Recolight launches Used Luminaire Certificate service

Recolight, a UK not-for-profit compliance scheme for lighting waste recycling and sustainability, has announced the introduction of its Used Luminaire Certification service, designed to encourage and support the reuse of lighting products across the industry. With sustainability and embodied carbon at the forefront of project priorities, this certification offers reassurance to developers, consulting engineers, and lighting designers seeking to specify second-life luminaires. Recolight CEO Nigel Harvey explains that, “Many projects generate unnecessary waste by replacing relatively recent lighting products with brand new fittings. “Reuse is the easiest mechanism to prevent this, extending product lifespans and lowering embodied carbon.” Details of the certificate The Used Luminaire Certificate, developed and operated in partnership with Simon Fisher, will include an opinion report on the likely remaining burn hours and lifetime of the fitting, as well as an estimate of the embodied carbon saving associated with reusing the fitting. This independent assessment helps address uncertainty about the product’s remaining lifespan and embodied carbon. The certificate is not a substitute for a warranty or CE marking, which may be supplied by a qualified contractor undertaking any necessary reconditioning - be it the original manufacturer or a specialist lighting remanufacturer. Recolight’s initiative responds to increasing interest from building owners and specifiers eager to integrate circular economy principles into their projects. With approximately 40% of global carbon emissions attributable to the built environment, reducing embodied carbon in lighting is an urgent industry challenge. The new scheme aims to remove barriers to reuse, providing greater confidence to project teams and supporting compliance with sustainability targets. It also offers documentation to demonstrate adherence to corporate or public sector carbon reduction commitments. Nigel continues, “We’re seeing a real appetite across the industry to do more with what we already have. “This certification gives professionals a practical tool to support reuse at scale, helping to normalise second-life lighting as part of mainstream specification practice.” Simon Fisher adds, “This initiative helps provide confidence about the remaining life in pre-owned and pre-used luminaries and that their reuse will provide acceptable service life in new environments.” Recolight will be piloting the certificate with several major projects in the coming months, with the intention of rolling out the service more broadly across the UK lighting market in due course. For more from Recolight, click here.

Advanced’s fire protection installed in Canterbury Student Village

Fire protection solutions manufacturer Advanced has supplied new intelligent fire panels for student accommodation in Kent as part of a £3.5 million project to upgrade fire safety systems at Cloud Student Homes’ Canterbury Student Village. The installation replaces existing panels across several occupied buildings, requiring the previous system to remain active throughout the work to maintain constant protection for residents. Upgrading fire protection across student accommodation Cloud Student Homes provides accommodation close to Canterbury Christ Church University, the University of Kent, UCA, and Canterbury College. As part of a wider safety improvement programme, existing fire alarm systems in Kentish House, Behn Hall, and Tallis Court were replaced with Advanced’s MxPro 5 analogue addressable panels. Fire engineering consultants Endeavour Group appointed fire safety specialists CSS to deliver the design, installation, and handover. Five networked four-loop panels were installed and connected to the alarm receiving centre for fire and rescue monitoring. All devices are Hochiki, with input and output units linked to the existing automatic opening vents. The new networked system integrates with access control, lift, and ventilation systems. Paul Almond, MD at DataCentre UK, comments, “Advanced was specified since it supports an open protocol and offers a powerful solution for the student accommodation. "We also find it an easy system for customers to navigate and use. The panels are proven in the field with CSS and Endeavour Group using them for a number of years. "Advanced MxPro 5 panels are about the best on the market along with the tech support received by Advanced on installations.” System design and integration The panels were selected to meet category L1 requirements across student suites, bedrooms, high-risk areas, and plant rooms. Endeavour Group reviewed the system design and technical specification to ensure it met client needs before approval. CSS highlights several installation features, including a built-in multimeter for measuring voltages and currents during commissioning, and a choice of four- and eight-loop panel formats. The MxPro 5 range also supports multiple detector protocols and up to 254 devices per loop, depending on protocol, with large-scale network capacity where required. Panels support wired, wireless, and hybrid devices to suit different installation environments. Neil Parkin, Sales Manager at Advanced, says, “Our MxPro 5 panels are designed to make life as easy as possible, delivering robust protection that offers real peace of mind, all backed up by our highly rated technical support.” Cloud Student Homes operates around 3,500 student rooms across 21 UK sites and plans to introduce Advanced fire panels across all properties as part of its future upgrades. For more from Advanced, click here.

Octopus EV surges past £2bn in electric car funding

Octopus Electric Vehicles (Octopus EV), a UK provider of electric vehicle leasing and salary sacrifice schemes, has extended and upsized its funding line from global banks to get more electric vehicles on roads, bringing its total EV funding to £2 billion. The deal allows Octopus to supercharge its EV fleet, pushing it from 40,000 cars currently to more than 75,000 once all funds are deployed. This builds on a major funding line agreed with Lloyds in 2023, now joined by international banks Morgan Stanley and Crédit Agricole CIB. Growing demand for EVs The announcement was made at COP30 in Brazil and comes as electric cars screech ahead of their petrol counterparts - hitting a record 26% of all new car sales in the UK in October, the strongest market share of 2025, according to New AutoMotive data. Europe’s EV revolution is speeding up too. In September, over 1.7 million EVs were registered across the continent, representing a 19% jump from last year. Adapting to this increasing demand, Octopus says its all-in-one EV package – including a leased car, bespoke EV tariffs, home chargers, and access to Europe's largest public charging network, 'Electroverse' – makes it easier for consumers to switch to electric. Since launching its leasing offer in 2021, Octopus EV has reportedly created over 500 green jobs across London, Weybridge, Brighton, and Manchester. It has also recently launched in Germany as it aims to expand its EV offerings globally. Gurjeet Grewal, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, comments, “Electric momentum is surging across the UK and Europe. "Every month, thousands more drivers are discovering just how affordable and enjoyable making the switch can be, and this fresh funding from Lloyds, Morgan Stanley, and Crédit Agricole will allow us to bring even more zero-emission cars onto UK roads.” Miray Muminoglu, Managing Director, Head of Securitised Products Group and FIG DCM at Lloyds, adds, “Lloyds is proud to have backed Octopus Electric Vehicles from the outset, with this transaction deepening our support for the UK’s transition to electric mobility. "As the UK’s largest financial services provider, we are committed to playing our part in getting more electric vehicles on the road and supporting the UK’s journey to net zero to create a more sustainable future.” Keir Mather, Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Decarbonisation, says, “We’ve helped over 30,000 people go electric thanks to our Electric Car Grant since we launched it this summer, saving them cash with discounts of up to £3,750 on new EVs. “We’re backing people and industry to make the switch with [a] £4.5 billion investment, and it’s great to see industry players like Octopus backing the EV revolution and getting more electric cars out on our roads.” For more from Octopus, click here.

Lighting retrofit cuts street lighting energy in Lincolnshire

Lincolnshire County Council is working with TRT Lighting on a countywide retrofit programme that is cutting street lighting energy use by more than 65%. The project upgrades existing lanterns with new LED technology, delivering major carbon and cost savings while extending the lifespan of assets across one of England’s largest rural counties. Lincolnshire’s street lighting network plays a vital role in connecting communities and keeping roads safe. As a result, rather than replacing entire lanterns, the Council chose to retrofit existing fittings – a decision that reduces waste, lowers costs, and maximises long-term sustainability. A bespoke retrofit design TRT designed and supplied 5,400 bespoke retrofit kits, upgrading lantern models including Arc 80, Iridium, Evolo 2, Sapphire 1 and Sapphire 2. Each retrofit tray was developed and tested at TRT’s LIA-accredited laboratory to ensure compliance with lighting performance, uniformity, and thermal standards. The retrofit solution allows existing lantern housings to remain in service for a further 10–20 years, significantly reducing embodied carbon and capital expenditure. Installation has also been streamlined, with each retrofit completed in under 10 minutes, minimising disruption to road users and local communities. Proven results and long-term benefits To date, the retrofit programme, delivered in collaboration with Balfour Beatty, has already achieved more than 65% reduction in energy consumption compared with a 2016 baseline, through the introduction of LED technology, dimming, and part-night operation. Further measurable benefits include: • Over 65% reduction in energy use and associated CO₂ emissions • Circular economy approach by reusing lantern bodies • Reduced maintenance and extended product lifecycle • Efficient installation for lower labour costs • Reliable performance backed by a five-year warranty Strong partnership, sustainable progress Nathan Poundall IEng MILP BEng, Principal Engineer – Street Lighting at Lincolnshire County Council, comments, “By reusing existing lantern bodies and introducing advanced LED retrofit technology, we are cutting energy use by over 65% while avoiding unnecessary waste. This project is a clear example of how innovation and partnership can help us reduce carbon emissions, save money, and extend the life of our assets.” This large-scale retrofit demonstrates how local authorities can modernise public lighting responsibly, combining sustainability and efficiency without the need for full replacement schemes.

ECA holds parliamentary roundtable to drive UK electrification

On 23 October 2025, the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA) hosted a parliamentary roundtable in the House of Commons, bringing together ECA Members, MPs, senior civil servants, policy influencers, manufacturers, and the wider clean energy industry to discuss how together we can successfully deliver the UK’s electrification transition. In May this year, ECA launched the Blueprint for Electrification: Delivering the UK’s Transition to Clean Power, a practical, 10-point plan for delivering a fully electrified, low-carbon economy. The roundtable revisited the recommendations set out in the Blueprint, reviewed the progress made to date, and explored solutions to address the gaps that remain. Issues discussed included worsening workforce shortages, the implications of a more decentralised energy system, and the ongoing barrier of unfair electricity pricing. Details of the roundtable The roundtable was sponsored by Jess Asato MP for Lowestoft and delivered in partnership with ECA Commercial Associate Dimplex, an electric heating and ventilation solutions provider. Others attending included representatives from ECA, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), Energy & Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), Energy Systems Catapult, Association for Decentralised Energy (ADE), Electrical Safety First, Certsure, Solar Energy UK, SERA, the Labour Climate and Environment Forum, and Energy UK. The discussion was chaired by Andrew Eldred, ECA’s Deputy CEO, who said, “Participants in today’s roundtable have reiterated support for the key points first set out in our Blueprint for Electrification and practical ten-point plan. "Across the entire electrification supply chain there is a common commitment to help the UK achieve its electrification ambitions, a shared recognition of the gaps and barriers still in the way, and a widespread consensus on the measures required to address these. "We have the businesses, the expertise, and the motivation to help deliver electrification to scale, but we do need Government to talk to us, listen to us, and heed what we have to say.” Jane Dawson, Head of External Affairs at ECA, comments, "It was good to hear agreement around the table on the priorities for action. "The next few months will see us collaborate with attendees to further influence policy in the following areas: building consumer confidence through promoting trusted installers (professional electricians), incentivising small businesses to take on more apprentices, and addressing the high price of electricity compared to other fuels." Spencer Clark, Managing Director at Dimplex, adds that, "Dimplex would like to thank ECA for facilitating this event. "Electrical decarbonisation and the skills required for delivery are both varied and critical, and our unique industry approach provides a tangible benefit to the Government in aligning with and delivering future policy." For more from ECA, click here.

'PPE knowledge gap putting electrical workers at risk'

A new research report from European workwear provider Alsico reveals that a knowledge gap lies behind widespread failures to wear protective uniforms correctly - or at all - across environments with live electricity in the UK. The new report, A safer future: Closing the PPE knowledge gap, explores the education and communication shortfalls highlighted by Alsico’s earlier research and offers expert recommendations from organisations, including the British Standards Institute, on how both wearers and those selecting uniforms can close the gap. This second report follows on from Alsico’s first industry paper, released in spring 2025, which found that less than half (40%) of those working in environments with electrical systems said they always wore every part of the uniform provided. Among procurement and health and safety professionals, less than two thirds of those with more than eight years’ experience in the role said they felt up to date on the latest developments in protective uniform technology. PPE essential for high-risk environments David Ward, Technical Development Manager at Alsico and report author, comments, “Our first report established that improving PPE wear rates is a critical priority in order to safeguard workers in high-risk environments and, ultimately, [to] save lives. "Our latest research demonstrates that beyond comfort and fit, there is a significant knowledge gap among both wearers and those responsible for uniform selection. Closing that gap must be a shared responsibility, driven by better education, clearer communication, and stronger collaboration between everyone involved.” The report also highlights the need for a stronger feedback loop between wearers and those selecting uniform, as fewer than one in five workers said they regularly provide feedback on their uniforms. This lack of structured communication means critical insights from those wearing PPE every day are often missed - reinforcing the need for ongoing engagement and education on both sides. David continues, “Simple, practical actions can make a real difference, from using digital tools, checklists, and visual reminders to creating regular feedback channels between wearers and uniform decision-makers. "Stronger communication not only boosts compliance but helps team members take ownership of their own safety. "Looking ahead, partnerships and open dialogue will be essential. When wearers share real-world feedback and those selecting garments have access to the latest training and resources, decisions can be made that genuinely improve safety outcomes. "Taking joint responsibility across procurement, wearers, and manufacturers is crucial if we are to close the gap and build a safer, more informed workforce.”

In2tec develops disassemblable lightbars using ReUSE tech

In2tec, a UK-based sustainable electronics specialist, has introduced new technology designed to make industrial LED lightbars more circular, repairable, and resource-efficient. The company’s ReUSE and ReCYCLE processes allow lightbars to be fully disassembled and reused, significantly reducing carbon emissions and electronic waste. Reducing manufacturing emissions and e-waste As energy costs rise and environmental regulations tighten, LED lightbars have become a mainstay in industrial and commercial applications. In2tec’s approach takes sustainability beyond energy efficiency by enabling materials and components to be recovered and reused at end-of-life. “We’re seeing a 62.5% reduction in CO₂ emissions during manufacture compared to conventional PCBAs,” says Emma Armstrong, Sustainable Electronics Ambassador at In2tec. “And with over 20 million lightbars sold annually, that translates to nearly 3.9 million kilograms of CO₂ saved - every year.” At the core of this approach is ReUSE, a design method that allows printed circuit boards to be separated at end-of-life without damaging components. Combined with ReCYCLE, a low-energy recovery process, it enables manufacturers to reclaim materials such as substrates and electronic parts for reuse in future production. This method aims to address one of the biggest sustainability challenges in industrial lighting: the premature disposal of components that could otherwise be repaired or repurposed. Designed for disassembly and material recovery Lighting is a major source of global energy consumption and waste. According to UN data, 61.3 million tonnes of electronic waste were generated in 2023. In2tec’s approach integrates sustainability at the design stage, ensuring that each lightbar can be easily repaired or broken down for material recovery. Emma continues, “We’re not just reducing emissions; we’re changing how electronics are made and unmade. “This is about designing lighting systems that work for the planet, not just the bottom line.” ReUSE technology is compatible with both traditional and alternative substrates, including FR4, PET, and aluminium. According to In2tec, it achieves bond strengths close to solder while operating at significantly lower temperatures, reducing energy use during manufacture and recycling. For manufacturers, potential benefits include: • Reduced production emissions • Lower energy consumption during manufacture • Improved repairability and reuse • Greater material recovery and resource efficiency • Support for compliance with WEEE and sustainability standards With more than 25 years of experience in flexible electronics, In2tec says it continues to explore ways to embed circular design principles into manufacturing. Its ReUSE and ReCYCLE technologies aim to reduce environmental impact and extend the life of industrial lighting systems.

Entries open for the 2026 DALI Alliance Lighting Awards

The DALI Alliance, a global industry organisation for DALI (an internationally standardised protocol for digital communication between lighting control devices), has announced that entries are now open for the 2026 DALI Alliance Lighting Awards. Submissions will be accepted until 19 December 2025. The annual awards remain free to enter and are an opportunity to be recognised for excellence and innovation in DALI-based lighting controls from across the global lighting industry. Awards will be given for both 'Application' and 'Innovation' categories. The application categories • Residential • Commercial Interior • Commercial Exterior • Industrial • Smart Cities and Infrastructure The innovation categories • Best Use of D4i — Celebrating innovative applications of DALI D4i technology, including enhanced data communication, energy management, and advanced control capabilities. • Best Emergency Lighting Integration — Honouring designs that effectively incorporate emergency lighting to ensure safety, reliability, and standards compliance. • Best Human-Centric Design — Recognising lighting projects that support health, comfort, and productivity through adaptive and dynamic lighting. • Best Integration into Other Systems — Highlighting projects that successfully integrate lighting with systems such as HVAC, security, and energy management. • Innovation in Lighting — Acknowledging cutting-edge technologies and advancements in lighting control. • Sustainability and Energy Efficiency — Celebrating projects that demonstrate outstanding environmental performance and energy conservation. • Best use of DALI+ or DALI Gateways (Parts 341 & 342) — Recognising expert application of DALI+ or DALI to wireless networks across various applications and environments. Getting involved Following last year’s feedback, participants will no longer be required to select a specific category when submitting their entries. Instead, the Awards judging panel will review each submission and assign it to the most appropriate primary category. Judges may also consider entries for additional categories where relevant, giving projects the opportunity to receive multiple forms of recognition. Paul Drosihn, General Manager of the DALI Alliance, comments, “We are very excited to launch the 2026 DALI Alliance Lighting Awards. "The simplified entry process that we adopted last year provides greater opportunities for organisations and their projects to be recognised. “The awards are already highly respected and we anticipate that the 2026 edition will see a further increase in entrants showcasing the possibilities and benefits of DALI.” Award winners will gain international exposure through promotion by the DALI Alliance, receiving visibility and association with the certified global lighting protocol standard. For more from the DALI Alliance, click here.

£6m investment in electricity trade apprenticeships

Distribution network operator UK Power Networks says it is investing £6 million in craft apprenticeships this year, including hiring 55 newcomers to support local communities and advance Britain’s clean energy goals. The 55 appointments are part of a "future-ready workforce" that will keep power flowing to 20 million people and connect the low-carbon future to the grid, enabling increasing renewable energy, electric vehicles, and heat pumps. The positions received 2,052 applications. The apprenticeship programme Based in London, the South East, and East of England, the recruits will follow the Power Networks Craftsperson (Level 3) Apprenticeship programme and specialise as either Underground Cable Jointers, Substation Fitters, or Overhead Linespeople. These trades enable reliable electricity supplies to homes and businesses and support transition to low-carbon power. School or college leavers are ‘foundation apprentices’ and complete Outward Bound Trust training and the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme during three years’ technical training. Career changers are ‘experienced apprentices’ who also complete an Outward Bound programme, but follow condensed two-year training. Charlie Aston, Engineering Trainee Manager at UK Power Networks, comments, “Our apprenticeships nurture local talent and prepare the technical energy experts of tomorrow to power our regions’ future. “We are building a strong, skilled workforce drawn from the very communities we serve, enabling recruits to play a vital role in maintaining, connecting, and upgrading the electricity network for homes and businesses and helping power Britain’s low-carbon future.” Apprentices for our future power After six years as part of the British Army’s elite airborne infantry - the Parachute Regiment - serving all over the world, followed by three years in the telecommunications industry, Daniel Hinton, 29, from Cambridgeshire, is training as an Overhead Linesperson in Stevenage. He says, “Breaking into the electricity distribution sector and becoming a skilled craftsperson gives me real purpose. "A few months ago, there was a power cut on my street and everyone came out of their houses to see what was going on. That’s when you realise the importance of what we do. We keep everything running, and there’s real purpose and reward in that.” Amba Cordell, 16, from Essex, is training as a Substation Fitter in Canning Town after completing work experience with her dad, an electricity engineer. She notes, “The future is electric, which was part of why I wanted to join company. In the next five years, there will be no new petrol vehicles; our role will only increase. "My career goals are to go higher and higher and be the boss of my dad one day!” Once they qualify, most will work on maintenance, connections, and upgrades across London, the South East, and East of England. Seven will join UK Power Networks Services serving privately owned power infrastructure for clients in aviation, rail, defence, and industry. The new roles are based across Aldershot, Borehamwood, Brixton, Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Camden, Canning Town, Chatham, Chilterns, Colchester, Covent Garden, Crawley, Dartford, Downham Market, Heathrow, Kings Lynn, Lea Valley, Maidstone, Norwich, Peterborough, Purfleet, Southend-on-Sea, Stevenage, and Strood. The apprenticeship programme has won several awards, including regional and national recognition from the Department for Education’s apprenticeship awards, gold at the Learning Excellence Awards, and top honours from Energy and Utility Skills Awards. Applications for apprenticeships starting in September 2026 are open now. For more from UK Power Networks, click here.

Countdown to LiGHT 25: One week to go

This year’s LiGHT Expo London will feature an expanded programme of innovation, education, and networking opportunities. Key highlights for 2025 include the introduction of the Technical Zone, the return of the Associations Lounge, and a new immersive light art installation. The Technical Zone Launched for the first time at LiGHT 25, the Technical Zone will provide a dedicated showcase for prominent brands of urban lighting, commercial lighting, control systems, components and OEM, lamps and gear, and emergency lighting. With advanced controls, emergency systems, and components playing an increasingly important role in sustainable and human-centric design, the Technical Zone offers both exhibitors and visitors a platform to exchange expertise and explore the latest developments. The Associations Lounge Supported by Studio Due, the Associations Lounge will act as a shared hub for industry bodies including the DALI Alliance, The LIA, ILP, SLL, and the IALD. Located on the Gallery Level, the lounge will provide visitors and exhibitors with a comfortable environment away from the show floor, complete with refreshments, networking events, and a dedicated talks programme. It also offers the opportunity to learn more about association initiatives and membership. An immersive light art installation LiGHT 25 will also feature a new light art installation with Speirs Major Light Architecture, who have partnered with formalighting to present 'Re:Vision'. Exploring the theme of colour perception across species, Re:Vision uses custom spectral profiles and reimagined Ishihara colour blindness test patterns to "reveal the diversity of visual experience across the natural world." One week to go LiGHT 25 will bring together thousands of architects, interior designers, lighting designers, engineers, and specifiers, alongside hundreds of architectural and decorative lighting brands. Visitors can also take advantage of networking opportunities throughout the event, including a late-night drinks party, a networking lunch, and a dedicated co-working space. LiGHT 25 is set to be major event for anyone involved in lighting, architecture, interior design, engineering, and beyond.