5 tactics for sustainable architectural lighting

As architects drive the future of sustainable building design, lighting remains a critical frontier for innovation. Thoughtfully integrated lighting can enhance the beauty and functionality of a project while reducing the carbon footprint.

Here are five tactics that architects can utilize to push the envelope of sustainability.

1. Choose high-efficacy lighting

The operational carbon generated by lighting over the lifetime of a building dwarfs the embodied carbon of a luminaire. Higher efficacy means lower power consumption, translating directly into lower greenhouse gas emissions over the life of the fixture. LED lighting’s continued improvement has reduced the lighting load in the average commercial building from 30% in 2005 to less than 10% today. 

For architects, specifying high-efficacy luminaires is one of the simplest yet most impactful strategies to meet energy codes like ASHRAE 90.1 and achieve green building certifications such as LEED and WELL. To see if your luminaire is efficient, look at the LPW or check if it carries a DesignLights Consortium (DLC) or Energy Star classification. 

2. Include networked lighting controls

Beyond the fixture efficiency, networked lighting controls can further reduce energy consumption. Controls like occupancy sensors, daylight harvesting, and programmable scheduling optimize energy use by ensuring light is used when and where it is needed. A recent study of 194 commercial buildings showed networked lighting controls deliver a 49% additional energy savings, with offices saving over 70%.

For example, the Westin Savannah Resort implemented LED with wireless networked lighting controls to realize 94% energy savings, with a payback of under two years due to the few changes needed to infrastructure when layering in a wireless control system. 

For architects, choose networked lighting controls to support evolving code requirements such as Title 24 in California and that contribute toward building-wide energy reduction goals from programs like LEED and WELL.

3. Choose luminaries with lower embodied carbon

While operational carbon is still 80-90% of a luminaire’s carbon cost, embodied carbon—the emissions generated during production, transportation, and end of life for a luminaire—presents another opportunity for sustainable innovation. Lighting manufacturers have a critical role to play here by rethinking materials and product life cycles. Luminaires can use less material, and recycled materials can be used where possible to further reduce embodied carbon. 

Biorenewable materials such as coffee chaff and seashells may be incorporated into luminaire materials. Additionally, products can be manufactured with replaceable drivers and components, extending product life and minimizing waste. Luminaires that integrate field-adjustable selectors for wattage, color temperature, and photocell controls help to reduce the carbon footprint by minimizing waste from unused products and reducing shipping between jobsites and distribution centers.

While product declarations like Declare are not as readily available in lighting products as they are for other building materials, it is a growing trend that gives more visibility to the materials used to build the luminaire — key information when calculating embodied carbon. When architects select luminaires designed with circularity in mind, they contribute to a broader ecosystem of sustainable building practices and prepare structures for a future that values resilience and adaptability.

4. Minimize environmental disruption with exterior luminaires

True sustainability requires consideration of lighting's impact beyond the building envelope. Light pollution disrupts ecosystems, endangers nocturnal wildlife, and wastes energy. Architects can mitigate these effects by specifying Dark Sky-compliant, full-cutoff luminaires. 

By prioritizing fixtures that protect the night environment, architects can balance human needs with the health of ecosystems, meeting not only regulatory standards but also growing public expectations for responsible design.

5. Collaborate with lighting design 

Lighting can be complicated, and integrating a thoughtful design into your architecture can be easier with help. Consider bringing on a lighting designer for projects to help meet your lighting and controls targets. Designers can assist with specifications to ensure code compliance, can help with photometric models to ensure sufficient lighting, and can offer guidance to reveal and enhance your architecture. 

On projects where budget constraints limit your access to a lighting design consultant, consider services offered by manufacturers like RAB Lighting, which can provide solutions to meet local ordinances and industry best practices for projects of all scales. 

Lighting innovation with a purpose

At RAB Lighting, we view sustainable design not as a trend but as a mandate. Each of these tactics — high-efficacy luminaires, integrated controls, renewable materials and replaceable parts, Dark Sky compliance, and lighting design support — offers architects a powerful tool to realize beautiful, efficient, and environmentally responsible spaces.

As codes and client expectations continue to evolve, these strategies position architects to lead the way. 

RAB is proud to offer not just products, but partnerships, to bring your sustainable visions to light. Visit https://www.rablighting.com/feature/sustainability. 

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