The Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) welcomed its new president, Bob Bohannon, at the AGM in May.
Taking over from immediate past president Jim Shove, whom he thanked, Bohannon outlined his desire to help the SLL deliver a safe, zero carbon, healthy, sustainable, comfortably lit and visually stimulating environment.
Bohannon, whose mother has been an environmentalist since the 1970s, has championed a sustainable approach throughout his career.
He acknowledged the reduction in carbon emissions that has resulted from the introduction and dominance of LED lighting, but said the responsibility of the industry and lighting professionals does not end there.
Bohannon highlighted issues relating to construction, building services and procurement following the Grenfell Tower disaster and the publication of Dame Judith Hackitt’s review. ‘Much of the current industry design and build structure is predicated on short-term saving of capital cost, to deliver buildings that perform for as long as the warranty or retention period lasts,’ he said, and called for lighting and related industries to refer to the importance, worth or usefulness of something, and to consider who this should benefit in the long term.
Bohannon stressed that safety, integrity and resilience need to be central to the professional practice of the lighting industry. In promoting the value of light, the SLL must also encourage diversity and inclusivity.
The SLL president’s address was held online on 21 May. New president-elect Ruth Kelly Waskett was also inducted, and will serve her term from May 2021.
- Watch the SLL president’s address at bit.ly/CJJul20SLL