Q&A Wiesheu Elektronik is renting lighting at its German head office ended, the rental contract for the existing installation can be extended. Alternatively, there is the option of a new rental contract for the most up-to-date lighting installation. If the lighting is no longer needed by the customer, the company has various nextstep options, as ownership of the lighting installation and the raw materials contained within it remains with us. Lighting can be re-used, installed in a second market; refurbished, with certain components changed and refreshed; or, recycled, with resources taken from the old luminaire and repurposed for secondary use. Leighton James Hire calling A light as a service rental model from Trilux allows customers to rent the latest lighting systems without a large upfront cost. The companys Leighton James explains how it works T riluxs light as a service rental model is an innovative financing option that allows clients to install modern, energy-efficient lighting systems without the burden of high investment costs. The model involves Trilux planning, installing and operating the lighting system, including all service and maintenance tasks. The service has already been put into use by Wiesheu Elektronik, a specialist in the development and manufacture of electronic control systems for industrial applications. The project converted lighting in the storage and production areas, and in the companys 2,000m2 head office building in Burgstetten, Germany. Trilux combines individual components into customised complete solutions to match the customers requirements and the area of application. Leighton James, product and marketing director at Trilux Lighting UK, outlines what the rental scheme involves. What is the cost compared with buying outright? There is a cost reduction, with customers seeing savings from day one. This is because, in most cases, the monthly fees (rent + maintenance) and the reduced energy costs of the new installation are not as high as the energy and maintenance costs of the old installation. A small amount of financing costs must be added, compared with a standard purchase solution. However, there are other advantages, such as balance sheetneutral solutions when renting the light, protection of the credit line, preservation of liquidity, and maximum planning security over the term of the contract. Trilux also takes care of design, installation and operation, including dismantling the old system, and so supports the customer in their efforts to conserve resources. What happens at the end of the contract? The lighting is loaned to the customer for seven years, at a set monthly fee. If the customer wishes to continue with the lighting after the contract term has Do the components get upgraded as more efficient technology evolves? The decision to install Trilux lighting is risk-free, as the company bears the product and liability risk, and will guarantee smooth operation of the installation. Additionally, service and maintenance work are included in the rent. Customers can be assured that, throughout the entire contract period, the lighting installation will function perfectly and that the assured lumen output is achieved at all times. We guarantee a smooth operation without the need for replacements during the run-time of the contract. Has it been done in the UK? No, we are yet to do a full financing model in the UK. This is still a new model, designed to enable refurbishment and materialise savings for the client quickly. It is applicable to all countries and we are beginning to offer the model to UK clients. Are there any regulatory drivers in Europe pushing the concept? There are several drivers encouraging companies to focus on sustainable lighting. These include, in particular, the ban on fluorescent tubes that will apply in the EU from August 2023. In addition, the EU taxonomy for sustainable activities increasingly obliges companies to focus on sustainable business practices. Sustainable building certifications are also becoming more important for companies to achieve their sustainability goals. Our lighting can help achieve sustainability goals and, especially with a light as a service model, make it easier for companies to make a risk-free investment in a new lighting installation. www.cibsejournal.com April 2023 69