7 November 2013

Innovative eco-light includes sustainable criteria in each step of production

Innovative eco-light includes sustainable criteria in each step of production

Through employing innovative sustainable design techniques, researchers have developed a new "eco-light" which uses significantly less energy than traditional lighting. Whole lifecycle evaluation was used to ensure the product is comprehensively sustainable, while LEDs and recycled plastic further mitigate the light's environmental impact.

Prior to production, computer software theoretically analysed the environmental impact of different materials, industrial processes, and transport and distribution methods, to ascertain which was the least harmful. It was found that the greatest environmental impact was not in the use of the product itself, but rather in the distribution stage. This offers one area in which improvements can be made.

The next focus of the research is to fully optimise the eco-lights, focusing on maximising light performance. The research was supported by the CIP Eco-Innovation programme and two projects funded under the EU's Seventh Framework Programme.

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