P R O L E A R N
LIGHT EFFICIENCY
Light Efficiency refers to the practice of maximising the use of light while minimising energy consumption. It encompasses a range of technologies, design principles, and control systems aimed at providing optimal illumination with the least possible energy expenditure.
Key Characteristics
Energy-Efficient Sources: Utilisation of LED and other high-efficiency lighting technologies.
Smart Controls: Implementation of sensors and automated systems for adaptive lighting.
Daylight Integration: Maximising the use of natural light in conjunction with artificial lighting.
Benefits
Energy Savings: LED lighting can reduce energy consumption by up to 86% compared to traditional lighting.
Cost Reduction: Efficient lighting systems often have payback periods of 1-2 years due to energy savings.
Environmental Impact: Reduced energy consumption leads to lower carbon emissions, supporting sustainability goals.
Challenges and Considerations
Initial Investment: High-efficiency lighting systems may have higher upfront costs.
Retrofit Complexity: Upgrading existing buildings can be challenging and disruptive.
Balancing Efficiency and Comfort: Ensuring that energy-saving measures don't compromise lighting quality and user comfort.
Innovative Applications
Daylight Harvesting: Systems that adjust artificial lighting based on available natural light, potentially saving up to 60% in lighting energy.
Human-Centric Lighting: Adaptive systems that mimic natural light patterns to support human circadian rhythms and well-being.
IoT Integration: Connected lighting systems that provide data for space utilisation and energy management.
Future Outlook
As technology advances, we can expect to see more integration of AI in lighting control systems, leading to even more efficient and responsive lighting solutions. There's also likely to be an increased focus on the non-visual effects of light, such as its impact on health and productivity.
Call to Action:
Evaluate your current lighting systems for efficiency. Consider conducting an energy audit and explore how upgrading to more efficient technologies and smart control systems could reduce your energy consumption and costs while improving lighting quality.
Dirk van der Kooij is a design studio founded in 2009 in the basement of the Design Academy Eindhoven. The studio was established with the mission to explore the potential of plastic as an honest, durable material. The founding inspiration came from the innovative use of six pizza ovens welded together to create the Elephant Skin series, which showcased the unique properties of recycled plastic. The current mission of the studio is to create "forever furniture" that sustains generations of use, guided by the core values of longevity, functionality, and joy. The purpose of Dirk van der Kooij's work is to transform waste materials into valuable, high-quality furniture through a delicate union of machine and craft.
Location
Headquarters: Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Amsterdam-based factory.
Note: The studio operates in a 1920’s ex-military warehouse, optimizing local sourcing and production.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of furniture from waste plastic, discarded CDs, leather sofas, kitchen appliances, chocolate moulds, and diseased wood. Use of house-developed presses, robots, and extruders.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on local materials and production to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Elephant Skin series, furniture made from recycled plastic and other unconventional materials.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, durable furniture made from waste materials, innovative design processes, and a strong focus on sustainability.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing recycling technologies, developing new sustainable materials, and optimizing circular design processes.
Ambitious goals: To scale circularity in the furniture industry, significantly reduce global waste and carbon emissions, and make high-quality design accessible to a broader audience.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available through direct purchase on the Dirk van der Kooij website and select retailers.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Designed for full circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Premium pricing with a focus on long-term value and sustainability).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Dirk van der Kooij transforms waste into high-quality, durable furniture through innovative design and sustainable practices, setting a benchmark for circularity in the furniture industry.
Explore Further
Dirk van der Kooij website: https://www.dirkvanderkooij.com
Sustainability overview: https://www.dirkvanderkooij.com/about
Example product: Elephant Skin series - https://www.dirkvanderkooij.com/elephant-skin
EWE Studio is a design studio based in Mexico City, founded by Héctor Esrawe, Manuel Bañó, and Age Salajõe. The studio was established with the mission to preserve and advance Mexico's rich artisan heritage while embracing new mediums and technologies. EWE Studio's current approach focuses on creating high-end, handcrafted design pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Core values include cultural preservation, innovation, and sustainability, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and artisanal traditions.
Location
Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations in Mexico, working with local artisans.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: While not explicitly focused on circular economy, EWE Studio's work incorporates principles of material longevity, craftsmanship, and cultural sustainability.
Key innovations: Development of pieces that combine traditional materials like marble, bronze, and volcanic stone with contemporary design techniques.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on working with local artisans and using locally sourced materials, though specific information on closed-loop practices is not provided.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: EWE Studio's portfolio includes innovative projects such as the Nebula Lighting Sculpture, Copal Coffee Table series, Magma series, and custom installations that showcase the fusion of traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing techniques for combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, exploring new applications for local materials, and developing solutions that preserve cultural heritage.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in preserving artisanal techniques, create high-end pieces that celebrate Mexican craftsmanship, and inspire a shift towards more culturally conscious and sustainable design practices.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design pieces available through galleries, exhibitions, and direct commissions.
Circularity Rating: 3/5 (Focus on durability and cultural sustainability, though explicit circular economy practices are not mentioned).
Cost Rating: High-end pricing for collectible design pieces.
Material Passport: Use of traditional materials like marble, bronze, and volcanic stone, though formal material passports are not mentioned.
Designed for Disassembly: Information not explicitly provided.
Carbon Performance: Specific carbon performance metrics are not provided.
Key Takeaway
EWE Studio transforms the design industry through innovative use of traditional materials and craftsmanship, setting a benchmark for cultural preservation and material exploration in contemporary high-end design.
Explore Further
EWE Studio website: https://ewe-studio.com/en/
Formafantasma is a research-based design studio founded in 2009 by Italian designers Andrea Trimarchi and Simone Farresin. Originally based in the Netherlands, the studio relocated to Milan in 2021. Formafantasma investigates the ecological, historical, political and social forces shaping design today. Their founding mission was to facilitate a deeper understanding of our natural and built environments through transformative design interventions. Formafantasma's core values center around material research, sustainable production methods, and critical analysis of design's impacts on society and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: Milan, Italy.
Primary studio location: Via Privata Assab 1, Milan.
Previously based in Amsterdam and Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The Circular Vision
Formafantasma embraces circular economy principles by prioritizing renewable, recycled and locally-sourced materials in their designs.
Key innovations enabling circularity include extensive material research, designing for disassembly/reuse, and closed-loop manufacturing processes.
The studio advocates for localized supply chains and production methods attentive to their environmental footprint.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects showcasing circularity: Cambio (timber industry research), Botanica (plant-based polymers), Ore Streams (e-waste recycling).
Unique value propositions: Merging critical research with commercial design, material innovation, transdisciplinary collaborations.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Sustainable material lifecycles, design for environment/society, circular business models.
Ambitious goals: Become a leading voice promoting ethical, ecological and socially-responsible design practices.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products through brand partners like Flos, Dzek, Artek, Fendi.
Environmental Product Declarations: Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Entire practice centered on circularity).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Higher-end positioning but increasing accessibility).
Material Passport: Extensive material research/traceability data.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, a core tenet of their approach.
Carbon Performance: Aim for low-impact through local sourcing/production.
Key Takeaway
Formafantasma is pioneering a research-driven approach that elevates design as a catalyst for positive environmental and social change, setting new benchmarks for ethical, circular practices in the industry.
Explore Further
Formafantasma website: https://formafantasma.com
Sustainability overview: https://formafantasma.com/about
Studio Sabine Marcelis was established with the mission to explore the interplay between light, colour, and materiality through innovative design. Sabine Marcelis's current mission focuses on integrating sustainability and circular economy principles into her projects, creating products and installations that are both aesthetically striking and environmentally responsible. Core values include innovation, sustainability, and material experimentation, with a purpose to redefine the relationship between design, materials, and the environment.
Location
Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations based on project requirements and collaborations.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled and sustainable materials, and creating products that promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices.
Key innovations: Development of projects like "Candy Cubes" made from sugar and "Voie Lights" made from colored glass. Collaborations with brands like IKEA for the VARMBLIXT collection, which includes sustainable lighting fixtures.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced materials and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship projects: "Candy Cubes" (sustainable design using sugar), "Voie Lights" (colored glass lighting), "Aura Lights" (bioplastic lights made from agricultural byproducts), and collaborations with brands like IKEA and Audi.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, innovative design solutions that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. Sabine Marcelis's work is known for its ability to create immersive, sensorial experiences that connect with diverse audiences while promoting sustainability.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable material development techniques, exploring new applications for recycled and bio-based materials, and developing solutions that further reduce waste and energy consumption in design and production processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to design and material usage.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Design services and products available through collaborations, exhibitions, and partnerships with brands and institutions.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on integrating circular economy principles in design and production).
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with high-end design services, with significant value in sustainability and innovation).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and sustainable materials in many projects.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, many products are designed with consideration for future adaptability and material reuse.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through the use of sustainable materials and local production. Committed to minimizing environmental impact through efficient design and manufacturing processes.
Key Takeaway
Studio Sabine Marcelis transforms the design industry through innovative, sustainable solutions that prioritize circular economy principles, setting a benchmark for environmental responsibility and material innovation in contemporary design.
Explore Further
Studio Sabine Marcelis website: https://www.sabinemarcelis.com
Layer is a thought-leading design studio founded in 2015 by British designer Benjamin Hubert. The studio embraces circular economy principles by prioritizing sustainable materials, renewable energy usage, and eco-friendly manufacturing processes. Layer's core mission is to create revolutionary product experiences through human-centered design thinking. Their work spans strategy, industrial design, branding, digital design, and spatial design for leading brands. Layer nurtures an innovative culture focused on pushing boundaries to drive positive environmental and social impact.
Location
Headquarters: London, United Kingdom.
Primary studio location: 445 Hackney Road, London.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing for longevity, adaptability, disassembly, and material circularity.
Key innovations: Extensive material research, designing for easy maintenance/repair/reuse, sustainable manufacturing processes.
Prioritizing localized supply chains and responsible material sourcing.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship solutions: Reversible Building Design (RBD) protocol, disassembly-focused product design.
Unique value propositions: Human-centered, future-proof design and holistic sustainability integration.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus: Advancing circular construction methods, biomaterial innovations, digital design tools.
Ambitious goals: Becoming an industry leader in ethical, eco-positive design and business practices.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products through brand partners globally.
Environmental Certifications: Cradle to Cradle, LEED, WELL Building Standard.
Circularity Rating: 5/5.
Key Accreditations: ISO Standards for Design for Disassembly/Adaptability.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Higher premium positioning).
Material Traceability: Extensive data on material sources and lifecycles.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, a core design principle.
Carbon Performance: Aim for net zero/negative through energy efficiency.
The Human Element
Layer places a strong emphasis on the human element in design, ensuring solutions are inclusive, culturally aware, and facilitate cross-collaboration. The studio adopts strategies like participatory design workshops to bridge cultural gaps and develop user-centric solutions.
Environmental Considerations
Stringent environmental regulations and third-party certifications guide Layer's design approach. The studio prioritizes localized material sourcing, renewable energy usage, waste reduction, and material health evaluations to minimize environmental impact.
Intellectual Property Protection
Layer safeguards its innovative designs through comprehensive IP protection strategies, including patents, trademarks, copyrights, and legal agreements to prevent unauthorized use or replication of proprietary solutions.
Key Takeaway
Layer is pioneering a holistic approach to sustainable design that seamlessly integrates circular principles across its portfolio, positioning the studio as an industry leader in shaping the built environment for a regenerative future.
Explore Further
Layer website: https://layerdesign.com
Sustainability overview: https://layerdesign.com/about
Richard Hutten is a renowned Dutch designer based in Rotterdam, known for his conceptual and playful designs. He founded his design studio in 1991 after graduating from the Design Academy Eindhoven. Hutten's founding mission was to create innovative and optimistic designs that challenge conventional norms and bring joy to everyday life. His current mission focuses on sustainability and circular design, aiming to create products that are not only functional and aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible. Core values of Richard Hutten's work include creativity, sustainability, and optimism, with a purpose to inspire positive change through design.
Location
Headquarters: Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Rotterdam, with collaborations and exhibitions globally.
Note: Strategic location in Rotterdam to foster creativity and collaboration with international partners.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using sustainable and recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of sustainable furniture and products, integration of circular design principles, and use of eco-friendly materials.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on local materials and production to minimize environmental impact.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Dombo cup, No Sign of Design furniture collection, and various sustainable furniture pieces.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, playful designs that incorporate sustainability and circularity, innovative use of materials, and a strong focus on environmental responsibility.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable materials, developing new recycling technologies, and optimizing circular design processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the design industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards more responsible consumption.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available globally through direct purchase on the Richard Hutten website and select retailers.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Premium pricing with a focus on long-term value and sustainability).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Richard Hutten is a pioneering designer who combines playful, innovative designs with a strong commitment to sustainability and circularity, setting a benchmark for responsible design in the industry.
Explore Further
Richard Hutten website: https://www.richardhutten.com
Biography: https://www.richardhutten.com/about
Alusid is a UK-based company founded in 2012 by Alasdair Bremner and Professor David Binns. The company was established as a spin-off from the University of Central Lancashire with the mission to create beautiful, sustainable surface materials from recycled industrial waste. Alusid's current mission focuses on transforming waste materials into high-quality, eco-friendly products for the architecture and design industries. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and responsibility, with a purpose to reduce waste and promote circular economy practices.
Location
Headquarters: Richard House, Winckley Square, Preston, Lancashire, PR1 3HP, United Kingdom.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Preston, Lancashire, UK.
Note: Strategic location in Preston to leverage local resources and optimize production processes.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of sustainable tiles and surfaces made from recycled glass, porcelain, and other industrial waste materials. Alusid's patented process transforms waste into durable and aesthetically pleasing products with significantly lower environmental impact.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally sourced waste materials and sustainable production methods to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Mas tile, Principle tile collection, and bespoke surface materials.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable surface materials that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. Alusid's products are known for their innovative design, durability, and eco-friendly properties.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing recycling technologies, optimizing production processes, and developing new applications for recycled materials.
Ambitious goals: To lead the architecture and design industries in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative built environment.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available globally through direct sales and partnerships with distributors and architects.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles).
Key Certifications: Conforms to all CE and UK CA standards.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled glass, porcelain, and other industrial waste materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production. The Mas tile produces 5.90kg of CO2 per sq/m, almost halving the carbon footprint compared to the average Spanish ceramic tile.
Key Takeaway
Alusid transforms industrial waste into high-quality, sustainable surface materials, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility in the architecture and design industries.
Explore Further
Alusid website: https://www.alusid.co.uk
Sustainability overview: https://www.alusid.co.uk/about
Example product: Mas tile - https://www.alusid.co.uk/products/sustainabletiles/
De Vorm is a Dutch furniture brand founded by Jeroen ter Hoeven. The company was established with the mission to create sustainable, customizable, and innovative interior products. De Vorm is a pioneer in the use of PET Felt, a material made from recycled plastic bottles, and is committed to the creation of bespoke, environmentally friendly furniture and lighting products. De Vorm's current mission focuses on blending sustainability with modern design to offer high-quality products that meet today's standards. Core values include sustainability, innovation, and customization, with a purpose to provide functional and aesthetically pleasing solutions for modern interiors.
Location
Headquarters: Arnhem, Netherlands.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Various locations across Western Europe.
Note: Strategic locations to optimize local sourcing, distribution, and collaboration with industry partners.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using recycled and bio-based materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of PET Felt products, which contain a mix of post-consumer PET and virgin content. The PET Felt technology allows for the creation of durable, easy-to-clean, and environmentally friendly furniture and acoustic products.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on using locally produced PET Felt and other materials to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Nook PET Felt Lounge Chair, Pod PET Felt Privacy Chair, and the LJ series of chairs and bar stools made from recycled PET bottles.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable furniture solutions that prioritize circularity, material reuse, and environmental responsibility. De Vorm's products are known for their innovative design, durability, and sound-insulating properties.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing sustainable materials, optimizing recycling processes, and developing new applications for PET Felt and other eco-friendly materials.
Ambitious goals: To lead the furniture industry in sustainable practices, create zero-waste products, and inspire a shift towards a regenerative approach to interior design.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products available globally through direct sales, distributors, and retail partners.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Information not available.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled PET and other sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production. Committed to using the highest percentage of recycled content without compromising on quality and safety.
Key Takeaway
De Vorm transforms the furniture industry through innovative, sustainable solutions, setting a benchmark for circularity and environmental responsibility in modern interior design.
Explore Further
De Vorm website: https://www.devorm.nl/home
Sustainability overview: https://www.devorm.nl/sustainability
Example product: Nook PET Felt Lounge Chair - https://www.devorm.nl/products/nook-pet-felt-lounge-chair
Signify, formerly known as Philips Lighting, was established as a standalone company in May 2016 after its spin-off from Royal Philips. The company is headquartered in Eindhoven, Netherlands, and is the world leader in connected LED lighting products, systems, and services. Signify's founding mission was to unlock the extraordinary potential of light for brighter lives and a better world. The current mission focuses on sustainability and innovation, aiming to drive the development of eco-friendly products that can be reprinted, refurbished, reused, and recycled.
Location
Headquarters: Eindhoven, Netherlands.
Primary manufacturing/operations locations: Global presence with manufacturing plants in all major regions.
Note: Strategic locations in over 70 countries to optimize local sourcing, distribution, and collaboration.
The Circular Vision
Core circular economy principles: Designing out waste, using sustainable and recycled materials, and creating products that are fully recyclable.
Key innovations: Development of connected LED lighting systems, Light-as-a-Service (LaaS) model, and circular lighting solutions that can be upgraded, serviced, reused, refurbished, or recycled.
Prioritization of local sourcing and closed-loop supply chains: Emphasis on local materials and production to minimize environmental impact and support local economies.
Pioneering Solutions
Flagship products: Light-as-a-Service (LaaS) model, connected LED lighting systems, and circular lighting solutions.
Unique value propositions: High-quality, sustainable lighting solutions that reduce waste and environmental impact, innovative service models like LaaS, and a strong focus on circularity.
The Regenerative Future
R&D focus areas: Advancing connected lighting technologies, developing new sustainable materials, and optimizing circular design processes.
Ambitious goals: To lead the lighting industry in sustainable practices, achieve carbon neutrality, and inspire a global shift towards circular economy principles.
Fact Sheet
Commercial Availability: Products and services available globally through direct engagement with businesses and consumers.
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD): Over 2,000 EPDs covering more than 70,000 product variations.
Circularity Rating: 5/5 (Strong focus on circular economy principles).
Key Certifications: Information not available.
Cost Rating: 4/5 (Competitive with conventional alternatives, with significant cost savings in sustainable materials).
Material Passport: Detailed material traceability and use of recycled and sustainable materials.
Designed for Disassembly: Yes, products are designed for easy disassembly and recycling.
Carbon Performance: Focus on reducing carbon footprint through sustainable materials and local production.
Key Takeaway
Signify's circular approach to lighting, including their Light-as-a-Service model, sets a benchmark for sustainability and innovation in the lighting industry, driving significant advancements in circularity and environmental responsibility.
Explore Further
Signify website: https://www.signify.com/global
Sustainability overview: https://www.signify.com/global/sustainability
Example product: Light-as-a-Service - https://www.signify.com/global/our-company/blog/sustainability/circularity-preserves-value