Future Designs unveils ‘carbon careful’ strategy
LUMINAIRE MAKER Future Designs has introduced what it is terming its carbon careful™ initiative, a review of its commitment to the circular economy/The company says that it has pioneered the refurbishment and upgrading of existing luminaires and carcasses for over 12 years.
Most projects involved the transformation of the fittings with LED gear trays.
Future Designs chief executive David Clements told the Circular Lighting Review: ‘The carbon careful initiative could be described as a best kept secret, as a hugely efficient design and manufacturing business we have always endeavoured to keep waste to a minimum, and now as the world is faced with a growing necessity to refurbish, re-use and restore wherever feasible, we are sharing our story and expertise to encourage more organisations to follow suit.’
The firm has produced a carbon careful™ book which showcases a range of examples from leading blue-chip organisations, many in the City of London.
‘LED has been the lighting medium of choice for over 10 years now but there are still millions of old fluorescent fittings being used to illuminate space,’ says Clements. ‘By switching to LED, energy and carbon usage can be reduced by circa 50 per cent, coupled with the reuse of mild steel and aluminium, the savings are significant.
‘LED has a far greater lifespan, and its ‘solid state’ makes it easier to dispose of, without the risk of harmful gases such as mercury found in fluorescent lamps making it better for the environment.’
Projects in the carbon careful initiative include a major refurbishment of Shell’s London offices, where all office lights, as well as special heritage luminaires, were removed, upgraded and refurbished.
