Sustainable Building Monthly!

Sustainable Building Week networking is too much fun to keep it once a year. We’ll supply the drinks, light snacks, and a few topics of discussion.

Light on Waste

Light on Waste, an ongoing research project developed by a team at PAE and LUMA, grew from the idea that our industry should reflect our personal mission to combat climate change. As we researched the hidden embodied emissions of lighting manufacturing, a seed was planted: how can we positively impact the planet?

Operationally efficient LED’s are seen as “sustainable.” However, typical luminaire components are made of finite resources that require energy-intensive extraction in global communities. Data on material sourcing, waste stream, total embodied emissions, and health impact is limited and misunderstood.

Light on Waste focuses on industry gaps by breaking down all elements that go into the design and production of a light fixture. Each part of the process, from external sustainability guidelines and policies to well-established production and material requirements, comes with its own set of clear challenges. In digging deeper, we can find examples and opportunities for potential solutions. This presentation speaks to new and developing approaches of looking at LED lighting from a different lens. As stewards of the planet, it is our responsibility to create a better future for all. It’s time to close the finite resource loop.

Sara Duffy’s experience in custom lighting manufacturing, product marketing, and architectural lighting design has given her a keen insight into the possibilities of sustainable luminaire design. She has written and developed multiple CEU training courses, with a focus on LED technology, circular design, and healthy materials. In her day-to-day work as a Senior Lighting Designer at LUMA, Sara collaborates with architectural project teams to develop thoughtful, intentional designs for projects worldwide.

Come down and have some fun!

All sustainability friends are invited whether you’re in design, construction, academia, government, business, manufacturing, or something else. All are welcome because it will take all of us to avoid the worst impacts of climate change.