Sustainable lighting in projects: how to describe it in specifications and bills of quantities

1) Define sustainability in project terms

A good lighting specification text includes a clear assessment of the end result: function of the space, intensity of use, maintenance logic and desired light quality.

In addition, it includes a clear description of what you want to achieve. For example:

• lower energy consumption,
• longer service life,
• less maintenance,
• less waste and packaging during installation,
• or a combination of these?

2) Take maintenance and lifetime into account

Even with LED lighting, there are large differences in service life. This is partly related to maintenance: accessibility, replaceability and repairs.

Therefore, include criteria that enforce sustainable behaviour, such as:

• Maintenance-friendly design (components accessible without major disassembly),
• replaceability of drivers/components where relevant,
• clear agreements regarding availability of spare parts or functional equivalents.

At Multiline, we have been investing in sustainable products for many years, helping customers save money in the long term. This was recently confirmed and substantiated with a bronze EcoVadis medal.

3) Limit variants: standardisation as a sustainability tool

The more different luminaires, optics and accessories you have, the greater the risk of errors, leftover stock and complications in maintenance. Standardisation is therefore not only a purchasing advantage, but also a sustainable choice.

You can state this in a specification as:

• preference for a limited number of product families/types,
• variation only where functionally necessary (for example a different optic per zone),
• uniform light colour and consistent light appearance throughout the building.

Among others, Multiline’s Rekta light lines are popular with architects, engineering offices, installers and building owners in a wide range of applications. In addition, we can fully customise our luminaires to your sustainability needs.

4) Consider logistics and packaging

Sustainability does not end after production. Deliveries, packaging and site logistics also have an impact, especially in larger projects.

You can describe this for example as:

• deliveries grouped per zone/phase (less transport and site traffic),
• preference for bulk or reusable carriers where possible,
• limitation of excessive individual packaging.

These kinds of agreements make sustainability visible without making the project more difficult. At Multiline, we consider it self-evident to organise logistics as sustainably and efficiently as possible.

5) Control systems: worth the investment, as long as they stay rational

Control systems can save energy but are sometimes specified too broadly or too complexly. This leads to systems that are not commissioned correctly or are not used later on.

Therefore, describe:

• where control is needed (circulation areas, meeting rooms, zones with variable use),
• what you expect (zoning, dimming, basic logic),
• and how you will assess success (functional handover, intuitive operation).

6) How do you check whether the requirements are met?

A sustainability requirement only works if you can verify it with:

• clear product specifications per item,
• a concise set of product data sheets, lighting designs and handover specifications,
• and agreements on alternatives: what may be equivalent, and what may not?

Looking for sustainable lighting for your project?

Do you want sustainable lighting that not only sounds good in the specification, but also remains feasible in construction and handover? Multiline is happy to work with you on a lighting concept with specifications that are technically sound and project-feasible.

Contact us to discuss your plans, and we will translate your sustainability ambition into concrete choices.