LIGHTING
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PICOLUM: compact design, exceptional performance D esigned and manufactured in South Africa, the PICOLUM is BEKA Schréder’s latest addition to its trusted streetlighting range. Combining distributions to meet the specific demands of each application, ensuring optimal illumination and maximum energy savings. To further enhance efficiency, the PICOLUM offers flexible combinations of LED modules, as well as a choice of driver currents and
sleek design with advanced LED technology, the PICOLUM brings together performance, durability, and energy efficiency in one compact luminaire. Whether illuminating residential streets, urban roads, or public spaces, the PICOLUM ensures safe, sustainable, and cost-effective lighting, built to last in even the most demanding environments. The PICOLUM delivers outstanding photometric performance while keeping the total cost of ownership to a minimum. It is the ideal solution for those aiming to reduce energy consumption, improve lighting levels, and minimise maintenance requirements. With a wide range of high-performing optics, the PICOLUM provides tailored light
• Future-ready design: Engineered for easy technology upgrades (future-proof) • Simplified installation: Compact, lightweight and installer-friendly design • Exceptional light quality: Provides uniform illumination for enhanced visibility and safety • Robust protection: Surge protection up to 10 kV/ 10 kA • Sustainable choice: Awarded a Circular Economy 4-Star rating • Peace of mind: Backed by a five-year warranty (terms and conditions apply) With its compact design, advanced optical performance and robust construction, the PICOLUM embodies BEKA Schréder’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and local manufacturing excellence. It offers municipalities, developers and contractors a cost-effective, future-ready lighting solution that enhances safety, reduces energy consumption and supports a greener environment. The PICOLUM is more than just a streetlight; it’s a smart investment in the future of South African road and urban lighting.
Key advantages include: • Proudly South African: Designed and manufactured locally, achieving a SADC Class S rating with over 87% local content • Reliable performance: Operates LED light sources of up to 82 W in ambient temperatures up to 25 °C, maintaining a long useful lifetime of 100,000 hours (L95B10) • Flexible mounting options: • Side-entry Ø42 mm (adjustable +20° to -20°) • Bottom-entry Ø76 mm (adjustable 0° to +20°) • Advanced photometric technology: Equipped with the latest LensoFlex 4 or HiFlex photometric engine, providing maximum spacings for compliance with SANS 10098 road lighting classification, while maintaining comfort and safety • Durable construction: Marine-grade, high-pressure die-cast aluminium housing for long-lasting corrosion resistance • Outstanding efficiency: Maximised savings in energy (more than 70% possible) and maintenance costs
dimming options, delivering a truly cost- effective and adaptable lighting solution. The PICOLUM range takes advantage of the latest photometric innovations with the LensoFlex 4 and HiFlex photometric engines, which have been developed around the ideas of performance, compactness, versatility, and standardisation. Designed with easy serviceability in mind, the PICOLUM features a replaceable lid for convenient maintenance. Multiple spigot options are available, allowing for both bottom and side-entry installation to ensure flexibility and ease of integration into different mounting configurations.
Whether illuminating residential streets, urban roads, or public spaces, the PICOLUM ensures safe, sustainable, and cost-effective lighting, built to last in even the most demanding environments. -BEKA Schréder
Enquiries: www.beka-schreder.co.za
Sustainability and environmental impact in the lighting industry S ustainability is no longer a peripheral concern in the lighting industry; it is central to how lighting therefore been one of the most impactful sustainability shifts in recent decades. LEDs
As Africa faces rapid urbanisation, growing energy demand, and increasing pressure on infrastructure, lighting choices carry significant environmental consequences -Aurora Lighting Africa
consume significantly less energy than traditional light sources and deliver the same or better illumination with far lower environmental cost. However, true sustainability in lighting goes far beyond energy efficiency. Product lifespan and durability are critical factors. A luminaire that fails prematurely negates many of the environmental gains achieved through reduced power consumption. Frequent replacements increase waste, transportation emissions, and resource extraction. Designing lighting systems that can withstand harsh operating conditions – heat, dust, voltage fluctuations, and long burn hours – is essential, particularly in African environments. Another often-overlooked aspect of sustainability is material use and end-of- life management. While LEDs last longer,
is designed, specified, and evaluated, according to Aurora Lighting Africa. As Africa faces rapid urbanisation, growing energy demand, and increasing pressure on infrastructure, lighting choices carry significant environmental consequences. The industry now has both an opportunity and a responsibility to reduce its footprint while supporting economic growth and social development. Lighting accounts for a substantial portion of global electricity consumption, particularly in commercial, industrial, and public spaces. In many African countries, where energy generation still relies heavily on fossil fuels and grid stability remains a challenge, inefficient lighting directly contributes to higher carbon emissions and resource strain. The transition to LED technology has
escalating environmental damage. At Aurora Lighting Africa, sustainability is viewed as a practical commitment rather than a marketing slogan. This means prioritising quality, designing for longevity, and ensuring products are fit for purpose in real-world conditions. It also means working closely with clients to deliver solutions that balance performance, cost, and environmental responsibility. As Africa continues to build cities, expand industry, and modernise public infrastructure, lighting decisions made today will shape environmental outcomes for decades. By embracing sustainable lighting practices now, the industry can play a meaningful role in reducing emissions, conserving resources, and supporting a more resilient future. Sustainable lighting is not about compromise. It is about making smarter, more responsible choices that benefit both the environment and the people who rely on it every day. As Scylagh Clunnie, managing director of Aurora Lighting Africa, notes: “Sustainability is not achieved by simply specifying an efficient light source. It comes from designing and selecting products that last, perform consistently in challenging conditions, and minimise waste over their entire lifecycle.”
they are also more complex products, incorporating electronic components that require responsible disposal. The industry must continue to improve recyclability, reduce hazardous materials, and design products with circular economy principles in mind. Sustainable lighting should consider the entire lifecycle – from raw material sourcing to manufacturing, operation, and eventual disposal. Light pollution is also an environmental issue gaining increased attention. Over- illumination and poorly designed outdoor lighting disrupt ecosystems, affect human health, and waste energy. Thoughtful lighting design using appropriate light levels, optics, and controls can significantly reduce unnecessary spill light while maintaining safety and visibility. Adaptive and smart lighting technologies allow illumination to respond to real-world conditions, dimming or switching off when not needed and further reducing environmental impact. Sustainability is not only about protecting the planet; it is also about creating long- term value for communities and businesses. Efficient, well-designed lighting reduces operating costs, improves safety, and supports productivity, while lowering strain on national power systems. For municipalities and large-scale developments, sustainable lighting contributes to resilient infrastructure that can serve growing populations without
Enquiries: info@aurora-africa.com
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
MARCH 2026
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