Smarter light, greener city: Sint-Niklaas's C-LaaS implementation

How can a city make lighting more sustainable while managing it more efficiently? The answer lies in an innovative approach that the city of Sint-Niklaas in Belgium has been embracing since 2021: Circular Light as a Service - C-LaaS. In collaboration with ETAP, the city is pushing the boundaries of sustainability by viewing lighting no longer as a product, but as a circular service.

At a time when cities are under increasing pressure to reduce their ecological footprint while optimizing their services, C-LaaS offers an innovative solution.

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Why Sint-Niklaas went for C-LaaS

When Sint-Niklaas decided to renovate its lighting in the left wing of the town hall in 2021, sustainability was the key word. But they wanted more than just energy-efficient luminaires. They were looking for a solution that unburdens them, makes sustainability concrete and measurable, and helps them focus on what really matters: citizen services.

C-LaaS offered the perfect solution. Circular Light as a Service is a “managed services” solution where the city does not have to invest in a lighting installation itself. Instead, for a fixed annual fee, all requirements are met. ETAP took on the entire lighting process: from design and financing to installation, commissioning and maintenance. Moreover, the lighting performance and energy efficiency of the installation are guaranteed throughout its lifetime.

Sustainability in practice

Sustainability at C-LaaS goes beyond energy efficiency. In practice, this translates into concrete circular choices. A telling example? 

During the renovation in 2024, existing recessed luminaires in the offices were not thrown away but transformed into modern pendant luminaires. What would previously have been waste was given a new life above the workplaces of city staff. 

Using smart frames, ETAP's U3 luminaires were redeployed in the renovated rooms - a textbook example of reuse and material saving.

Technology as a sustainability engine

Another asset of this C-LaaS project is its smart technology. Thanks to the Excellum lighting control system, rooms are lit only when needed - on the basis of presence and daylight. This results not only in a more pleasant workplace, but also in considerable energy savings.

In addition, the ESM system ensures reliable and energy-efficient emergency lighting. No more manual tests, no waste of energy or time - just security, with minimal ecological impact.

Human added value

Besides technology and sustainability, there is another - often forgotten - aspect: the comfort of the people working in the buildings. In the left wing of the city hall, the number of luminaires was reduced, but the lighting level increased from 300 to 500 lux, improving the productivity and well-being of employees. 

Moreover, the flexible infrastructure allows adjustments as the function of a room changes - such as when transforming from a front office to a back office.

A city that looks ahead

With C-LaaS, Sint-Niklaas shows how cities can make their infrastructure sustainable without compromising on quality, comfort or control. The cooperation with ETAP illustrates a new kind of partnership - based on trust, innovation and the will to really make a difference.

Want to know more about how C-LaaS can also help your city or organisation become more sustainable?

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