While greenwashing has cast doubt on many corporate sustainability claims, the reality of climate change is no longer in question for most. Just as society once resisted the notion of a round Earth, initial scepticism around environmental concerns has largely given way to widespread acknowledgment. With increasingly frequent extreme weather events making headlines across the globe, it’s clear that urgent action is required. Governments are responding with new legislation and incentives aimed at meeting ambitious sustainability targets to ensure a liveable future.
However, we don’t need to look decades ahead to see the need for change. Right now, high energy prices are placing significant strain on businesses, pushing organisations to seek more efficient and cost-effective solutions. One of the most straightforward and impactful areas to address is lighting.
In 2020, the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy reported that lighting accounts for 20% of the UK’s electricity consumption. Despite this, many UK businesses continue to use outdated fluorescent lighting, which is far less efficient and has a shorter lifespan compared to modern LED alternatives.
Upgrading from fluorescent to LED lighting can yield a rapid return on investment — in some cases, payback is achieved in as little as six months. Furthermore, businesses may be eligible for government-backed funding schemes to support the purchase and installation of energy-efficient equipment. These grants are often time-limited or capped, so early application is advised.
Adding further urgency is the RoHS Directive, which has now banned the sale of newly manufactured fluorescent lamps. The time to transition is now. While a full replacement with new luminaires is always an option, more sustainable and cost-effective retrofit solutions are also available. If existing light fittings are structurally sound and visually acceptable, bespoke LED upgrade kits can be integrated directly into the housing. This approach extends the life of the existing fittings, reduces waste, and eliminates the environmental impact associated with manufacturing a complete new luminaire — all with minimal disruption to operations.
Of course, installing new luminaires does open the door to the latest advancements in energy efficiency and smart lighting control. These modern solutions are the result of decades of innovation and are tailored to meet today’s operational and sustainability needs.
Take the new Glamox i65 high-bay luminaire, for example. Designed with circularity in mind, the i65 is built for disassembly at the end of its lifecycle to maximise recyclability. Its housing is made from 45% recycled aluminium and features high-efficiency LED technology, optional DALI or wireless connectivity, and integral emergency variants with lithium batteries. With IP65 and IK10 ratings, integrated heat sink for thermal management, and C4-grade anti-corrosive paint as standard, the i65 is engineered for durability. It’s as close to a “fit and forget” solution as you can get. It will be a very long time indeed before replacing the lighting system becomes even a vague thought.
When paired with wireless lighting controls, the i65 can help reduce energy consumption by up to 90%. These smart systems allow for remote monitoring and management via tablet, enabling significant energy and cost savings while ensuring full compliance with regulatory standards.
Warehousing and logistics environments present a wide range of lighting challenges — from vast open areas and high racking aisles to compact assembly spaces and external yards requiring Dark Sky-compliant fixtures. Smart LED lighting solutions can be customised to suit each of these scenarios, offering not only improved efficiency and visibility but also enhanced operational performance and worker safety.
Sustainability is no longer a buzzword — it’s a practical, measurable approach to improving business performance while safeguarding our environment for future generations. Upgrading to smart LED lighting is a simple, impactful step that every logistics business can take.
Meet Glamox at IMHX 2025
Glamox will be exhibiting at IMHX 2025, held from September 9–11. Visit us at Stand UK5 within the UKWA Pavilion for an informal conversation about your upcoming lighting projects. Our team will be on hand to showcase products tailored to logistics applications, including our wireless control systems, and provide expert advice on the best solutions for your facility.
Stand Number: UK5
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