, YOA, YMERA, STYLAGE, HAPILED and INOA luminaires, we hope to extend the system to more luminaires by the end of this year. The common gear compartment makes refurbishment easy throughout the lifecycle of the luminaire. Customers can buy internal components upfront, knowing they’ll fit into any of their luminaires. Access is quick and tool-free. And if there's a problem with one component, that's all that needs to be changed - a big win for sustainability.
Bright Ideas for LEDs
Since the initial LED revolution, this technology has only continued to improve, with successive generations of LEDs offering ever better ratios of light to heat output. Schréder has always used the highest quality LEDs and has been at the forefront of offering a range of colour temperatures which respect the environment. Compared to traditional discharge lamps, LEDs have an incredible lifespan: between 50,000 and 100,000 hours, compared to 10,000 to 20,000 for an HID luminaire. Even so, they will eventually need to be replaced.
When the time comes, we will always offer our customers the latest LED technology. Every year we review the products we use and choose the best option based on a number of criteria, including energy efficiency and light quality. When we replace an LED module, we also upgrade it: this is sustainability by design.
Keeping the Flame Alive, Sustainably
As well as building systems that last, we bring new life to lanterns installed centuries ago. A so-called “retrofit” solution places modern LED light engines into existing luminiares. This helps our customers achieve their sustainability goals; every luminaire that is upgraded to LED, rather than scrapped, is a win for the circular economy and the planet’s resources. That is why our Schréder STUDIO has designed units that fit into existing lanterns, offering a range of retrofit options.
The Atomium is a highlight of the Brussels skyline and Schréder has been involved since its inception in 1958, when we applied our expertise in electropolishing to its nine spheres. Fast forward to 1999 and we worked with the lighting designer Patrick Rimoux on ATOM, a bespoke luminaire to light the nearby entertainment park and Boulevard du Centenaire.
With its imposing triangular shape, sculpted in opaline acrylic and stainless steel, ATOM created a distinctive identity for the area, contrasting with the round spheres of the Atomium. When the City of Brussels decided to convert the area to LED technology in 2022, it wanted to keep the columns, which were still in excellent condition.
Schréder STUDIO worked out how to upgrade the ATOM on-site, ensuring that the design was seamlessly maintained. We replaced the old discharge lamps with modern LED optics. We retrofitted each optical unit with the latest LEDs, reducing the total power of the installation to 150W, which significantly reduces energy consumption by 75%.
Retrofit it, Your Way
As well as the Schréder STUDIO approach to retrofitting, we have two more off-the-shelf options. The CIRCLE LED BASE extends the life of luminaires, combining advanced technology with sustainability and improved energy efficiency as well. It basically clicks into a wide range of luminaires to replace older light sources.
In the Dutch city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch, we are updating 70-year-old heritage copper lanterns as well as 20-year-old traditional catenary luminaires. While the exteriors are old, our CIRCLE LED BASE fits neatly inside, allowing them to upgrade 800 lanterns without using new materials for the exterior or affecting the town's charm. It’s lighting for the long term.
Finally, we offer an option for the TECEO, one of our all-time bestsellers. This classic luminaire can be seen all over the world, but the earliest versions pre-date the internet of things and CMS connectivity. Eco-conscious TECEO owners can upgrade to connectivity instantly and seamlessly with the TECEO UPLINK. It simply clips into the existing luminaire, bringing the energy efficiency of LEDs without compromising the classic design.
Keeping the Magic Alive
Investing in a Schréder lighting solution is the start of a long-term relationship. The luminaires will last for decades, and a CMS such as Schréder EXEDRA can provide additional energy savings. Cities around the world are doing their bit to fight climate change and we want to support them at every stage of this journey. If there are improvements in technology, we want them to benefit. If they want to upgrade their existing assets, we want to help them do that, not just try to sell them new systems. At every stage, we think about the resources we use and how we use them. We owe it to the future to make better choices now.
About the writer
From a young age, Pauline has always enjoyed figuring out how things work and completed a degree in Mechanical and Materials Engineering, specialising in Product Design Lifecycle Management. Pauline has worked in several industries, designing lifts and aircraft with an eye for detail for the manufacturing process, before joining Schréder in 2017 as a Customisation Product Engineer. Her ability to combine a deep understanding of engineering principles with a practical, detail-oriented approach to design and manufacturing makes her the ideal candidate to oversee the entire product lifecycle of our luminaires. Today, as Group Lifecycle Manager, she ensures that we meet our customers’ expectations for sustainable products.
Connect with Pauline on LinkedIn.