ETAP Lighting International NV is a Belgian family company specialising in the development, manufacture and sale of general lighting, emergency lighting and lighting control systems since 1950. Reducing emissions and mitigating the depletion of raw materials is central to ensuring the sustainability of the building sector, including infrastructure such as lighting. In recognition of these challenges, ETAP realised the necessity of transitioning to a circular economy and is dedicated to creating innovative ways to offer its products.
The importance of ETAP’S ‘Circular Light-as-a-Service’ (C-LaaS) model is underscored by increasingly complex regulations and the phasing out of fluorescent lamps. Under this avant-garde approach, the company guarantees standard-compliant and reliable operation of lighting installations (general lighting and/or emergency lighting), including performance guarantees and a total guarantee for the contract duration (ensuring the repair or replacement of any components which are defective or broken). In line with its circular strategy, ETAP offers three options upon expiry of the contract period:
- An extension of the contract for an additional period to be determined (+5y or +10y)
- The removal and take-back of the luminaires by ETAP. In this case, ETAP will then primarily aim to refurbish the luminaires to make them suitable for reuse.
- Purchase of the luminaires by the client.
C-LaaS in action: ArcelorMittal Belgium
ArcelorMittal Belgium is a producer of innovative and sustainable steel products for diverse applications. Committed to complying with Europe’s Green Deal, the company seeks to improve its environmental impact and increase the performance of the energy systems powering its premises. As a group, ArcelorMittal aims to achieve climate neutrality by 2050, while placing Health and Safety in the workplace as a basic value and top priority.
By opting for a C-LaaS partnership with ETAP for lighting and emergency lighting for their offices, ArcelorMittal is turning its commitments to energy efficiency and emissions reductions, ergonomics, safety and circularity into reality.
ETAP’s and ArcelorMittal’s strong collaboration began in 2020 with the lighting installation for the INDI (INnovation & DIgitalisation) building, the new home for their IT department. Throughout the process, management highly valued ETAP’s efficiency, solution-oriented approach, innovative business model and ability to customise designs. Providing a Circular Lighting-as-a-Service (C-LaaS) offer to AMG meant shifting significant Capital Expenditure into Operational Expenses based on usage. In addition, components of the ETAP luminaires are made from sustainable, partially recycled steel sourced from ArcelorMittal themselves, therefore building a strong partnership with a steel manufacturer to apply circularity within ETAP’s C-LaaS offer.
“ETAP played short on time: in one year we went from scratch to full lighting. We got a completely new installation without having to invest. That gives breathing space for other projects.” Danny Apers – Manager General Maintenance & Power Supply ArcelorMittal
Following the positive experience gained through the INDI building, ETAP Services were also appointed in 2021 to retrofit the complex’s Control Building (CB). For the CB, the lighting specifications had to meet strict conditions due to continuous monitoring requirements of the melting process of the blast furnace (such as minimal reflection on screens and reliability).
Built for longevity, ETAP’s luminaires feature a fully demountable and repairable design using screws rather than adhesives. ETAP guarantees permanent light output with minimal depreciation, ensuring constant energy consumption. The luminaires are strategically arranged to align with ceiling tile modulation, allowing for easy office reconfiguration without physical relocation. Integrated sensors and a lighting control system enable flexible adjustments to operating conditions for each room, enhancing adaptability. Additionally, the luminaires are designed to connect to central ventilation through custom openings, playing a dual role in both lighting and air circulation management.
Renovation of the HQ building INDI building Lighting
The phase-out of fluorescent lamps in September 2023 and high energy prices kickstarted the next step in ETAP’s and ArcelorMittal’s partnership. In September 2024, work began on retrofitting the company’ headquarters in Ghent. The eight-story building houses administrative services, and its office spaces are undergoing a complete renovation. One floor was chosen as a pilot project for ETAP to retrofit the lights. The floor consists of five zones to be renovated in phases, with three zones remaining in use alternately during the works.
Integrating circularly into Product as a Service offers and contracts can be challenging, but the impact for the environment as well as the value proposition to the customers is strong. Aligned with the latter, the SET Alliance will be conducting a webinar focusing on the design of product-as-a-service contractual guidelines which embed circularity. Are you interested in joining? The session is taking place on the 3rd of April – click here to register.
Projects details:
- Location: J.F Kennedylaan 51 – Ghent Belgium
- Scope of the projects:
- INDI Building:
- General lighting (653 units) and Excellum lighting control system
- Emergency lighting (131 units) and central ESM Management System
- Delivered + start C-LaaS period December 2020
- Control Building:
- General lighting (278 units) and Excellum lighting control system
- Emergency lighting (96 units) and central ESM Management System
- Delivered + start C-LaaS period December 2021
- HQ:
- General lighting (582 units) and Excellum lighting control system
- Emergency lighting (34 units) and central ESM management system
- Completion + start of C-LaaS period June 2025
- INDI Building:
- Contract period 10 years
To learn more about ETAP’s Circular Light-as-a-Service model, you can also check out the Sint-Paulus school case study.
