Customers, whether homeowners or commercial, are now rightly demanding precise up-to-date knowledge, innovative design, energy efficiency and sustainability from their lighting products. Simon Shenton, Head of LED Development at Luceco, explains why wholesalers need to look for trusted manufacturers in a rapidly evolving market.

When it comes to specifying lighting, experience and expertise matters and can in fact, be crucial, depending upon the installation setting.

For example, the Colour Rendering Index (CRI) measures how well a light source shows the true colours of an object compared to natural light. The appearance of eight colour samples (R1-R8) are compared under the light in question and a reference light source and given an Ra score, typically 70 or 80 which can be thought of as a percentage of how accurately the colour samples were reproduced.

However, there is a specific test – CRI R9 – that focusses on how well a light shows red/pink colours. Red is a critical colour for many applications where an accurate representation of red is essential. In photography for example, good red light ensures natural and vibrant photos, whilst in the textile industry, material colour needs to be consistent, so it is vital for quality control. In medical settings however, people can look pale or even green if a light source doesn’t produce enough red, so having an accurate red rendering can help with diagnoses.

Where reds are concerned, a good R9 score is required. The maximum possible R9 score is 100 and achieving that is tough. Even ascertaining the R9 score of a product is difficult as most don’t specify it – and when they do, it’s often below 20. Luceco has identified R9’s importance and can offer R9 values of greater than 50, as a special option, on most products.

Shining a light on Net Zero

In the light of the ongoing environmental issues faced by everyone, Luceco recognises the important role it plays in achieving Net Zero. It’s low-carbon products have been developed to help businesses reduce energy consumption and achieve their own sustainability targets. As such, wholesalers stocking products that deliver on this front will be most successful.

Luceco product development focusses on a commitment to low-carbon and green targets, for example, the company is continuously improving the Lumens per Watt of its LED products to give customers more light for every Watt of energy they use. In addition, Luceco is improving how installed LEDs are distributed to reduce the number of lights needed and therefore the overall energy consumption.

Supplying sustainable lighting solutions

One example of Luceco’s sustainable lighting solutions is the Luxbay Ultra warehouse linear product, designed to replace traditional discharge lighting in commercial and industrial settings. The Luxbay Ultra consumes 50% less energy compared to traditional lighting solutions and has a longer life span.

And, whilst technology, especially for LED, is rapidly developing, it’s important to ensure that the recommendations, standards and guidance surrounding the technological advances improve to match the potential since this will help to push the sustainability agenda further forward.

LED lights typically produce useful light for two or even three times longer and consume up to 80% less energy than their conventional counterparts. This longer LED life produces savings throughout the product life cycle, including savings on materials, installation costs (as systems could run for 10 years or more) as well as maintenance and replacement costs, making them the go-to option for companies who are seriously targeting net zero.

Luceco’s FType range of fire-rated downlighters has been designed to not only provide highly energy efficient lighting, conforming to all the required regulations for this type of light, but also to pack a punch when it comes to product choice – the range features three models each packed with multiple benefits, simplifying the decision-making process for installers, saving them both time and money. Shrewd wholesalers will look at manufacturers who can deliver on this and more, including a reliable supply of product and technical advice and back up if required.

Lighting design service

With a wealth of outstanding lighting products to choose from, wholesalers as well as their customers, can benefit from Luceco’s free Lighting Design Service. Combining extensive product knowledge with exceptional design expertise, Luceco’s friendly team will work with customers to provide first class design solutions for any installation.

Luceco’s products can help businesses reduce their energy consumption and achieve their own sustainability targets. By investing in low-carbon solutions, companies can make a positive impact on the environment while also saving on energy costs. Luceco is at the forefront of thought leadership in this area, leading the way in sustainable product development and committing to reducing both its own and its customers’ carbon footprints.

More customers are approaching Luceco with their own sustainability goals, and by conducting a lighting audit, the company can make recommendations for new fixtures and controls that are designed to reduce energy consumption. Lighting companies have a responsibility to recognise this need and ensure they continually evolve business operation for the benefit of all – and as this demand from all end users continues to grow, wholesalers need to ensure that their chosen lighting manufacturer can deliver on this.

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