LIGHTING
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Total cost of ownership: the real economics of LED lighting W hen LED lighting first entered the African market, the conversation was dominated by one question:
not define strong TCO performance. Longevity and reliability are equally critical. An LED luminaire designed to last 50,000 hours only delivers value if it performs in real-world conditions, such as heat, dust, voltage fluctuations, and extended operating cycles. Inferior products may promise impressive specifications but fail prematurely, erasing savings through frequent replacements and unplanned maintenance. Maintenance costs are frequently underestimated in lighting decisions. In warehouses, factories, retail environments, and public infrastructure projects, replacing failed fittings involves labour, access equipment, safety risks, and often operational disruption. High- quality LED systems significantly reduce these hidden costs by minimising failures and maintaining consistent light output over time. Lighting quality and performance stability also play a critical role in TCO. Issues such as flicker, colour inconsistency, or rapid lumen depreciation can negatively affect productivity, safety, and brand perception. In commercial and retail spaces, lighting directly influences customer experience and employee well- being factors that carry real economic impact, even if they are not immediately
Smart lighting has shifted from a “nice-to- have” innovation to a standard expectation across commercial, industrial, and public- sector projects, according to the Illumination Engineering Society of South Africa (IESSA). Driven by advances in AI, IoT integration, and sensor-driven systems, smart lighting is reshaping how lighting is designed, installed, managed, and maintained. For lighting professionals, staying competitive now means understanding these technologies and adapting to a more connected, intelligent lighting ecosystem. What is smart lighting? At its core, smart lighting refers to lighting systems that use digital technologies to operate more efficiently, intelligently, and responsively than traditional lighting solutions. Smart lighting systems typically combine: • Connected luminaires; • Sensors (motion, occupancy, daylight, temperature); • IoT-enabled controls; and • Data analytics and AI-driven software platforms. These systems allow lighting to automatically adjust based on real-time conditions, such as occupancy, available natural light, time of day, or usage patterns – without manual intervention. Rather than functioning as isolated components, smart lighting systems are often integrated into broader building management systems (BMS), smart cities infrastructure, or energy management platforms. Why smart lighting is now standard practice Several forces have accelerated smart How much does it cost? Today, that question has evolved. As businesses, municipalities, and developers become more experienced lighting buyers, the smarter question is no longer about upfront price, but about total cost of ownership (TCO), the true measure of long-term value, according to Aurora Lighting Africa. TCO looks beyond the initial purchase and considers the full lifecycle of a lighting system: energy consumption, maintenance, replacement, downtime, and operational risk. When viewed through this lens, LED lighting is not just an efficient alternative; it is a strategic investment. Energy savings are the most visible part of the equation. Lighting can account for up to 40% of electricity consumption in commercial and industrial buildings across Africa. High-quality LED solutions dramatically reduce this load, often cutting energy use by 50–70% compared to legacy technologies. In regions where electricity costs continue to rise and supply reliability remains a challenge, these savings are not marginal; they are transformative. However, energy efficiency alone does
infrastructure, lighting decisions made today will shape operational costs for years to come. In the end, LED lighting is not about spending less upfront; it is about spending smarter over time. As Scylagh Clunnie, managing director of Aurora Lighting Africa, explains: “When clients focus only on purchase price, they often overlook the operational burden that poor-quality lighting creates. True value comes from systems that are engineered to last, perform reliably in African conditions, and reduce long-term risk, not just initial spend.”
visible on a cost sheet. Smart lighting controls further strengthen the business case. Occupancy sensing, daylight harvesting, and intelligent control systems can reduce energy consumption while extending luminaire life. When thoughtfully designed, these technologies enhance efficiency without adding unnecessary complexity. Aurora Lighting Africa believes that the race to the lowest price ultimately costs more. Sustainable lighting solutions must be purpose-built for African environments, supported by credible warranties, and backed by local expertise. As Africa continues to modernise its
Enquiries: info@aurora-africa.com
Smart lighting becomes standard practice: a key lighting trend for 2026 A s the lighting industry moves rapidly into 2026, one trend is no longer emerging; it is firmly established. Energy efficiency and sustainability mandates lighting from innovation to expectation:
opportunities for industry professionals, manufacturers, designers, and installers.
Staying ahead of the curve with IESSA As smart lighting becomes standard practice, industry knowledge and collaboration are more important than ever. This is where IESSA plays a critical role. By becoming a member of IESSA, professionals gain: • Access to industry insights and emerging trends; • Opportunities for knowledge-sharing and professional development; • Engagement with peers, suppliers, and thought leaders; and IESSA supports its members in navigating industry change, ensuring they are not only aware of what’s next but prepared to lead it. Looking ahead to 2026 Smart lighting is no longer about the future; it is the present standard shaping the lighting industry in 2026 and beyond. AI-driven, connected, and sensor-enabled systems are redefining how lighting delivers value across every sector. For lighting professionals, the question is no longer whether smart lighting will become standard practice, but how quickly they will adapt. • A platform to stay informed as technology, standards, and best practices evolve.
New revenue streams Smart lighting opens the door to: • Value-added services; • System monitoring and maintenance contracts; and • Software, analytics, and upgrades. The industry is shifting from once-off installations to long-term solutions and partnerships. Increased project value Projects that incorporate smart lighting: • Deliver higher performance outcomes; • Offer measurable ROI for clients; and • Future-proof infrastructure investments. This elevates the role of lighting professionals from suppliers to strategic contributors. Skills development and industry growth As systems become more intelligent, the demand grows for professionals who understand: • Digital lighting controls; • Data and systems integration; and • AI-enabled lighting platforms. This evolution creates opportunities for upskilling, specialisation, and industry leadership.
Governments, municipalities, and private developers are under increasing pressure to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. Smart lighting enables: • Lower energy use through adaptive dimming and scheduling; • Better compliance with energy efficiency standards; and • Measurable sustainability outcomes. In many projects, traditional “on/ off” lighting simply no longer meets compliance or ESG requirements. Advancements in AI and IoT technology The rapid maturity of AI and IoT has made smart lighting: • More reliable; • More affordable; and • Easier to deploy at scale. AI-driven systems can now learn usage patterns, predict maintenance needs, and optimise performance automatically, turning lighting into a data-driven asset rather than a fixed cost. Smarter buildings and public spaces From offices and retail environments to transport hubs and city streets, lighting is now expected to: • Enhance user comfort and safety; • Support productivity and wellbeing; and • Integrate seamlessly with smart building and smart city strategies. Lighting is no longer about illumination; it’s about experience, intelligence, and connectivity. Benefits of smart lighting for the lighting industry The rise of smart lighting brings significant
Enquiries: www.iessa.org.za
SPARKS ELECTRICAL NEWS
FEBRUARY 2026
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