Lighting
Enhancing energy efficiency E
Chris Anderson, technical manager at Ansell Lighting, shares expert insight into the latest energy efficient lighting technologies.
nergy efficiency continues to be a huge factor in the lighting world. Responsible for a large proportion of power consumption in all types of buildings, specifiers and installers are seeking solutions that deliver maximum performance with minimal energy use. So which energy efficient lighting technologies should wholesalers should incorporate within their offering to best support market demand?
Lighting is responsible for a large proportion of energy use in buildings; estimated at around 10% in homes and up to 40% in warehouse and industrial sites, it is an area where major savings can be made with the adoption of more efficient solutions.
With energy bills continually rising, specifiers and installers are under increasing pressure to deliver installations that are energy efficient and cost effective to operate.
For wholesalers, this presents a key opportunity to add value and support to customers, by providing a comprehensive range of high- efficiency lighting solutions that work alongside LED fittings, to help reduce consumption and meet sustainability targets.
A great place to start with the curation of such a range is with motion sensors. Enhancing energy efficiency, they ensure lighting is only in use when a space is occupied. Typically there are two main types of motion sensor technology in use: Microwave and Passive Infra-Red (PIR). Microwave sensors work by using a principle known as the ‘Doppler Effect’; emitting continuous low-level microwave signals across a designated space which reflect off objects and return to the sensor. Any changes in the signal pattern caused by movement activate the sensor and trigger the lighting system, providing illumination as needed. PIR sensors on the other hand, detect infra- red radiation. When a warm body (such as an animal or person) enters the sensor’s range, it causes a change in the infrared radiation levels, which triggers the sensor.
Both types of sensors work extremely well but PIR sensors are more commonly used in domestic applications, due to their lower cost, while microwave sensors are generally used in larger homes, commercial settings and outdoor spaces, due to the broader detection area and highly sensitive response.
However, the gold standard of lighting energy efficiency is smart lighting.
Enabling every single lighting detail to be precisely programmed and automated, smart lighting supports users in tailoring their surroundings to their specific needs and routines. From the timings of operation, to the colour, brightness, intensity and combination of luminaires in use, every individual light fitting can be programmed and controlled to the smallest detail ensuring energy is used only where and when needed and at the optimum level for comfort and productivity.
From smart enabled bulbs, strip lighting and plugs, to wholly connected systems, the breadth of smart lighting technology now available allows for scalable solutions suitable for homes, offices and large-scale commercial or industrial facilities alike.
The latest addition to the smart lighting landscape are light monitoring dashboards. A product that should be on wholesalers’ radars, they further enhance the capabilities of smart lighting by providing real-time data on the performance and energy consumption of a building’s lighting systems, allowing operators to monitor, manage and optimise lighting environments with greater precision.
When it comes to curating an energy efficient range, variety and versatility are key. Wholesalers should ensure they stock a mix of LED luminaires, motion sensors, daylight harvesting solutions and smart-enabled fittings, along with compatible accessories such as switches, drivers and control interfaces. Offering these products at different price points and technical capabilities will ensure suitability across domestic, commercial and industrial projects, enabling contractors to specify solutions that meet both performance and budget requirements.
But the key to a successful offering isn’t just about the products themselves — it’s also about how they’re presented and supported. Wholesalers should ensure they are able to add further value by educating customers, sharing insight and offering ongoing support. This means going beyond product features to highlight compatibility, suitability for different applications and wider benefits, such as potential energy savings, payback periods and circular economy credentials.
By helping customers understand both the technical and financial advantages, wholesalers can make it easier for them to justify investment in higher-efficiency solutions and build lasting trust in their expertise.
ewnews.co.uk
November 2025 electrical wholesaler | 11
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