We’re big fans of the new TM66 Circular Economy Assured ratings scheme that’s designed to give a truer reflection of the circular economy credentials of lighting products. TM66 is just one part of a package of initiatives created to make it easier to assess and verify the environmental friendliness of lighting products.
Above all, the scheme makes it easier to spot the greenwashing that can paint a false picture of products that position themselves as sustainable but, on closer inspection, are anything but.
The TM66 Circular Economy Assured scheme provides a level of credibility and transparency that the industry has been crying out for. It gives clients and specifiers the reassurance they need that any product certified under the scheme meets the minimum circular economy standards for lighting design and manufacture.
Published in 2021, TM66 offers practical guidance and tools to enable the sector to deliver a circular, sustainable approach to lighting and building services engineering. The voluntary scheme is a product of the joint contributions of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) and the Society of Light and Lighting (SLL).
There was also valuable input from lighting manufacturers, designers and end users, as well as guidance from the government and the renowned Ellen MacArthur Foundation.
The certification programme lends ‘weight and credibility’ to Circular Economy Assessment Methods (CEAM), the self-assessment methodology used to evaluate products, says Bob Bohannon, lead author of TM66: “Products with recognised sustainability marks attract higher rates of specification; it is important to ensure that specifiers can trust the claims made.”
According to CIBSE, an impressive list of leading specifiers and organisations have already started using the scheme which could soon be adopted by other areas of building services engineering.
So how does it work? Lighting products are measured against 66 circular economy criteria covering product design, manufacturing, materials and ‘ecosystem’. These criteria include everything from reusability to repairability.
As you would expect, all claims must be supported by credible evidence. If there’s a lack of clarity around this, a product’s credentials can be verified in the LIA’s UKAS-accredited laboratory.
The significance of TM66 is that it reflects the shift in emphasis within the built industry away from a superficial measurement of energy efficiency to carefully scrutinising the all-encompassing whole-life carbon, embodied carbon and full life cycle of materials. For anyone truly interested in sustainability, this is a huge step forward.
TM66 defines the Circular Economy and then assesses how each industry sector can adopt circular principles. CEAM turns a complex subject into an easy-to-understand star rating, providing both manufacturers and specifiers with independent metrics to compare one product with another.
Prior to publication, the concept behind the new TM66 guidance won the highest accolade at the Build Back Better Awards, judged by an independent panel of industry thought leaders.
Now it’s for real and that’s a testament to the hard-working and persistent individuals who volunteered their time, knowledge and expertise to make it happen. An incredible effort for the benefit of the lighting industry and the public, and an initiative we wholeheartedly support.
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Phi delivers a good solution, which is more than just a product. Their service is good, they talk through schemes with us and there is more to it than just a catalogue.
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I see Phi for architectural led office foyers, reception areas, bespoke spaces in office blocks and good architectural lighting for commercial developments
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We are project focused; there are lots of people in the industry but it is questionable whether they want to help and support properly. Why change to someone who may let you down, you stick with the best.
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Phi is not mainstream but a specialist niche architectural supplier who is a little bit different.
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Phi offer support, which sets them apart.
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Phi is a strong quality architectural supplier, giving good advice where we are lacking.
Perception & Image
Phi offer a great level of experience, supply, service and back up.
Perception & Image
I can rely on Phi being proactive on issues arising.
Relationships & Empathy
Phi understands us, our scope and our limitations.
Relationships & Empathy
Phi delivers a good solution, which is more than just a product. Their service is good, they talk through schemes with us and there is more to it than just a catalogue.
Technical Skills
The main asset of Phi is people and the high level of technical backup they provide. For example with their competitors I meet a salesman and not a technical salesman. This difference is crucial.
Technical Skills
Good quality products at a reasonable price.
Price
Phi is not the cheapest supplier but they offer quality architectural fittings.
Price
Phi’s personal service is appreciated and differentiates them.
Service
During completed projects, we have been happy with the performance and communication from Phi. I can rely on Phi being proactive on issues arising.
Service
I see Phi for architectural led office foyers, reception areas, bespoke spaces in office blocks and good architectural lighting for commercial developments
Spaces
Appropriate for the commercial sector in particular and other places where there is a modern style requirement as befits their current product range.
Spaces
Phi is most suited to commercial offices, associated rooms and educational buildings.
Spaces
Phi delivers a good solution, which is more than just a product.
Perception & Image
We are project focused; there are lots of people in the industry but it is questionable whether they want to help and support properly. Why change to someone who may let you down, you stick with the best.
Perception & Image
Phi is not mainstream but a specialist niche architectural supplier who is a little bit different.
Perception & Image
Phi offer support, which sets them apart.
Perception & Image
Phi is a strong quality architectural supplier, giving good advice where we are lacking.
Perception & Image
Phi offer a great level of experience, supply, service and back up.
Perception & Image
Phi Lighting Ltd
Unit 9, Brook Business Park, Brookhampton Lane, Kineton, CV35 0JA
Phone: +44 (0)1926 640 366Fax: +44 (0)1926 641 747Email: quotes@phi-lighting.com
Phone: +44 (0)203 875 6484