Sustainability has become a defining priority for organizations across Canada. As businesses and public spaces work to reduce emissions, control operating costs, and modernize infrastructure, lighting has emerged as an area of opportunity. In the U.S., lighting accounts for approximately 30% of electricity use in commercial settings, making it an effective area to target for reducing energy use tied to emissions.
Advancements are reshaping the temporary, short-lifecycle installations in seasonal and decorative settings into permanent LED lighting systems. This shift toward permanence represents a meaningful next step in how commercial environments approach outdoor lighting.
The Evolution of Outdoor Permanent Lighting
Outdoor lighting has often been treated as a temporary or modular add-on. Over time, this approach has evolved to align with modern sustainability and efficiency goals.
Public-sector data underscores the scale of potential improvement. Shared Services BC states that switching all 360,000 streetlights in the province to LED could save approximately 105 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity per year, enough to power 10,000 homes.
While this example focuses on street lighting, the same concept can be applied to commercial properties, including facades, campuses, retail centers, and mixed-use developments.
Designing lighting to remain in place year-round, organizations can eliminate repetitive labour, reduce material turnover, and improve overall system efficiency, generating substantial savings.
Sustainability Through Product Design & Development
LED lights are shifting from short-term utility to long-term value. Using at least 75% less energy, LEDs last up to 25 times longer than incandescent lighting. This “design for longevity” approach has direct sustainability benefits.
Fewer change-outs means:
● Less raw material extraction
● Reduced manufacturing demand
● Lower transportation emissions
● Diminished end-of-life waste
Over the lifespan of a permanent LED system, these avoided impacts can rival or even exceed the energy savings.
Designing Outdoor Spaces for Longevity and Flexibility
Sustainable lighting doesn’t focus purely on efficiency; it also shapes how outdoor spaces are experienced. Designing an outdoor space with permanent LED systems allows for direct integration into the built environment, rather than treating it as a temporary fixture.
Environmental considerations are central to this shift. Environment and Climate Change Canada reports that more than 103 million mercury-containing lamps were recycled between 2018 and 2022, preventing around 630 kilograms of mercury from entering the environment. This data highlights the impact of traditional lighting systems and the benefits of transitioning away from hazardous materials. Offering a safer, cleaner alternative with significantly longer lifespans.
Beyond environmental health, well-designed LED-lit areas can also improve visibility for pedestrians and reduce glare for drivers, supporting road safety and responsible light-pollution management.
As permanent outdoor lighting is applied to commercial settings, this consistency can support a business’s visual identity with programmable controls.
Operational Efficiency and Network Infrastructure
Permanent holiday lighting systems are increasingly becoming integrated into broader infrastructure retrofit practices. This connectivity transforms lighting into an active component of business operations that can be carried through the seasons.
In turn, this reduces operating costs from seasonal installations or maintenance cycles. Organizations can invest in durable infrastructure that delivers predictable performance. This supports long-term budgeting, reduces service disruptions, and aligns well with sustainability reporting requirements.
Industry Leadership and Category Maturity
The U.S. Department of Energy has championed the Integrated Lighting Campaign, which supports building moves to become more energy efficient and enhance occupant comfort. One case study found upgrades improved exterior lighting visibility while achieving the overall goal of a more welcoming space.
Private-sector contributors have also helped advance lighting displays beyond simple bulb replacements or basic upgrades. Known as commercial holiday lighting, this initiative has helped broaden the conversation by demonstrating the capabilities of year-round lighting infrastructure. A holiday can be easily celebrated and an evening beautifully lit without having to get out a ladder or allocate additional budget. This reflects a wider industry shift toward durability and adaptability.
Future Outlook: The Next Phase of Sustainable Commercial Lighting
Looking ahead, permanent LED lighting is poised to become even more integral to sustainable commercial development. Part of this is due to responsive infrastructure capabilities, which can be automatically adjusted by time of day, activity level, or seasonal use. This improves efficiency while maintaining safety and visibility.
Centralized controls also support consistent standards and long-term performance tracking across multiple sites, making permanent holiday lights easier to manage.
Ultimately, the move toward LED permanence represents a broader commitment to designing outdoor lighting systems that are efficient, flexible, and built to last, supporting both business performance and environmental responsibility for decades to come.
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About the Author
Dan Junkins, Founder & CEO at Celebright
Driven by creativity and an inquisitive mind, Dan is an entrepreneur and business leader with over 20 years of experience driving innovation and growth, blending technical expertise with big-picture vision. Known for inspiring teams and fostering collaboration, his passion for sustainability and ethical business practices has positioned Celebright as a forward-thinking industry leader.
