Organised by Recolight, the lighting industry’s WEEE compliance scheme, the conference showcased projects where light fittings were retained and refurbished rather than replaced. Speakers were candid about both their successes and the challenges still to solve.

Beyond the next new fitting

For decades, the lighting industry has run on a simple cycle: specify, install, remove, replace. When a fit-out comes round or a light source becomes obsolete, the fittings come down and new ones go up.

Circular Lighting Live 2026 showed that cycle is now being challenged on real projects and at real scale. Remanufacture, reuse and new commercial models are moving from the margins to the mainstream.

Remanufacturing comes of age

Remanufacturing is the most mature circular approach, and it has been practised for decades. What has changed is the pressure behind it. High energy costs and the phase-out of fluorescent light sources have left many buildings with sound luminaire housings but obsolete lamps.

The projects are getting bigger. DRK Lighting presented the remanufacture of 8,000 luminaires at a commercial site, showing that circular principles work at significant scale. Conversely, at Leadenhall Market in London, Light Projects Evolve remanufactured a much smaller quantity of historic fittings and developed a bespoke LED light source to preserve the building’s Victorian character.

Reuse is harder than it looks

Recovering luminaires for reuse is not simply a matter of taking them out of a ceiling and finding a buyer. Hattie Emerson of the Finishes and Interiors Sector shared lessons from attempts to redistribute thousands of good-quality fittings removed during Cat A fit-outs. She highlighted the practical obstacles to building a working market for second-hand products.

Rethinking design and business models

Delegates heard that it is commercial arrangements that will determine if circularity will succeed or fail. Reuse, remanufacture and leasing all keep value in the product, rather than losing it when the product is replaced. Recognising that value in financial terms is important.

In his keynote address, John McRae, director of architectural practice Orms, challenged the industry to imagine a future beyond the conventional take-make-use-waste model. Sabine De Schutter, founder of Studio De Schutter, argued that reuse and upcycling can be starting points for creative lighting design rather than constraints.

Carbon, materials and regulation

Speakers examined Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), updates to the TM66 circularity methodology, and legislation expected to put more emphasis on repairability and upgradeability. Embodied carbon looks set to sit alongside energy efficiency in every good specification.

Sessions also explored lower-impact materials and manufacturing, including bio-based plastics and robotic additive manufacturing using recycled materials.

What it means for the industry

For manufacturers, contractors, specifiers and lighting designers, the implications are practical:

• Existing luminaires should be assessed as assets before they are written off.
• Remanufactured fittings with a fresh warranty are becoming a credible option on mainstream projects.
• Clients are more likely to ask about remanufacture, EPDs and what happens to products at end of life.
• New business models and markets are emerging for lighting companies.

What the delegates said

John McRae, Director, Orms (keynote speaker): “This year’s conference was a step change towards a more circular approach where speakers shared their innovation and lessons learned. The industry has been guilty of an addiction to selling new, but this year disassembly and take-back schemes were amongst the examples shared. The future of lighting is not brighter. It is wiser.”

Gary Thornton, Nulty: “I think it was probably the most informative and positive Recolight conference yet. Lots of real-world examples exist, but we must continue to normalise reuse. As far as we have come, the industry is approaching a tipping point. Continue to push forward repair and regeneration rather than new at every opportunity.”

Niclas Thulin, Sustainability Manager, Fagerhult: “If we are to increase reuse within our industry, we must start with what already exists. The requirements for reused products cannot always be identical to those for newly manufactured products. Instead, these limitations should be viewed as a catalyst for creativity, for example in lighting design.”

Sabine De Schutter, Founder, Studio De Schutter: “For the lighting industry, moving beyond ‘buy, build, waste’ means shifting from product thinking to system thinking. One of my key takeaways was that circularity is a team sport. Conferences like this help turn shared knowledge and real examples into action.”

Mike Eddowes, Design Director, Circalume Lighting Design Practice: “True sustainability isn’t just about designing for tomorrow; it’s about maximising the embedded carbon and potential of what we already have today. The conversation has decisively shifted from theoretical concepts to practical, scalable delivery.”

Alexander Flekler, WAGO: “Circular Lighting Live was a truly inspiring experience. I was particularly impressed by how active the reuse and refurbishment scene in the UK lighting industry already is, with so many real projects showing that circularity is much more than just a concept.”

Matthew Thorpe, Sales Director – A&D, Fagerhult: “An excellent forum to learn about the latest innovations and best practice in circular and sustainable [lighting]. It really felt like everyone left inspired to do more, and do better, for the planet.”

Looking ahead

Together, the presentations pointed to a shift in how the industry designs, procures and manages lighting. The direction is clear: preserve the value of what is already installed, extend its useful life, and build the commercial models that make circularity pay.

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This has transformed the audience experience in the 2,000-capacity Festival Theatre and Dunstan Playhouse, which seats 590, and resulted in an approximately 50 percent power reduction in addition to producing a beautiful, smooth, even wash of illumination across these two largest performance spaces.

Adelaide Festival Centre’s head of technical and production Nathan Luscombe explained that the original 1973 house lighting installation was still in service, consisting primarily of PAR 56s and other downlights – all incandescent – which after 50 years or more of service needed replacing.

The time had arrived to transition to a more effective and sustainable LED solution, which is also a government-driven initiative, so they started looking for the best solution.

“Professional high-grade dimming was high on our list of requirements for the new lighting,” elucidated Nathan. “We tested numerous products that snapped off or on during the last 5 percent, – 10 percent of the dimming curve, and with a system life expectancy of around 10 years, it was vital to get details like this correct with any new installation.”

Nathan also pushed hard for Adelaide Festival Centre’s environmental/architectural lighting to be DMX or DMX over Ethernet controlled, learning from their experience at Her Majesty’s Theatre, another venue in Adelaide also run by the AFC, that this would be technically beneficial.

He also wanted colour changing lights as these opened numerous imaginative possibilities, including bespoke lighting of the venue for showcases, special occasions and immersive moments. Together with the DMX/Ethernet control options, this would also allow incoming productions to integrate the house lighting into their own systems if desired.

These requirements were to help optimise the space for today’s contemporary production standards, and Anolis ticked all the boxes.

The new lighting schemes were designed by Eddie Galak from Anolis’s Australian distributor, Jands, who developed an aesthetic that met the client’s requirements, together with a final proposal and extensive modelling.

Eddie noted that Nathan and his team were impressed with the options on angles and lensing available with the Anolis products, as well as the quality and vibrance of the light output.

Another MUST was that the signature white walk-in look should be 3,200K… a bit cooler than standard, however they were keen to replicate the previous house lighting look, and Ambiane’s precisely tuneable whites were another massive plus here for choosing Anolis.

The individual fixture breakdown includes 12 Anolis Ambiane XP56 Recessed units with 45° lenses; 56 Ambiane XP56 Recessed luminaires – 36 with 45° and 20 with 60° lenses RGBW (3,200K); 93 x Ambiane MP111s, 75 Recessed with 80° lenses and 18 Recessed with 60° lenses, all RGBW (3,200K) and with Custom RAL Trim; and 36 Ambiane MP111 Surface Mount 60° lensed RGBWs (also 3,200K).

A combination of these luminaires is used across both venues.

In Festival Theatre, they are installed in multiple positions – in the ceiling, under the bridges, recessed on the balconies, under the boxes and in up / down configurations grazing along the walls. The scalloped side column covers were replaced as part of the general room refurbishment and interior upgrade, and the new Anolis fixtures are mounted in the up and down positions complete with bespoke covers for heritage compliance.

In Dunstan Playhouse, the new fixtures are installed on five different levels and under the balcony, also retrofitted into the previous lighting spaces.

So, the versatility of the Ambiane range won the bid as it ensured lighting could be contained and focused, achieving the amazing new uniform coverage across the two auditoriums, and as they mostly fitted into the existing house lighting system holes, this greatly assisted the installation process, especially with it being a heritage-listed building.

Nathan highlights how the house lights can now be run at around 70 percent intensity to produce the requisite 150/160 white Lux levels (200/220 for colours), leaving plenty of headroom and removing the need for staff to work at heights to replace broken bulbs.

Eddie – who has specified and designed Anolis lighting solutions for several leading auditoriums in Australia – mentions another advantage of the Anolis Ambiane range is that the power supplies are available locally if needed.

Lighting control for these two venues is through ETC Paradigm. The lights are on their own networks but can be hooked into a production lighting network/console extremely easily.

The new lighting installation was completed by ITE, who have previously worked with Eddie at Llewellyn Hall in Canberra, and who Nathan commented were “excellent – helpful and knowledgeable, understood how we function and had worked with Anolis before.”

The new look for both venues is a big hit with the public and with staff at the Adelaide Festival Centre, as the rooms in general feel brighter, crisper, more modern and more comfortable for audiences enjoying the performances and entertainment.

 Photos by Ben Clark, courtesy of Adelaide Festival Centre.

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Glamox’s Poland team has worked closely with architects from the AFP Architekci studio and the foundation to design and deliver a range of indoor and outdoor luminaires using the latest smart lighting technology to create a comfortable environment for guests. Led by Adam Gradowski, the project will see Glamox supply over 200 luminaires for the 1700 m² facility, which has 20 family rooms with bathrooms, a shared kitchen, dining room, laundry room, playroom, and garden.

Each Ronald McDonald House becomes a “home away from home” for the family during the child’s illness and treatment, providing comfortable living quarters and communal spaces that keep family members close together. A large emphasis is also placed on designing spaces to provide respite and reduce stress during such a difficult time. Glamox is supplying lighting with adjustable controls to help create a more relaxing living environment.

The Ronald McDonald House in Warsaw at the Children’s Memorial Health Institute also incorporates the latest eco-friendly technology, including Glamox’s energy-efficient LED lighting. Glamox will supply an Ethernet2DALI light management system that will enable the facility to reduce its energy consumption, costs, and carbon footprint.

“Each of the Houses is designed to provide families with comfort and a sense of security – both now and for years to come. Our construction projects support hospitals over the long term, and this long-range perspective profoundly influences our architecture and our choice of solutions and materials. The House is meant to offer respite and serve as a ‘home away from home’ for each child’s family,” said Katarzyna Rodziewicz, President of Ronald McDonald House Poland. “From day one, the Glamox team understood our vision and lighting requirements, helping us create a unique facility. Their energy-efficient, beautifully designed lighting solutions also aligned perfectly with our vision of what the House should look like, as well as with our sustainability goals. This facility will be available for at least 40 years and will serve families of children treated at the Children’s Memorial Health Institute – accommodating thousands of people during a very difficult time in their lives. By keeping the families’ time and stories in mind, one can truly understand how important the well-being of every mother, father, and child is to us. Lighting is a priority element of the House as a whole.”

“We are committed to partnering with organisations with a purposeful mission and are honoured to supply our lighting to support the impactful work of the Ronald McDonald House Foundation Poland,” said Astrid Simonsen Joos, Group CEO, Glamox AS. “Light provides more than just illumination. Our experience shows that when designed and implemented thoughtfully, smart lighting solutions can boost mood, sleep, and human wellbeing. We are proud to play a role in supporting the families staying at the Ronald McDonald House at the Children’s Memorial Health Institute.”

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EcoVadis Gold, energy-efficient lighting solutions and investment in renewable energy support LEDVANCE’s sustainability strategy.

LEDVANCE has published its Sustainability Report for the 2025 financial year, setting out the company’s latest progress and initiatives across environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance.

Under its guiding principle, ‘Power Through Light’, the report outlines the steps LEDVANCE is taking to reduce its environmental impact, improve the sustainability of its operations and develop more energy-efficient lighting solutions.

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For lighting professionals, the event provides an opportunity to look beyond illumination and explore the increasingly important role lighting plays within the wider smart-building ecosystem. Occupancy sensing, controls, energy management, connectivity and data are becoming increasingly integrated, creating new opportunities for lighting systems to contribute to more efficient, responsive and adaptable buildings.

The exhibition will feature more than 100 exhibitors, showcasing technologies across lighting and controls, sensors, building automation, connectivity, AI, energy efficiency and data analytics. It provides an opportunity to see how these technologies are being applied in practice and to discover solutions that can support the changing needs of building owners and occupants.

For the lighting sector, interoperability is becoming particularly important. Open protocols and better-integrated systems can help overcome the limitations of isolated technologies, while smart lighting can combine energy-saving benefits with valuable data about how buildings are being used. For those specifying, designing, installing or managing lighting systems, the Show offers an opportunity to explore developments in areas such as DALI, controls and interoperability, and consider how lighting can become a more integral part of intelligent building design.

The two-day conference programme will feature more than 120 speakers across four theatres, covering Energy Management; Controls & Networks; IT & Digital Infrastructure; and Management & PropTech. Topics include building automation, AI, cybersecurity, data analytics, digital twins, energy efficiency, sensors, sustainability and workplace management.

With free attendance, Smart Buildings Show 2026 is a useful opportunity to discover new technologies, learn from industry experts, meet suppliers and peers, and gain insight into where smart buildings – and smart lighting – are heading.

Register for free today: https://smartbuildingsshow.com

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Tony Wang, Chairman and Founder of WAC Group, was inducted into the American Lighting Association (ALA) Hall of Fame during the 2026 ALA Conference on Tuesday 29th September 2026, in Tucson, Arizona.

The ALA Lighting Hall of Fame recognises individuals whose careers exemplify outstanding service, leadership, and lasting contributions to both the lighting industry and the association. Tony’s decades of innovation, entrepreneurship, and commitment to advancing technology have helped shape the modern lighting industry while strengthening the lighting community.

“Tony’s vision and commitment to innovation have helped transform the lighting industry,” said Jon Melchi, President and CEO of the ALA. “For more than four decades, Tony has consistently pushed our industry forward while investing in the success of ALA and its members. His leadership, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to advancing quality lighting make him exceptionally deserving of this honour.”

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The country’s construction trade association has teamed up with the manufacturer to unveil the Powering Potential initiative, which will see three SELECT member firms receive £6,000 each to help support the cost of a first-year apprentice.

Announced at the SELECT President’s Lunch, (Friday 25th September 2026), the investment comes amid ongoing concerns about rising training costs, with a SELECT survey revealing that high wages and low employer funding are the biggest obstacles to recruiting apprentices.

Powering Potential will now provide three grants of £6,000 to selected employers in the East, West and North of Scotland, helping offset the costs associated with employing apprentices during their first year of training. The inaugural recipients of the funding are:

• East: V C Electrical, Gullane – supporting apprentice Reece Michie
• West: T Walsh Contracts Ltd, Ayr – supporting apprentice Thomas Shirkie
• North: A B Electrical Scotland Ltd, Aboyne – supporting apprentice Ritchie Pirie.

Each company received their funding at The Balmoral in Edinburgh from SELECT President Darren Crockett and Ian Hunter, UK Trade Sales Director at Luceco Group, who also donated electrical equipment to the young learners.

Sharon Miller, Managing Director of SELECT, said: “We are extremely grateful to Luceco Group for helping us make this meaningful investment in the future of our sector.

Employers continue to tell us that rising costs are making it increasingly difficult to recruit apprentices, particularly during the first year when they spend significant periods at college, so this partnership is a practical example of industry coming together to find solutions.

However, while this funding will make a difference to these three SELECT members it is only a fraction of what is needed and is not a replacement for proper funding across the board. If Scotland is serious about addressing skills shortages and growing the workforce of the future, increased support for apprenticeships from government remains essential.”

Ian Hunter said: “As someone who started my own career as an apprentice, I know first-hand the opportunities that apprenticeship training can create.

Luceco is proud to support this initiative because we recognise the pressures many employers face when investing in new talent. Supporting apprentices is an investment in the future of our industry and a way of giving something back to the contractors who support our business every day.

We hope this financial support will help remove barriers, create opportunities and encourage more young people to pursue successful careers in the electrical sector.

Developed with support from the Scottish Electrical Charitable Training Trust (SECTT), the Powering Potential recipients were chosen from SMEs and longstanding SELECT member firms who have a proven track record of recruiting and developing apprentices.

The funding has been specifically designed to help employers meet wage costs while first-year apprentices attend college as part of their training, reducing one of the key financial pressures associated with recruitment.

As well as receiving financial support, the apprentices will be invited to visit Luceco Group’s headquarters in Telford, where they will gain insight into manufacturing, product development and the wider electrical supply chain.

V C Electrical owner Val Chisholm said: “Running a business can feel quite lonely at times, so having this support and recognition from the industry means a lot and feels like a reward for the years of hard work, commitment and dedication that have gone into building the business. A big thank you to SELECT and Luceco Group for this support – it’s great to see the industry showing such a strong commitment to investing in the next generation.”

V C apprentice Reece Michie, 18, added: “I am looking forward to gaining practical experience on site, learning from qualified electricians, developing new skills and working towards becoming a fully qualified electrician.”

T Walsh Contracts Ltd owner Tony Walsh said: “The cost of taking on an apprentice is massive – in the first year they are in college for 17 weeks, which can make it unaffordable for some small businesses. In the current economic climate, any support is important and very much appreciated so I am extremely grateful for this funding. I feel strongly about the importance of taking on apprentices and this means a lot.”

T Walsh apprentice Thomas Shirkie, 19, added: “I’ve wanted to be an electrician since doing work experience at school. My long-term ambitions are now to get my qualifications and to be a professional producing high-quality work.”

A B Electrical Scotland Ltd owner Allan Beveridge Snr said: “This funding is an extremely welcome boost as it definitely feels like it’s becoming a tighter climate for electricians lately. It also feels like recognition for taking apprentices through their careers. There don’t seem to be as many apprentices on-site these days so need to do something to ensure we don’t end up with a shortage of qualified tradespeople.”

A B apprentice Ritchie Pirie, 17, said: “I’ve always wanted to be an electrician. I was supposed to start with another company last year but it didn’t happen so I’m excited to have this second chance.”

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Across the UK, town and parish councils are looking for practical ways to reduce energy costs while maintaining essential community infrastructure. Street lighting often represents one of the largest opportunities to improve efficiency and lower long-term operating costs.

Sprowston Town Council took a proactive approach through a comprehensive upgrade programme. The scheme covered more than 800 Town Council-owned footway lights across the town. Rather than simply replacing ageing lanterns, the project combined a full condition survey with targeted infrastructure improvements to create a more efficient and resilient lighting network.

Working in collaboration with Electrical Testing Ltd (ETL), CU Phosco supplied 866 E950 LED luminaires for the project, with ETL supporting the wider delivery of the scheme through condition assessment, programme coordination and installation works.

The project began with a full condition survey of the existing lighting stock. Nick Wildsmith, Area Sales Manager at CU Phosco, explains: “Taking the time to understand the condition of the existing assets was an important part of the project. The survey allowed any structural or electrical issues to be identified before installation, helping the Town Council maximise the value of its investment.

The E950 combines high efficacy with a long operational life, making it well suited to projects where reducing energy consumption and future maintenance requirements are key priorities.”

The installation programme was delivered in two phases between August and October 2025, with ETL undertaking a full condition survey and the installation works. A central management system formed part of the wider upgrade programme, supporting the Town Council’s future management of the lighting network. The E950’s compatibility with Telensa CMS nodes was an important consideration, providing the flexibility to introduce part-night dimming and other control strategies in the future should the Town Council wish to pursue additional energy savings and reductions in light pollution.

The completed scheme provides Sprowston Town Council with a modern LED street lighting network while delivering tangible benefits for residents.

Energy consumption is expected to reduce by around 70 percent, cutting carbon emissions by an estimated 90 tonnes each year. The longer operating life of the E950 luminaires will also reduce routine maintenance requirements compared with the previous sodium lighting.

This translates to a saving of between £60,000 and £70,000 annually, with the investment expected to pay for itself within two to three years.

Matt McDonald, Account Manager at ETL, commented: “Delivering a project of this scale required detailed planning and careful coordination to minimise disruption for residents while maintaining programme efficiency. Working alongside CU Phosco allowed us to provide a high-quality lighting solution that met the Town Council’s objectives and long-term aspirations for the network.”

Guy Ranaweera, Sprowston Town Council, added: “The LED upgrade programme represents a significant investment in the town’s infrastructure and our commitment to delivering value for residents. The project provides a more efficient and sustainable street lighting network while helping to reduce long-term operating costs and support our wider environmental objectives.”

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Registration is now open for Integrated Systems Europe (ISE) 2027, as the world-renowned annual tech show for the audiovisual and systems integration industry invites professionals to experience what happens “When Worlds Unite”. Returning to Fira de Barcelona, Gran Via, from 2nd – 5th February 2027, ISE will bring together the innovators, creators and technology leaders turning convergence into new possibilities.

‘When Worlds Unite’ is more than just a strapline. It reflects where the AV industry is heading. The lines between AV, IT, broadcast, live events, smart buildings and education are blurring, and the most valuable work is increasingly happening when those worlds meet. The 2027 edition is built around that convergence, bringing different industries, disciplines and generations of talent into the same space. ISE is the place to engage with what’s changing, connect with the people driving it and play a part in shaping what comes next.

“Bringing our industry together has always been at the heart of ISE, and that spirit is central to ISE 2027.” said Mike Blackman, Managing Director of Integrated Systems Events. “When Worlds Unite is about the moment we are in, when boundaries are disappearing and new connections are creating new possibilities. It is about what happens when AV meets IT, technology meets creativity, and established expertise meets the next generation. That is when the most interesting work is happening, and at ISE 2027 you don’t just see the change, you are part of it. This is when the future of our industry gets created. Opening registration is the first step, and I would encourage everyone in the industry to be part of it.”

That spirit of convergence runs through every part of ISE 2027, linking the many facets of today’s AV world. But it doesn’t stop at the Gran Via halls. For 2027, ISE is expanding its footprint into Fira Montjuïc, connecting the AV community with new audiences and ideas across education and the creative industries. On Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 February, an ISE 2027 badge will also provide access to the show floors of EdTech Congress and Spark. One registration. Three show floors. More opportunities to explore and discover what’s next.

Visitors planning their trip to Barcelona can rely on bnetwork, ISE’s official accommodation partner. bnetwork offers exclusive hotel rates across Barcelona through a dedicated booking site that lets you compare hotels by distance from the Fira, price, sustainability and guest ratings. Its help goes well beyond rooms. With a team on site at the Fira throughout the show, bnetwork can arrange airport transfers and group transport, book restaurants, and source and organise off-site spaces for meetings, hospitality and private events. Visitors can browse hotels at isehotels.bnetwork.com or contact the team at isehotels@bnetwork.com.

When Worlds Unite, the future takes shape. Be part of it. Register today:

https://register.visitcloud.com/survey/1pjxqc9wntuo6?actioncode=a1lighting&registration-code=a1lighting&discount-code=a1lighting

 Images ©️Integrated Systems Europe.

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