What connected lighting can do for industrial facilities
How smart, connected lighting boosts efficiency, safety, and sustainability in industrial facilities It’s no secret that the manufacturing industry has a heavy responsibility for emissions of greenhouse gases. In the US, manufacturing accounts for almost a quarter (23%) of direct carbon emissions, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. In Europe the situation is equally dire: the industry emits an annual total of 880 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents, making it one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases on the continent. Big changes need to be made across every aspect of manufacturing facilities to make the industry sustainable and future-proof growth. But its not that simple. The industrial sector faces several challenges: the increasing pressures from ecommerce to produce at speed, the need to stock strategically, the importance of picking accuracy at warehouses, and so on. Broader issues like energy conservation and sustainable operations are also adding pressure on the sector. Gladly, there are (quick) solutions, like connected lighting, that support the digital transformation of any facility. Challenges faced by industries Warehouses, distribution centers, and manufacturing facilities are all tough environments with specific design needs. These include: Industrial environments present unique lighting challenges, from maintaining consistent illumination across varying mounting heights to providing reliable light levels during long operating hours or to support specific tasks. Research shows that poor lighting can reduce task speed and output quality, while also contributing to unplanned maintenance and costly downtime. While the challenges and pressures are many, the good news is that connected lighting can create a safer, more productive working environment for workers in industrial environments. The role of connected lighting In the ever-evolving landscape of industrial and factory environments, the role of lighting extends far beyond illumination. Connected lighting solutions like Signify Interact have emerged as a transformative force, offering unprecedented control, efficiency, and sustainability advantages for industries. As industries worldwide strive to optimise operations, reduce energy consumption, enhance workplace safety, and deliver on their digitalisation and decarbonisation strategies, integrating connected lighting has become a strategic imperative. The right kind of lighting has shown to have a positive impact on production efficiency and quality, employee safety and wellbeing, and a facility’s sustainability and cost efficiency. Significant energy, carbon, cost, and light quality improvements can be made by simply swapping out inefficient legacy lighting for new efficient LED lighting. LED lighting can be up to 80% more efficient and can last longer than conventional lighting, resulting not only in significant energy and cost savings, but also in reduced maintenance costs, which can be very expensive in industrial facilities with high ceilings. Taking it a step further, connected LED lighting can play a significant role in enabling a manufacturing facility or a warehouse to become even more digital and sustainable whilst providing a safer, healthier, and more productive place to work. Connected systems, energy-efficient LED luminaires, sensors, and comprehensive wireless system monitoring and management software create an intelligent network. These connected systems enable businesses and building owners to gather valuable data and insights from the facility. This data can then be used to unlock additional value adds, features and benefits Connected lighting has evolved from an energy-saving technology into a strategic sustainability platform. It not only cuts electricity consumption but also provides the data and intelligence needed to optimise building performance, support ESG reporting, improve worker safety and wellbeing, and extend asset life. As manufacturers and logistics operators face increasing pressure to decarbonise while maintaining productivity, connected lighting offers a practical solution that delivers environmental, operational and financial benefits simultaneously. Connected lighting can significantly improve the management of emergency lighting by enabling remote testing, monitoring and reporting, helping organisations maintain compliance while reducing maintenance costs and operational disruption. This also includes any fault detection and reduced maintenance costs. The future is connected Connected LED lighting solutions are transforming industries and factories/warehouses into more efficient, sustainable, and connected/digital spaces. From energy savings and automated controls to adaptive lighting and enhanced safety features, the benefits of connected lighting systems are multifaceted. As industries continue to embrace digital transformation, connected lighting is emerging as a crucial component in optimising operational processes, reducing costs, and creating safer and more productive work environments. Learn more about Signify Interact and what it can do for your manufacturing facility: Interact IoT lighting | Interact Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Lakeside hits it out of the park, announcing 50,000 sq ft Destination Club De Padel signing
Lakeside, the UK’s sixth-ranked out-of-town super-regional destination owned and operated by SGS UK Retail, has announced the signing of leading urban padel and lifestyle brand, Club de Padel, for its third location and South of England debut. This sporting facility will further diversify Lakeside’s leisure offer and deliver a standout addition to the 8.5 million-strong catchment population that sits within an hour’s drive. Club de Padel’s arrival at Lakeside will provide visitors with access to a new area of the scheme, dedicated to active leisure. Located on the site of the former Pink Car Park, overlooking the extensive lakefront, the destination will span c. 5o,000 sq ft and comprise 12 padel courts, with four situated outdoors and eight located indoors for all-weather access. A glass and timber-clad clubhouse will complete the space, where visitors can enjoy barista coffee and a licensed bar, and shop both equipment and the brand’s bestselling retail range. The space will host a varied line-up of extra events, including run clubs, to appeal to the Lakeside visitor and encourage repeat visitation. Club de Padel will deliver an industry-leading coaching programme developed and refined by LTA-qualified coaches, which will offer players a six-stage pathway approach. As the sport continues to grow in popularity, Club de Padel’s southern debut and impressive multi-million-pound investment is a vote of confidence in Lakeside, reflecting both its dominance as the premium scheme within the region, and its ability to deliver dynamic, high-demand facilities for its catchment. Its positioning allows visitors to be transported out of a traditional retail destination setting, embracing the unique natural environment of the area, whilst being only a stone’s throw from The Quay and its surrounding F&B and leisure for extended dwell time. Robert Jewell, Managing Director of Asset Management at Pradera, commented: “This multi-million-pound investment from Club de Padel not only forms part of a wider £10 million masterplan at Lakeside, but also demonstrates that leading brands continue to recognise the destination as a key, super-regional hub. Club de Padel will completely transform the space overlooking the lake, and will continue to drive our 17.1 million annual visitors to dwell longer and make memories. It reminds us that Lakeside is more than a place to shop; it’s a lifestyle destination designed to serve the needs of its loyal visitors.” James Wigglesworth, Co-Founder of Club de Padel added: “As the padel market grows and evolves, it’s important we plant our roots in places with not just the promise of longevity and an engaged visitor demographic, but an understanding of how important active socialising is to the community. Lakeside’s position as a leading lifestyle destination means that it offers so much more than the average destination. Locations such as Lakeside are key in our success as we expand and grow, allowing us to build a strong community and a lasting presence. Lakeside’s unrivalled connectivity into London and the wider South East helps us to continue to deepen our commitment to accessibility – ensuring our clubs are equally accessible by rail, road, foot and bicycle.” This news follows a recent flurry of F&B activity so far this year, with the openings of GAIL’S, Black Sheep Coffee, Maki & Ramen, Smoke & Pepper, and a second location for Pret. This series of investments reflects the confidence and commitment brands have in Lakeside, as a result of the stellar success leading hospitality brands continue to experience at the destination. Smith Young and LM are Lakeside’s retail leasing agents, and Metis and LM lead the leisure leasing. Pradera asset manages Lakeside on behalf of SGS UK Retail. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Sodexo recognised for social impact leadership through to operational excellence
This autumn Sodexo UK & Ireland has been recognised at a number of industry awards covering its leadership in driving social mobility, commitment to nurturing talent and delivering exceptional experiences for its clients across different sectors. Sodexo won the Leadership of the Year award at the annual Social Mobility Awards, held on 6 October. It was recognised for embedding inclusive recruitment and progression into its core business model using the scale of 30,000 colleagues to both deliver impact and reshape employer practice. Through initiatives such as Starting Fresh and inclusive talent pathways, Sodexo is creating direct access to employment and progression for underrepresented groups. Sodexo’s Culinary Academy was highly commended at the awards in the Progressive Programme category. Sodexo also celebrated with two wins at the 2026 Foodservice Cateys, Sodexo Live! group executive development chef Ian Page won Chef of the Year and Laura Moorcroft, regional support manager for Sodexo at Colchester Garrison was awarded the Extra Mile award for developing a partnership with Essex Cares, a local charity which supports people with learning disabilities, autism and other neurodivergent conditions and creating positive, inclusive and enriching workplace experiences for young people with special educational needs and disabilities, providing them with genuine routes to employment. Last week Gary Broadhurst, contract retail development chef at Colchester Garrison won Higher Apprentice of the Year at the East of England regional final of the National Apprenticeship Awards. Gary now progresses into the National final. Over the last month Sodexo teams have received recognition for delivering operational excellence for the company’s clients. This has included: Bill Buchan, HR Director, Sodexo UK & Ireland said: “At Sodexo, our people are our greatest strength, and these awards showcase the impact they make every day. From helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and progression, to delivering innovative solutions and exceptional service for our clients, our teams consistently live our values in action. Their commitment to improving quality of life, supporting communities and creating better everyday experiences for those we serve is what makes recognitions like these so meaningful. We couldn’t be prouder of what they have achieved together.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Full refurbishment of 13,000 sq ft of Grade A office space in Southampton completes
Crown House 1 has completed its transformation into a high-quality, Grade A workspace in the heart of Southampton. Landlord, Craigard, has invested heavily in Crown House 1 since their purchase in 2018 including new and energy-efficient HVAC systems throughout. The design and layout of the property provides a modern, attractive space to suit a variety of businesses. Spread across four floors, Crown House 1 boasts high-quality facilities close to the train station and within walking distance of parks and restaurants and has a secure car park. CBRE Southampton and Realest have been instructed to market the 13,000 sq ft opportunity, which can be let as a whole or as separate units. The ground floor (1,518 sq. ft.) provides a fully fitted, high-specification office suite, ready for immediate occupation. This space has been thoughtfully designed to create an inviting workspace to accelerate productivity and collaboration. The landlord’s attention to detail ensures a light and bright characterful space with a generous kitchen breakout space and zoom room. The suite has been designed using soft colours and a variety of different materials to break the space up and provide a relaxed environment. The first (4,031 sq. ft.) and second floors (4,026 sq. ft.) offer open-plan floor plates ready for a tenant fit-out. These have been refurbished with LED lighting, new carpets and fully redecorated. The first floor also benefits from its own dedicated shower and toilets. The Penthouse (3,670 sq ft) provides high-quality workspace with glass partitioning defining a fully fitted kitchen and breakout area, a dedicated boardroom/conference room and bespoke meeting pods. Workstations are provided throughout the space anda distinctive feature that sets the space apart is its dedicated private shower/changing and toilet facilities. Emma Lockey, Director at CBRE Southampton, said: “The attention to detail in Crown House 1 provides a specification rarely found in a city centre location. In a prime location, the space offers an exciting opportunity for any occupier.” Lauren Udall, Director at Realest said: “The short supply of quality office suites in the wider Southampton market, allows Crown House 1 to provide occupiers market leading space over a variety of suite sizes.” David Foster, Craigard said: “We are acutely aware that in order to let office space in today’s market a landlord needs to create a building and environment that occupiers and their employees want to come too and we believe we have done that at Crown House 1. Combined with highly competitive overall occupational costs, and its own secure car park, the building ticks all the boxes.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
UK logistics market demand remains resilient amid sharp slowdown in new development
Constrained pipeline expected to support rental growth The UK industrial and logistics market continued to demonstrate resilience during Q3 2026, with occupier demand remaining ahead of long-term averages despite ongoing economic uncertainty and extended decision-making timelines. According to Colliers’ latest data, take-up of units over 100,000 sq ft reached 6.7 million sq ft during Q3, taking year-to-date (YTD) volumes to 21.8 million sq ft, slightly ahead of the pre-pandemic 10-year average. Activity remains concentrated among a core group of occupiers and locations and continues to be driven by retail, e-commerce and fulfilment businesses, which collectively account for 78% of YTD take-up. The Midlands remains the dominant logistics market, accounting for 63% of all space transacted so far this year. Several major deals completed during the quarter, including Super Smart Service expanding its Midlands footprint through a number of 15-year lease commitments, DIRKS Consumer Logistics pre-letting 306,000 sq ft at SEGRO Park Coventry, DHL pre-letting 450,000 sq ft at Westworks Corby, and TikTok committing to the recently completed Rugby 251 for its ecommerce platform. However, the defining trend in the market continues to be on the supply side, where development activity has fallen sharply. Although availability edged up slightly during the quarter, the UK vacancy rate held steady at 8.6%. Crucially, the quarterly increase has not been driven by new speculative development. Q3 speculative completions totalled less than 500,000 sq ft, marking the lowest quarterly delivery volume in nearly 10 years. Over the past 12 months, the amount of newly built space available across the UK has fallen by 10.3%, while second-hand availability has increased by 20%. New Grade A stock now accounts for just 36% of available space, down from 43% a year ago. Looking ahead, only 7.3 million sq ft of speculative space is currently expected to complete in 2026, representing a 45% shortfall against the five-year average, and the lowest annual delivery volume since 2018. Deirdre O’Reilly, Head of Industrial Research UK at Colliers, said: “The UK logistics occupier market continues to prove more resilient than the wider economic backdrop might suggest. While occupiers are taking a little longer to press the button, demand remains healthy and is well on track to deliver take-up of around 30 million sq ft this year. “Development activity has slowed considerably, resulting in a shrinking pipeline of new Grade A logistics space coming forward. Although vacancy has risen modestly again, the proportion of new and modern space available is falling, which means occupiers are facing a more competitive environment for the highest-quality space in the right locations.” The slowdown in development reflects a trend being seen across Europe, where industrial and logistics space under construction has declined significantly over the past year. At the same time, vacancy rates across many European markets are beginning to stabilise, supporting a more balanced outlook for the sector. Average rental growth remains positive across the UK, with rents increasing by 4.3% year-on-year in August, while prime big-box rents rose 2.7% annually to September. However, net effective rental growth continues to be moderated by increasing incentive packages, with average rent-free periods rising from 14.8 months last year to 15.8 months in 2026. Len Rosso, Co-Head of Industrial & Logistics at Colliers, added: “Retailers, e-commerce businesses and fulfilment operators continue to drive demand across the logistics sector, with Chinese occupiers remaining a particularly important source of activity. These businesses remain focused on core Golden Triangle locations that offer access to the majority of the UK’s consumer population. “With around 15 million sq ft currently under offer and the development pipeline becoming increasingly constrained, well-located logistics assets should remain well-positioned, not only supporting landlord confidence but reinforcing the importance of early decision-making for occupiers. The availability of new, high-quality space is becoming more and more limited, and that is likely to support rental growth prospects in the coming year.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Milton Keynes’ most sustainable office becomes only UK building to hold a 5 Star NABERS UK whole building rating
The RO Group is delighted to announce that its flagship property in Milton Keynes, Silbury House, has achieved a 5 Star NABERS UK Energy for Offices Whole Building rating, recognising the building’s outstanding operational energy performance. Silbury House is currently the only building in the UK to hold a 5 Star NABERS UK rating, and is the third highest-rated Whole Building certified in the country. NABERS UK measures the actual energy use of office buildings, rather than their predicted performance at the design stage, providing independent verification of how efficiently a building is operating in practice. The rating represents the latest milestone in RO’s extensive refurbishment of Silbury House, originally constructed in 1998. The project set out to transform the existing building into the most sustainable office building in Milton Keynes, significantly improving its energy efficiency while avoiding the embodied carbon associated with demolition and redevelopment. The refurbishment has included the installation of 116 rooftop solar panels with a total capacity of 41 kWp, capable of generating up to 20% of the building’s energy demand. The building also benefits from an energy-efficient hybrid Variable Refrigerant Flow heating and cooling system with heat recovery technology, alongside LED lighting and advanced controls designed to reduce energy consumption. These measures have already helped Silbury House achieve an EPC A+ ( Net zero) rating. Silbury House’s sustainability credentials extend beyond energy performance. The building has secured a 3 Star Fitwel certification for health and wellbeing, making it the only building in Milton Keynes to hold the accreditation. Further reinforcing its focus on building performance, it is also the only building in the region to achieve and maintain RESET Air Certification, with indoor air quality continuously monitored, and independently verified against globally recognised standards, to ensure a healthy, comfortable and productive indoor environment for occupiers. Sustainability was also embedded in the materials and construction process. Existing materials were retained and repurposed wherever possible, including recovered raised access flooring, while carpet tiles contain 75% recycled content. No waste generated by the refurbishment was sent to landfill. Ana Bajri, Group Head of Sustainability at the RO Group, said: “Achieving a 5 Star NABERS UK Whole Building rating is a significant milestone for Silbury House and demonstrates what can be achieved through thoughtful investment in existing buildings. “What is particularly important about NABERS is that it measures actual operational performance. This rating provides independent evidence that the work undertaken at Silbury House is delivering lower energy consumption and greater efficiency for our occupiers. “We have shown that an existing building can be transformed to meet the standards expected of modern, high-quality office space. Being the only building in the UK currently holding a 5 Star NABERS UK whole building rating is a fantastic recognition. For us, this is not simply about achieving a certification; it is about using real performance data to create better buildings for occupiers and the environment. Silbury House demonstrates that sustainability, occupier experience and commercial performance can go hand in hand. We hope it provides confidence to other building owners considering how they can improve the performance of their existing assets.’’ NABERS UK was launched in 2020 and is administered by the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). Its Energy for Offices ratings assess the measured operational energy performance of existing office buildings, enabling owners and occupiers to understand, track and improve energy efficiency. Silbury House provides Grade A office accommodation in central Milton Keynes, incorporating smart building technology, fitted office suites and upgraded amenities as part the RO Group’s comprehensive refurbishment of the property. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals