Let’s be honest, when was the last time you gave your office lighting a second thought? If your answer is never, you’re not alone! While fluorescent lighting may seem like an insignificant part of office life, it could impact your team’s wellbeing, budget, and sustainability goals without you even realising.
Fluorescent lighting ban
Fluorescent lighting has long been a key feature of office and commercial spaces across the UK. It’s been around for years and until recently was considered the ‘norm’. However, concerns about the mercury content of florescent tubes which made them difficult to safely dispose of, led to a manufacturing ban in February 2024.
The tubes are also far less energy-efficient than modern alternatives, which means they’re racking up higher energy bills and increasing your carbon footprint in the process.
Make the switch to LED
The most common replacement option is LED lighting. Instead of using heat or gas, LEDs produce light when electricity passes through semiconductors. These are more environmentally friendly than other sources and have a range of benefits for your business.
Benefits of LED lighting
- Energy efficiency
LEDs can be up to 80% more efficient than fluorescents, meaning they use less energy, costing you less.
- Employee wellbeing
Arguably, the biggest and often hidden benefit of LEDs is the impact on staff, customers, and anyone visiting your site for an extended period. Harsh lighting can lead to headaches, eye strain, and fatigue. LEDs offer a stable, softer light source that’s more natural to work under. Some modern systems can even mimic daylight, helping to support focus and mood throughout the day.
- Increased lifespan
LEDs tend to last longer than other light sources, which means fewer replacements and maintenance costs. This also reduces the number of lamps ending up in landfills.
- Instant brightness
With LEDs, there’s no delay time when a light switch is turned on and the system reaches full brightness. This makes them a more responsive option for a corporate environment.
So, while it can seem like ‘just light bulbs’, making the switch to LED can transform your efficiency and working environment. If your office is still using fluorescent lighting, it’s time to consider transitioning to other lighting types. This switch isn’t as disruptive or expensive as you might think. Many LED tubes are designed to be direct replacements for fluorescent tubes.
Our team has been busy helping businesses across Scotland make the move to LED lighting. Get in touch with us at info@kore-solutions.co.uk to discover how we can help you.