Together For Our Community

Maarten Vernooij - Schréder Chief Solutions and Marketing Officer

Our deep engagement with cities and communities enables us to deliver breakthrough solutions that provide the right light where and when it’s needed. We aim to co-create safer, more resilient and liveable public spaces that conserve resources, protect biodiversity and improve the lives of citizens.

Maarten Vernooij
Chief Solutions and Marketing Officer
With more than half of the world’s population currently living in urban areas, 
public spaces have become more important than ever. 
The right lighting has the power to transform urban spaces into safe, inclusive and vibrant environments 
that foster connection and well-being. 
At Schréder, we are committed to designing lighting solutions that support 
urban life while preserving the natural environment.
Our Together For Our Community strategy focuses on 2 important areas to help 
achieve the UN's SDGs 11 and 15 and sustainable living for all.
 
1.
the right lighting to preserve our natural environment
2.
lighting that has a positive social impact

Lighting to protect our dark skies 

Schréder works with its customers to reduce light pollution

Our luminaires are equipped with precision-engineered optics that direct light only where it is needed - downwards, with minimal spill - ensuring visibility on the ground while reducing unnecessary light trespass and skyglow.

In our ongoing commitment to reducing lighting pollution, we offer a range of luminaires certified by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA). Dark Sky certification recognises products that meet strict criteria for shielding, light direction and minimal colour temperature impact.

When controlled by a smart lighting system, such as Schréder EXEDRA, the lighting can be dimmed at night to reduce light levels during quieter periods.

Lighting to preserve biodiversity 

FlexiWhite helps to preserve fauna and flora in urban environments

As cities expand, we need to share that space with forests, wildlife and insects. We design lighting solutions that ensure safety for people and also let wildlife survive and thrive.Artitical lighting can disturb the circadian rhythms of both people and animals. For nocturnal species - such as bats, insects and other wildlife - this disruption can be particularly harmful, affecting their feeding, navigation and reproductive behaviour.

Our FlexiWhite solution provides adaptable light colour temperatures that respect the circadian rhythm. It delivers the right level of light and right colour temperature in the right place at the right time.

Lighting with a positive social impact

ALBANY luminaires with solar panels ensure lighting at critical pedestrian crossings during outages in Century City

Public lighting has a strong social role to play in any urban area. In line with the UN SDG target 11.2, we develop solutions that improve safety and the quality of life for all, particularly vulnerable people such as the disabled, elderly and children and especially at critical junctions like crossings. Lighting plays a vital role in helping them feel safe, secure and supported. 

A great example is Century City, outside of Cape Town. Due to power outages, visibility at pedestrian crossings, particularly those near bus stops, was a concern. The ALBANY luminaire, mounted on a pole incorporating a vertical solar system, provides the necessary vertical illuminance to ensure that pedestrians are clearly visible to drivers at night from a safe stopping distance. In the event of a power failure, the vertical solar system provides light to keep pedestrians visible.

Schréder Together Fund

Schréder Together Fund donated solar lighting to Tshinapfene village to improve safety and the quality of life for women and children

Our commitment to the well-being of communities extends beyond our commercial activities. Over the years, we have donated street lighting to help rebuild disaster areas and improve infrastructure in economically disadvantaged communities. These contributions provide  lighting and restore a sense of security, stability and hope.

In 2021, we decided with the Schréder family, to take a more structured approach to our philanthropic purpose by setting up the Schréder Together Fund, which is hosted by the King Baudouin Foundation.

Our goal is to work with non-profit organisations to support the communities in which we live and operate. Since launching the Fund, we have supported more than 18 meaningful projects.

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