“In the grand scheme of sustainability, it is not just about making a difference; it is about redefining our relationship with the environment.”
These words, spoken by the renowned environmentalist Jane Goodall, resonate deeply as we explore the transformative potential of Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting systems. Goodall is a renowned primatologist, ethologist, and conservationist, best known for her groundbreaking work with wild chimpanzees, but she is a powerful voice when it comes to advocacy for environmental conservation and sustainability issues.
Her wisdom encapsulates the essence of our journey towards a more sustainable future, where every action, no matter how seemingly small or inconsequential, contributes to the greater good. The realm of sustainability is vast, encompassing various aspects of our lives. The sustainability advantages of Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting systems, particularly Lightmatrix from Prolojik, are no exception.
This blog, the latest edition of the Prolojik Blog, looks at the benefits of PoE, why our Lightmatrix system is so highly regarded in the area and how these small steps go a long way in the wider world of sustainability issues.
LEDs as a Benchmark for Energy Efficiency
Jane Goodall’s words inspire us to question conventional practices, and in the world of lighting, this begins with LED technology. Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting, the benchmark for energy efficiency, has adorned our spaces for over a decade now.
However, as technology continues to speed on and evolve at breakneck speed, we are prompted to rethink the very essence of powering these lights. It’s a paradox – why distribute AC power (Alternating Current) throughout a building only to have to step it back down to DC power (Direct Current) at each individual light? It makes no sense and is a huge waste of power.
This is the puzzle that Prolojik’s Lightmatrix aims to solve.
Lightmatrix, our take on PoE, was introduced in 2015 and stands as a testament to our commitment to sustainability and innovation. Inspired by Goodall’s words, we believe that in the pursuit of a greener tomorrow, simplicity is the key.” In the grand scheme of sustainability, it is not just about making a difference; it is about redefining our relationship with the environment,” and this redefinition begins with the very infrastructure that powers our lights.
Lightmatrix is our unique interpretation of PoE, and we’ve illuminated over 1 million square feet of commercial, healthcare, educational and laboratory space with this groundbreaking technology. PoE for LED lighting brings a seismic shift in the way we power our spaces.
Simplicity in a Complex World
The installation of Lightmatrix is a testament to simplicity. With plug-and-play data cabling and established DALI features, the system ensures a highly efficient control system that is not only simple and quick to install but also safe. In doing so, it reduces the need for skilled labour during installation, aligning with the principle that sustainable solutions should be accessible to all.
Lightmatrix, beyond its installation benefits, redefines our relationship with the environment by providing operational and environmental benefits. It is luminaire vendor agnostic, fully DALI compliant to IEC 62386, and boasts a scalable network to accommodate up to 960,000 devices. The system integrates seamlessly with the cloud and incorporates advanced IoT sensors, offering not just illumination but intelligent, responsive lighting solutions.
One of the significant advantages of Lightmatrix is its ability to operate on SELV (Safety Extra Low Voltage) and deliver 60W per port. This not only reduces the reliance on copper cabling but also enhances safety by minimising the risk of electrical hazards. The hot-swappable luminaires further contribute to the system’s efficiency, allowing for easy replacement and maintenance without disrupting the entire lighting network.
Lightmatrix’s flexibility and lower maintenance needs further emphasise the philosophy encapsulated in Goodall’s words. This commitment to sustainability is a destination we are trying to reach through in an ever-developing journey, as we partner with leading lighting suppliers, and embrace the collective responsibility to redefine our relationship with the environment.
Continued Excellence in Sustainability
But our commitment to sustainability does not end there, not by a long shot. As one of the leading players in the lighting control industry, we are strong believers in all things green. This is highlighted in our groundbreaking sustainability initiative, which we have named ‘Mission M’.
Mission M – which we recently wrote about in greater detail – is not just a business strategy or catchy gimmick, or a few lines that we put on our website to make us look better. No, it’s our commitment to continuous improvement and a blueprint for sustainable practices across all aspects of our operation. It covers six pillars: Minimise, Make, Materials, Migrate, Miles and Maintain, and keeps sustainability at the forefront of everything we do.
Our grounding in sustainability runs through every aspect of our operations, including an initiative that we call the Hermit Crab Theory, which aims to answer the question, “When you build products that are designed to last two lifetimes, how do you manage technology evolution sustainably
The concept is simple, we have been delivering lighting controls for over two decades and whilst technology has evolved, our products often look as good as they did the day they were installed. Driven by our insistence on the use of best-in-class materials, and a design philosophy focused on life cycle maintenance by supporting backward compatibility, we can offer our clients the latest technology whilst re-using the bulk of their investment.
In terms of energy efficiency, Lightmatrix takes the lead, offering a 20% improvement over traditional lighting systems. By eliminating the need for extensive copper cabling and optimising power delivery, Lightmatrix ensures that every watt of electricity is utilised efficiently, contributing to both cost savings and a reduced environmental footprint.
Goodall’s Legacy and Technology
Jane Goodall’s impressive legacy teaches us that sustainability is not merely about something so mundane as trying to make a difference day-to-day but involves redefining our relationship with the environment and how we interact with it. She emphasises the interconnectedness of all things – organic and synthetic – and the importance of individual actions and personal responsibility in shaping a more harmonious and responsible coexistence with the planet.
Her wisdom guides us, reminding us that our actions today determine the legacy we leave for future generations. “In the grand scheme of sustainability, it is not just about making a difference; it is about redefining our relationship with the environment.” Lightmatrix, with its PoE technology, stands as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a sustainable, redefined future – one plug at a time!
If you would like to know more about our sustainability ethos, or our Lightmatrix system, please do not hesitate to get in touch! We can be emailed at [email protected], or we’re only on the end of the phone: (01494) 515100.