This is a sponsored event by the IES Boston and Rhode Island section.

Please join the IES Boston and Rhode Island section for a panel discussion on material transparency and industry sustainability practices. The architectural industry has made large strides in the last 5-10 years in its sustainable product offerings, building practices, cleaner materials, and regenerative ideals. But where does this leave the lighting industry? While some may bring up the substantial reductions in energy usage with LED technology, we must pause and ask ourselves if better efficiency and lower wattage are enough. Stacked up next to the architectural offerings, we have a long road ahead of us to get up to speed with the rest of the movement regarding luminaire material transparency and climate impact. While we may be able to boast high efficacy, have we considered how our luminaries are made, what materials are being used, how they are harvested, and where the products go at the end of their useful life? Are we asking for PVC free wire casings and Environmental Product Declarations? Where do we stand in our education, progress, and practice?

This session will begin with a summary of a sustainability survey by a group of lighting designers which gauged lighting manufacturers’ present and future practices regarding material transparency, climate impact, and social health and equity. Some of the lesser-known components of the survey, such as the Red List, EPD’s, and Declare & Just labels, will be further examined. A panel discussion of industry experts will subsequently discuss next steps in self-organization facilitating the establishment of recommended guidelines around production and specification of luminaires that are both high performing and sustainably manufactured. Additional discussion topics will include how to hold sustainable business practices at different scales of business, as well as the choice to publicly share measured sustainable manufacturing practices, such as through Declare labels. The session will conclude with questions and participation from audience members.

Panelists:

Melissa Mattes

Reiko Kagawa

Karen Jess-Lindsley

Ren DeCherney

Scott Sorensen

Alexandra Gadawski