Södra has modernised the quay lighting at its industrial port in Mönsterås with a new LED mast lighting solution using CU Phosco FL820 luminaires, delivered by Energisystem Sweden.

The port is a strategically important part of Södra’s logistics operation, supporting continuous industrial activity and cargo handling. The demanding environment places high importance on reliable lighting with good visibility and uniform light distribution, particularly across operational quay areas where safety and operational efficiency are critical.

The project formed part of Södra’s wider programme of energy efficiency and infrastructure improvements and followed previous successful lighting projects completed by Energisystem and Assemblin, including the timber yard in Mönsterås.

The upgrade focused on the quay area, considered the most operationally important and exposed section of the port.

Existing conventional luminaires installed across four high masts were replaced with 27 CU Phosco FL820 LED luminaires manufactured in the UK. The new lighting system was designed to improve lighting performance while significantly reducing energy consumption and supporting long-term operational reliability.

The project was delivered as a turnkey solution by Energisystem Sweden, covering everything from initial site surveys through to installation and final project reporting.

The new LED high mast lighting installation has delivered substantial improvements in both lighting quality and energy performance across the port facility.

Compared to the previous conventional lighting installation, the CU Phosco LED luminaires provide improved visibility and more uniform light distribution, helping to create a safer and more efficient working environment for port operations and cargo handling activities.

Alongside the improved lighting conditions, the project achieved a 59% reduction in installed power consumption. Based on annual operating hours of 4,380 hours per year, the upgrade is expected to deliver annual energy savings of 87,293 kWh.

Over the 10-year warranty period, the total guaranteed energy saving is estimated at 872,930 kWh, supporting Södra’s long-term sustainability and energy efficiency objectives.

The post Södra Port in Mönsterås benefits from energy-efficient LED mast lighting from CU Phosco appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

The original fittings were SCT linear continuous suspended luminaires, manufactured with aluminium low-brightness louvres. Rather than replacing the entire system, a more sustainable and carbon saving solution was applied. Under the carbon careful™ initiative Future Designs provided new LED gear trays which were designed to integrate directly into the existing luminaire profiles, enabling the schools to retain the existing luminaire carcass while benefiting from modern LED performance. This reduced carbon usage, shortened installation times, and avoided the disruption associated with a full replacement scheme.

As part of the visual upgrade, the old louvre assemblies were removed and replaced with a satin etched optics housed within mild steel magnetic frames. This created a cleaner, more contemporary appearance while also improving light distribution throughout teaching spaces. Importantly, this enhancement maintained the original aesthetic of the luminaire while delivering a more robust solution.

To date, a total of 1,019 retrofit LED units have been supplied across the three schools. This includes 416 units for Oriel High School, 316 units for Thomas Bennett Community College and 287 units for Ifield Community College, comprising both mains and emergency versions. Notably, the original installations contained no emergency luminaires. As part of the upgrade, emergency conversion units were introduced within classroom fittings, bringing lighting provision in line with the requirements of BS5266-1.

The energy performance improvements were substantial. Existing fluorescent lamps operated at 33 watts, whereas the retrofit LED solution uses just 14.08 watts per fitting. This delivers an energy saving of 57.33 percent, significantly reducing running costs and supporting each school’s sustainability goals. With each retained fitting containing approximately 9kg of metal, it meant that through the carbon careful™ initiative there was a massive reduction in the amount of iron ore being extracted from the earth’s crust to create mild steel.

The post Future Designs carbon careful™ initiative preserves existing luminaires across Crawley schools appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Collingwood Lighting is helping Northampton Saints rugby club create the right atmosphere for fans and reduce their carbon footprint with an LED lighting refurbishment programme in its stands.

The company designed and supplied modern LED fittings for the whole of the club’s Barwell stand as phase 1 of the project. The stand includes general seating areas, corporate hospitality, corridors, staff areas, toilets, and general entertainment areas.

The lighting refurbishment is a key part of the club’s net zero carbon pledge. It is one of only a handful of professional rugby clubs to sign up to the UN’s Sports for Climate Action Framework, which commits the club to a 50 percent reduction in emissions by 2030 and to be net zero by 2040.

The rugby club will save almost 15 tonnes of carbon emissions and up to £9,000 per year running costs from this initial installation in the stand. Projections for the whole stadium will see 60 tonnes of carbon saved per year.

Says Northampton Saints Chief Executive, Julia Chapman: “This LED lighting refurbishment future proofs our stadium because it not only costs us less money and uses less energy, but it has a real impact on how our fans enjoy a space.

Talking about one of the hospitality areas, the tunnel club, Chapman goes onto to say: “The environment that we create makes all the difference to someone’s match day experience, with lighting having such a big impact on the look and feel of an area.”

Collingwood provided the design for all the lighting in the stadium, the fittings that the club needed and the projected energy and cost savings. The refurbishment payback period for the investment is just 19 months.

The lighting design for corporate hospitality suites, such as the infamous tunnel club where spectators can watch the players run onto the pitch, is vital.

For these areas Collingwood designed schemes that uses its downlights Thea Pro with DALI lighting control for the ambient lighting and LED strip lighting to pick out and emphasis features to add extra interest through accent lighting. The colour temperature for the lighting was set at a warm 3000K for a relaxing and sociable space.

For other areas in the stand which includes corridors, toilets, staff kitchens and storage areas, Collingwood designed a more functional lighting scheme using fittings with a cooler colour temperature of 4,000K. This aids concentration and focus for task orientated activities. A mixture of fittings was installed including Thea Pro, Solis LED panel lighting and its tough and durable anti-corrosive Caiman bulkhead for storage and warehouse areas.

Collingwood has also provided emergency lighting packs so that installers can convert some of their fittings into emergency lighting. This helps people safely leave if there is a mains power failure.

Commenting on the installation, operations manager Stuart Jenkins said: “We are a high end hospitality venue so the right lighting design using reliable products is key. This refurbishment has saved us energy, running costs and maintenance, but most importantly it improves the match day experience for our fans.”

Other sustainable initiatives taken by the club include installing over 800 solar panels, using zero carbon bought in energy, installing rainwater capture systems for pitch irrigation, and improving insulation in all their buildings.

The post Collingwood lights up Northampton Saints hospitality and net zero drive appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Organised by Recolight, Circular Lighting Live 2026 is the event where those questions get answered. Taking place on 8th October at The Minster Building in the City of London, the conference brings together designers, specifiers, manufacturers, and supply chain professionals to explore the practical realities of a low-carbon future. Alongside the multitrack conference programme is an exhibition of sustainable lighting innovation.

Keynotes
The day opens with Vision 2040, in which John McRae, director of Orms, pictures a lighting industry beyond the take-make-use-waste model. A second keynote, Beyond Fast Lighting, sees Sabine De Schutter, founder of Studio De Schutter, argue for upcycling as design strategy.

Following the keynote presentation, delegates can choose from six specially curated sessions to get the most out of the day.

Data & Compliance: Alexander Flekler (WAGO) and Flavie Lowres (Recolight) unpack what EPDs mean for the supply chain; Neil McLean (Lutron Electronics) uncovers the tidal wave of circular economy legislation from Europe.

Innovation & Material: Niclas Thulin (Fagerhult) and Dean Skira examine how material choices and AI-driven design are cutting embodied carbon in new products.

Disruptive Design, the Role of Designers: Explores how independent lighting designers are shifting specification habits in response to regulation and client demand.

Projects Uncovered, Real World Lessons: Ryan Bean (CBRE) and John Bowden & Brendon Airey (Light Projects Evolve) present the remanufacture of Leadenhall Market’s historic fittings, offering lessons in heritage-sensitive circular practice.

Carbon Literacy: Sojan Johny (The Carbon Literacy Project) introduces the Carbon Literacy framework; Chris Newman (Albis) surveys the latest low-carbon and bio-based polycarbonates.

Confronting Cat A, Six Ways to Cut Waste: examines leasing models and design-for-reuse approaches to reduce waste from Cat A fit-outs.

The day also hosts the Build Back Better Awards 2026, celebrating creativity, innovation and environmental leadership in lighting.

Early Bird rate for manufacturers ends on 31st July
Manufacturer tickets are available at a reduced price, with an early bird rate available to end of July, plus a further discount for Recolight WEEE Compliance Scheme Members. Manufacturers are urged to secure their place now before the early bird deadline passes.

Free places for specifiers
Support from event sponsors means attendance is free for lighting specifiers. This includes independent lighting designers, architects, consulting engineers, wholesalers, and end-users. Specifiers are encouraged to reserve their complimentary delegate place as spaces are limited.

Circular Lighting Live 2026 is a timely opportunity for the whole lighting supply chain, specifiers, end users, manufacturers, remanufacturers, distributors, and contractors to understand the forces reshaping the products being made, stocked and specified, and the companies that supply them, as the industry moves toward a low-carbon, circular economy.

Book your place at www.circularlighting.live.

The conference is sponsored by Light Projects Evolve, Albis, Fagerhult, Thorlux Lighting, and WAGO.

A1 Lighting magazine are proud media supporters of Circular Lighting Live.

The post Circular Lighting Live 2026: Speakers announced appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

PLASA has launched a new Carbon Literacy Training course tailored specifically to professionals working across the entertainment technology industry.

Designed to make climate learning relevant and actionable, the course will help participants understand climate change, the carbon impacts associated with everyday decisions and the practical steps they can take to reduce emissions in their roles, organisations and wider lives.

While demand for more sustainable practices continues to grow across productions, events, venues and supply chains, it can be difficult for individuals and businesses to know where to begin.

PLASA’s course has been created around the real-world challenges and opportunities facing the entertainment technology community, helping participants move beyond broad sustainability ambitions and identify actions that are appropriate to their work.

The online training combines a 30-minute self-study module with two interactive, two-hour sessions led by a trainer.

Participants will then complete an individual assessment. PLASA delivers the training and assessment process, while Carbon Literate certification is independently assessed and awarded by the Carbon Literacy Project to participants who successfully meet its requirements.

Monthly cohorts will run from July to October 2026, with each limited to 12 participants. The small group format will give attendees the opportunity to share ideas and learn alongside professionals from across the industry.

Phoebe Currie, PLASA’s Sustainability Consultant, comments: “People across our industry increasingly recognise the need to reduce their environmental impact but understanding how to translate that ambition into practical action can be challenging.

We have developed this course to make Carbon Literacy directly relevant to entertainment technology professionals. It is not simply about understanding climate change; it is about giving people the knowledge, confidence, and motivation to make better-informed decisions within their own roles and organisations.

By bringing professionals together in small, interactive cohorts, we also hope to encourage shared learning and help build greater momentum for meaningful change across the industry.”

Carbon Literacy is defined by the Carbon Literacy Project as an awareness of the carbon costs and impacts of everyday activities, together with the ability and motivation to reduce emissions on an individual, community and organisational basis.

The course is available to PLASA members for £89 plus VAT per participant, with a non-member price of £119 plus VAT.

Places are available in cohorts running between July and October 2026 and are limited to 12 participants per cohort.

Find out more and register at: https://www.plasa.org/carbon-literacy-training/

The post PLASA launches Carbon Literacy Training for entertainment technology professionals appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

“The EcoVadis Platinum rating confirms the Zumtobel Group’s consistently pursued path: for us, sustainability is not a single project, but an integral part of our business. This success is only possible thanks to the joint commitment of our teams and the continuous implementation of our sustainability strategy. At the same time, we see this award as an incentive to continue advancing our ambitions – in the interests of our customers and partners, our employees and the environment,” says Alfred Felder, CEO of the Zumtobel Group.

Measurable sustainable development

The Zumtobel Group’s progress to the Platinum level demonstrates one thing above all: sustainable development always goes hand in hand with transparent reporting. Throughout the entire value chain, the company is implementing concrete measures with quantitative targets as part of its sustainability strategy – consisting of the Net-Zero, Circular Economy and Partner of Choice goals. Regulatory frameworks, such as the ESRS (European Sustainability Reporting Standards), under which the Zumtobel Group reports on its progress in sustainability, are a significant catalyst for creating transparency.

The post Zumtobel Group receives Ecovadis Platinum Rating appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

“For a project of this scale, we were looking for a partner capable of combining the highest standards of lighting quality with the operational requirements of a global traveling event,” explains Jessica Gauvin, managing director of Expomobilia. “ERCO convinced us not only technologically, but also supported the process collaboratively from the beginning.” 

At art fairs, lighting plays a decisive role in how artworks are perceived. It directs attention, supports spatial orientation, and influences the appearance of colors, materials, and surfaces. Particularly in the context of commercial galleries, the demands are exceptionally high: exhibitions change frequently, presentations need to remain flexible, while consistently ensuring the highest quality of light. ERCO contributes decades of experience in lighting galleries, museums, and cultural institutions worldwide. At the core is a lighting approach that combines precise optics, flexible light distributions, and high efficiency.

The requirements of Art Basel extend far beyond conventional exhibition lighting. The infrastructure must operate reliably at different venues worldwide, allow for rapid installation, and withstand the logistical demands of an international fair operation. Together with Expomobilia, ERCO therefore developed a modular lighting system featuring spotlights with interchangeable optics and durable LED technology. In addition, a dedicated transport and logistics concept with specially developed flight cases was created for repeated worldwide use. “Art Basel is not a static venue, but a global platform,” says Jessica Gauvin. “The solution therefore had to be equally flexible, robust, and efficient.”

Sustainability considerations also played a key role in the development of the new lighting infrastructure. The luminaires are designed for long-term use over a period of more than 20 years and across multiple international editions of the fair. ERCO follows an approach that focuses not only on energy efficiency, but also on high lighting effectiveness with minimal spill light. Precise light distribution directs the light specifically onto the artworks, enabling the applied light output to be used efficiently. “Reducing our ecological footprint is an important objective within our sustainability strategy,” explains Lea Matern, Sustainability Manager at MCH Group.

The partnership with Art Basel further underlines ERCO’s expertise in the field of commercial gallery lighting. Unlike traditional museum settings, lighting solutions in this sector must respond to changing exhibitions, variable hanging arrangements, and short conversion cycles. ERCO’s current “Guide to Lighting Design for Art Galleries” demonstrates how lighting can be strategically used to support curatorial quality, flexibility, and efficient operation. Following Art Basel in Basel 2026, ERCO will document the project in a detailed case study, offering further insights into technical implementation, logistics, and global fair operations.

Image © ERCO GmbH, www.erco.com; photography: Gavriil Papadiotis.

The post ERCO becomes official Lighting Partner of Art Basel appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Commenting on the award, the outgoing Society of Light and Lighting president Kristina Allison, said: “The honorary fellowship recognises a significant contribution not only of services to the Society but to the wider lighting profession. It’s sanctioned by the Executive Committee of the SLL. The work that both do with Recolight has a positive impact on the industry and is incredible.”

Usually, one award is given each year, but this year an exception was made. Previous recipients have included Kevin McCloud in 2010, Jonathan Speirs in 2003, and Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh back in 1959.

F Mark Ltd founder Simon Fisher FSLL and Circular Lighting Report editor Ray Molony gave the citations for Harvey and Castine respectively.

On accepting his award, Nigel Harvey said: “I’m absolutely delighted to receive the honorary fellowship of the Society of Light and Lighting. The recognition of professional peers, colleagues and friends is uniquely special. My sincere thanks to the SLL Executive Committee for the award. But I’m only the helmsman at Recolight. We’ve an amazing team, who all play vital roles and this award belongs to us all.”

And Suzanne Castine said: “Thank you to the SLL executive committee for recognising the work I do. Marketing is an overhead, so we’re constantly looking at ways to reduce cost. And as a not-for-profit funded by our WEEE Scheme Lighting manufacturer Members, it’s even more critical for me to be mindful of spend. Therefore, I keep our work in house and don’t use agencies. We were recognised for going above and beyond and were in a room full of lighting professionals who do that too. So many have helped Recolight along the way, presenting at webinars and conferences, offering support, guidance and help.”

As a Sustaining Member of the SLL, Recolight are part of a network of businesses who collaborate to give financial, technical and practical support to a wide range of Society initiatives.

The post Two Recolight executives recognised with honorary fellowships of the Society of Light and Lighting appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Illuminating a community hub

The inspiration for this upgrade came directly from the track itself. Paul Whittaker, who was working for Thorn at the time and is an avid club rider and event organiser, together with Key Account Manager Craig Lensky, who rode with the club in the 1970s, approached Pendle Borough Council with a vision to modernise the Sports Hub’s lighting. The original lighting and electrical installations were carried out by a local contractor (within a 5-mile radius), who also fitted the new replacement luminaires for this upgrade. Working in close partnership with club members, council officers, and Thorn’s project team, new luminaires were manufactured in Thorn’s Spennymoor factory and a local wholesaler less than a mile away from the track, ensuring high quality and low carbon footprint.

A collaborative lighting solution

Faced with forty-one fixed column positions around the circuit, Thorn’s Isaro Pro LED lanterns were selected for their precision optics and robust construction. Each lantern contains 24 LEDs with specifically tuned drive currents and appropriate lenses, these were configured to provide even, glare-controlled light across the entire track surface while keeping spill to a minimum beyond the boundary. The 4000K colour temperature LED chipsets ensures excellent visual clarity for riders and coaches during early-morning training or late-evening sessions.

Overcoming project challenges

Addressing dark spots between the existing fixed-position columns required precise optical specification. Thorn engineers produced a Lighting Design solution and conducted multiple site visits to select the correct distribution and lumen levels to check uniformity and light levels throughout the loop. Protecting the nocturnal environment was equally critical: by eliminating upward light and minimising horizontal spill, the scheme safeguards the bats, owls, hedgehogs and rabbits that share Swinden Playing Fields.

Delivering benefits for riders and wildlife

Since commissioning, the LED upgrade has cut energy consumption by approximately 45 percent, freeing council funds for coaching and track improvements. The Isaro Pro’s uniform, low-glare illumination enhances rider confidence and safety, while precise beam control preserves dark corridors for wildlife. Maintenance demands have dropped dramatically thanks to the lanterns’ long life and accessible gear trays, keeping the circuit open and welcoming to all.

Tricia Wilson, Project Manager (Engineering & Cycling), Pendle Borough Council, said: “This wasn’t just a lighting upgrade; it was a community effort. Club members and Thorn staff all contributed. The result is a safer, greener facility that honours Steven Burke’s legacy.”

The post Community-driven lighting for safe, sustainable cycling appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.

Curated to reflect the current priorities and future direction of the live entertainment technology sector, this year’s programme delivers two days of free to attend sessions covering technical skills, emerging technologies, sustainability, and workforce development.

Across the show, visitors will hear from industry leaders, practitioners, and innovators working across lighting, audio, AV, rigging, and staging. They will share practical insight, real world experience, and forward-thinking ideas.

All sessions are free to attend and will run across both days of the show.

Technical skills in action

Hands on knowledge and practical expertise take centre stage in 2026, with a series of sessions designed to support professionals working across live production and installation.

Speakers including Tim Smith (Artistic Licence), David Catterall and Dave Whitehouse (Robe), Lisa Stafford (Tazaar), and Tommy Cockerham (Royal Ballet & Opera) will deliver sessions such as “Thinking Outside the (Black) Box”, “Down The Line: DMX And RDM”, and “LEDs In The Spotlight: What You Need To Know But No One Tells You!”.

Additional sessions including “Truss Strength Awareness” from PROLYTE and “Power & Network Protocols for Sound System Design” from d&b audiotechnik expand the programme across staging and audio disciplines.

Together, these sessions explore creative workflows, system design, and the technical fundamentals that underpin successful productions. They are designed to give attendees practical insight that can be applied directly to their own work.

AI, cyber security and sustainability

As the industry adapts to rapid technological and environmental change, a dedicated programme strand will explore the impact of AI, cyber security and sustainability on live production.

Sessions including “Robot Wars: Is AI Friend Or Foe To The Entertainment Technology Industry?”, “Cybersecurity In Entertainment Technology – Sig-Net And The CRA Deadlines – What You Need To Know”, “Sustainability In Entertainment Technology: Where To Start”, and “Where Do I Find Funding?” will examine how these forces are reshaping workflows, infrastructure, and long-term planning.

With contributions from Dr Sacha Krstulovic, Wayne Howell (Singularity), and Christian Wallace (The Old Vic), these discussions will provide practical guidance on navigating change. They will also address both the opportunities and challenges facing the sector.

Supporting the next generation

Career development and succession planning form a key part of this year’s programme, reflecting the industry’s growing focus on building a resilient future workforce.

With input from The Power of Events, Factory International, and Soulsound, sessions such as “How To Build A Freelance Career In Live Events” and “Inclusive Pathways Into Technical Theatre: From Curiosity To Career” will offer guidance for those entering the sector. They will also provide insight for experienced professionals who are thinking about long term career progression.

The programme also features “The Power of Events Schools Engagement Programme: Inspiring the Next Generation of Event Professionals”, which will showcase the importance of early outreach and showcasing how the industry is working to engage and inspire future talent.

Expert insight from across the industry

Beyond the core themes, the programme features a wide range of specialist sessions from respected designers and engineers.

Lighting designers Maya Gribby and Elanor Higgins will share creative approaches to design. While “Tony Birch – Career, Insights And Lessons” offers a behind the scenes look at the experience and insight of one of the industry’s most respected audio professionals.

The programme is further complemented by presentations from leading exhibiting brands including ChamSys, EM Acoustics, and KV2 Audio. These sessions give attendees direct access to the latest tools, technologies, and techniques shaping the industry.

Learn, connect, and explore

Taking place alongside more than 190 brands across two exhibition halls, extended museum space, and an outdoor courtyard, the seminar programme is a core part of the PLASA Focus Leeds experience. The show is known for its approachable and friendly atmosphere, as well as its highly focused environment.

Alongside the seminar programme, visitors can also take part in hands-on ChamSys lighting training, experience dedicated audio demo spaces from KV2 Audio and EM Acoustics and join speed networking sessions designed to connect professionals across the industry.

Plus, to help visitors make the most of their time at the show, the official event appallows users to browse the full seminar programme, explore exhibitors, and build a personalised schedule in advance.

Whether you are looking to build your skills, explore new technologies, or take the next step in your career, the programme offers valuable insight for professionals at every level.

PLASA Focus Leeds 2026 takes place at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, on 12th – 13th May.

Register for free and explore the full seminar programme at: https://buff.ly/7B4UXdA

The post Skills, AI and sustainability take centre stage at PLASA Focus Leeds 2026 appeared first on A1 Lighting Magazine.