Carbon neutrality and beyond
Our sustainability journey
Why sustainability matters at Thorlux
For many years, sustainability and concern for the environment have been at the core of Thorlux Lighting’s business philosophy. The company is committed to doing the right thing for its people and the planet and enabling change. It has worked hard to reduce its environmental impact.
Thorlux Lighting is committed to helping create a brighter, greener, and more prosperous future. Thorlux began its sustainability journey in the early 1990s, recognising the benefits of energy efficiency, lower emissions and long product life.
By merging cutting-edge lighting technology with a commitment to minimising environmental impact, the company seeks to be a leader in responsible and efficient lighting solutions.
Thorlux has been officially recognised as carbon neutral, with systems of reduction, measurement and certified offsetting in place, since 2012. This decade-long status has been assessed by an independent third party using the international ISO 14064-1 standard, which measures greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals. This recognition confirms Thorlux's ongoing commitment to sustainability across its global operations.
What carbon neutrality means
Being carbon neutral means that Thorlux offsets the carbon dioxide emissions it generates through its business activities (see Scopes 1 and 2 of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol).
Thorlux is a carbon-neutral company through a combination of measures. Company-wide initiatives such as energy use minimisation, self-generation of renewable energy through solar photovoltaic (PV) units, and procurement of renewable energy have reduced Thorlux Lighting's carbon footprint, whilst trees in its award-winning carbon offsetting afforestation project sequester the remaining carbon dioxide produced.
Our carbon offsetting project
In 2009, Thorlux purchased 215 acres of farmland in Devauden, Wales. To date, it has planted 179,412 trees for carbon sequestration. Based on calculated emissions, an independent third party has confirmed that Thorlux has planted enough trees to have been carbon neutral since 2012.
The carbon capture tree-planting scheme (quality-assured by the government-backed Woodland Carbon Code) is independently certified to ISO 14064-3 and ISO 14065 standards. The Woodland Carbon Code is an independent standard devised by a group led by the UK Forestry Commission that certifies woodland creation projects that accurately measure how much carbon is captured and stored.
After completing the woodland project in Wales, Thorlux recently purchased 195 acres of land in Herefordshire for its second woodland creation project. The land has significant potential for connecting existing woods for biodiversity and landscape enhancement, as well as providing enjoyable recreational areas for local residents.
Learn moreSustainability timeline
1994
First in house energy-saving automatic lighting control system was developed, saving customers money on their lighting running costs as well as reducing carbon emissions.
2000
Thorlux launches Smart controls, a multifunctional sensor designed to be integral to the luminaire, reducing installation complexity and maximising energy and carbon savings.
2008
Independently inspected and certified to ISO 14001:2004 by the British Standard Institute.
ISO 14001 sets the standard for monitoring an organisations impact upon the environment and ensure management procedures are in place.
2009
Purchase of 215 acres of land in Cwm Fagor, Wales and the start of tree planting to offset the direct emissions generated in manufacture and selling activities.
2010
Thorlux develops and manufactures its first in-house energy saving LED light engine.
2016
Thorlux launches SmartScan, a revolutionary wireless lighting management system that maximises energy savings and allows users to monitor their energy performance data along with operational status.
2019
First solar photovoltaic installation generating 224,470kWh of electricity and over its lifetime, avoiding 1580 tonnes of carbon through green energy production.
2020
Installation leaflets go digital through an innovative QR code system, helping to save 1.3 million sheets of paper per annum.
2021
Officially recognised as being carbon neutral since 2012. Company-wide initiatives to reduce energy consumption combined with renewable generation on site, whilst trees planted in its award-winning carbon afforestation project absorb the remaining carbon dioxide produced.
2023
Significant expansion of the solar photovoltaic installation. Over 3000 panels installed generating an impressive 1 million kWh per annum.
First luminaire to be independently assessed to the TM66 circularity assessment method by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), scoring ‘excellent’ – the highest achievable level of circularity.
2024
Thorlux Lighting, as part of FW Thorpe Plc, has its net-zero target validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) under the Net-Zero Standard.
