Lighting Upgrade: how much can an industrial company really save?

In today’s industrial landscape, every kWh saved is a step toward a more competitive, sustainable, and resilient business. Yet in many production facilities, lighting is still managed by outdated, energy-hungry, and inefficient systems.

The true cost of lighting in a company

In manufacturing plants, lighting is one of the most significant components of energy consumption — especially in environments with extended shifts or 24/7 operations.

A traditional system using metal halide lamps or fluorescent tubes typically consumes 2–3 times more energy than a modern LED system. Beyond consumption, one must also consider maintenance costs, decreased light output over time, and machine downtimes due to failures or replacements.

Upgrading pays off: the numbers speak for themselves

Replacing outdated luminaires with high-efficiency LED solutions — backed by an optimized lighting design — allows for:

Up to 80% reduction in energy consumption;
Significant decrease in installed power;
Increased lighting uniformity;
Drastic reduction in maintenance costs;
Lifespan 10 to 15 times longer than obsolete technologies.

All of this while greatly improving light quality and safety in the workplace.

ROI: how long does it take to recover the investment?

On average, the return on investment (ROI) for a lighting retrofit is achieved in 12 to 24 months, depending on system usage and the company’s energy costs.

The payback period can be further shortened through:

National or regional incentives;
Tax deductions;
Customized financing for energy transition projects.

More than savings: it’s long-term value

Investing in an efficient lighting system doesn’t just mean “spending less.” It also means:

Enhancing operators’ visual comfort;
Boosting productivity and accuracy on the production floor;
Aligning with ESG policies and supply chain requirements;
Avoiding penalties related to non-compliant systems.

In conclusion, lighting is a strategic asset for industrial success. A well-designed lighting upgrade is one of the fastest and most effective ways to cut costs and improve operational sustainability.