The circular economy is a system designed to eliminate waste by promoting the continual use and regeneration of resources. This approach focuses on creating durable, long-lasting products, reusing and refurbishing items, recycling materials, and optimising resource efficiency. By extending the life of products and minimising the need for new raw materials, the circular economy helps mitigate negative environmental impacts.
This circular model diverts away from the traditional linear economy, which takes a “take, make, dispose” approach and leads to high resource consumption and waste. In contrast, this ecological model has been constructed to eliminate waste and keep resources in use through a “make, use, recycle” approach. Integrating circular economy principals with renewable energy, such as energy-efficient lighting, is crucial for achieving long-term sustainability.
Lumicom, the UK’s leading independent WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Compliance Scheme, serve the lighting industry through its waste collection services, ensuring the responsible disposal of products, reducing environmental damage. At Energy Efficient Solutions Group (EES Group), we install energy efficient-lighting products and work alongside Lumicom to ensure that waste from our projects is taken care of in an environmentally responsible manner. The Lumicom company offers a project managing service for large, multi-site refits or installations and their ability to manage both traditional and LED lamps in a single container simplifies the process for businesses while promoting sustainability.
In the lighting sector, TM66 (Technical Memorandum 66) developed by CIBSE and SLL, offers a framework to enhance circular practices. TM66 measures the circular potential of lighting products, promoting resource efficiency, longer product lifecycles, and better waste management. At EES Group, a number of our products adhere to TM66 standards, with more in the process of being certified, supporting our commitment to a more sustainable future.
Additional resources within the renewable energy sector also benefit from circular economy principles. Recycling and reusing components from renewable technologies, such as solar panels and wind turbines, extends their lifecycle and reduces the need for new materials, decreasing the environmental impact of manufacturing and decommissioning equipment, thereby lowering carbon emissions. The renewable energy industry can further enhance resource efficiency by refurbishing existing components and reintroducing materials into the production cycle. This approach not only conserves natural resources but also drives economic growth through new business models focused on repair and refurbishment.
It is vital for industries transitioning from linear to circular models to prioritise renewable inputs, maximise product use, and recover waste. Even traditionally linear sectors like oil and gas are starting to incorporate circular elements to reuse resources and reduce their ecological footprint.