Thanks to Signify's lighting, Hillwood reduces light pollution from its properties

Signify (Euronext: LIGHT), the global leader in lighting, in partnership with leading commercial real estate developer Hillwood Polska, has introduced a new solution aimed at minimising light pollution from its warehouse development in Janki Sokołów. The project was delivered using modern Philips LED luminaires from Signify, manufactured in line with circular economy principles and verified by an Environmental Product Declaration (EPD).

Exterior lighting on warehouse buildings is one of the factors that can contribute to light pollution (i.e. the emission of artificial light beyond its intended area, where it is neither needed nor wanted) and have a negative impact on the surrounding environment. Hillwood, as a responsible developer, has taken steps to minimise this problem. At the Hillwood Janki Sokołów warehouse development in the Michałowice municipality, the company has implemented solutions ensuring the smallest possible impact of the property's exterior lighting on its surroundings, thanks to Signify's solutions.

Minimising light pollution

– At Hillwood we are committed to protecting the environment and nature. We also care for the local community. That is why we wanted to reduce light pollution around our facilities. We wanted a solution that would limit the negative impact on the environment and the community while also allowing flexible lighting management and reducing energy consumption. That is precisely why we decided to work with Signify – says Emilia Bigos, Property Manager at Hillwood Polska.

Modern Philips LED luminaires

In order to limit the negative impact of warehouse building lighting on the neighbourhood, Hillwood took concrete steps. First and foremost, the old LED lighting luminaires were replaced with modern and efficient Philips LED luminaires from Signify. In addition, the tilt angle of the luminaires and the focus of the light were adjusted so as to illuminate only the company's own property, while minimising illumination of neighbouring areas. Thanks to these measures, unwanted light (stray light extending beyond the site boundary) was eliminated, providing greater control over the illuminated area.

The Signify Interact City lighting control system used, combined with Philips UniStreet LED luminaires, brought many benefits. Thanks to automatic dimming of light intensity during night hours (down to 25% of power), it was possible to reduce energy consumption and improve residents' comfort. This solution also minimises glare and limits light intrusion into neighbouring areas, helping to create a more pleasant environment.

Integrating the luminaires with the Interact City control system also brought additional benefits in terms of greater flexibility and control. The system allows luminaires to be grouped freely, dimmed smoothly, and operating schedules to be set in line with the working characteristics of individual areas of the site, as well as making the lighting maintenance process easier and faster.

Reduction of upward light emission

Thanks to these innovative solutions, Hillwood achieved a range of benefits and reduced its unwanted environmental impact. The amount of light generated into the upper hemisphere was reduced tenfold, which helps to minimise skyglow pollution. Thanks to the high durability of the Philips LED luminaires, the need to replace them – and thus to generate waste – is minimised. In addition, by simply replacing the luminaires with Signify ones, installed power was reduced by 35%, thereby cutting electricity consumption and CO2 emissions.

– Hillwood's goal has always been not only to create modern warehouse facilities, but also to care for our neighbourhood and the natural environment. We are proud of our innovative solutions that minimise light pollution and contribute to protecting the night sky. Our actions are proof that business success can go hand in hand with environmental protection and taking into account the needs of local communities – says Renata Michalczyk, Head of Asset & Property Management at Hillwood Polska.

The warehouse lighting in Janki is a pilot project. Hillwood plans to roll out Signify's lighting solutions more widely. Signify and Hillwood also encourage other development companies to take similar action and join the mission to minimise light pollution. Through shared commitment, it is possible to create jobs and spaces that are in harmony with the natural environment and that contribute to the wellbeing of local communities

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