Renewing lighting should be your next sustainability move because remanufactured luminaires cut energy use, extend asset life and reduce capital spend while contributing to the achievement of circular-economy and net-zero commitments.
What does lighting remanufacture mean
Lighting remanufacture gives existing fittings a second life. The result is lighting that performs as well as – or better than – new products, with a comparable warranty. It combines reused housings with repaired and upgraded components, often converting older sources to efficient LEDs and modern controls. Instead of scrapping older luminaires, each fitting is assessed, disassembled, rebuilt with new or reconditioned parts, and fully tested to ensure compliance with current safety and performance standards.
How does renewing support the circular economy
Remanufacturing keeps luminaires in use longer, reducing the number of new products manufactured and transported, and reducing the number of old ones that end up as waste. Renew lighting projects follow the waste hierarchy. They prioritise the direct reuse of existing fittings, followed by repair, then the harvesting of components as donors, with disposal and recycling left only as a last resort, in line with WEEE rules.
By retaining as much of the original luminaire structure as possible, remanufacture avoids the carbon associated with the extraction and processing of new raw materials. This directly supports the objective of corporate circularity and helps you to participate in the pursuit of long-term climate targets such as those stated in the UN Climate Action Plan 2050.
The business case: savings and compliance
For most companies, the biggest gain comes from energy savings. The most energy-intensive industries, such as manufacturing and retail, spend about 10% of their operating costs on energy, totalling some £24 billion annually across all sectors in the UK. Upgrading legacy fluorescent or discharge fittings to LED through renew lighting programmes can deliver substantial cost reductions, sometimes in the region of 50-60%. Those energy savings then translate into improved operating margins and shorter payback periods, often making remanufacture more attractive than a full strip-out and replacement.
Because the existing luminaire bodies, wiring routes, and mounting points are reused, capital expenditure is typically lower than purchasing and installing entirely new fittings. At the same time, aligning with new remanufacturing standards for luminaires and WEEE-compliant treatment of end-of-life components helps you stay ahead of increasing producer responsibility and building performance regulations.
Risk, quality and stakeholder confidence
Modern remanufacturing processes in lighting are built around structured flows: surveying and core collection, inspection, disassembly, component reprocessing, reassembly and final testing. Each stage is designed to confirm that the upgraded product meets current photometric, electrical, and safety requirements and to support a warranty equivalent to new-product guarantees.
For decision-makers, this reduces the perceived risk of ‘used’ – and therefore potentially unreliable – equipment by turning old fittings into certified, traceable assets backed by a recognised remanufacturer. It also sends a clear signal to end users, staff, investors, and legislators that the business is taking sustainability seriously.
Why renew lighting should be next
Choosing to renew lighting enables you to adopt highly visible circular principles with minimal disruption. Your practical gains include lower energy bills, extended asset life and credible carbon reductions. Your reputational gain is the demonstration that your organisation is committed to resource efficiency, compliance and the circular economy.
If you want to find out more about renew lighting and what we can do for you, please get in touch here.