- By Content Coms
- In Thinking
Lighting, energy and the proof problem: Why credible savings data is now essential
A sector insight from ESG and sustainability comms consultancy, Content Coms and Cura Energy.
Lighting is one of the most accessible entry points for commercial buildings on the path to net zero. It’s fast to deploy, cost-effective and crucially, it’s backed by proven technology.
As specialists in communications for the energy and the built environment sectors, Content Coms has worked closely with businesses across the building services and lighting supply chain for over a decade. In that time, we’ve seen the focus shift from making the case for LED to more holistic wider decarbonisation solutions.
Now, lighting firms are facing a new challenge: proving real-world impact.
The growing pressure to demonstrate savings
Lighting may be a low-hanging fruit of energy efficiency, but it’s no longer enough to say, “this technology / system saves energy.”
Building owners, ESG frameworks and finance leads increasingly want evidence. Project-specific, independently gathered data that shows the impact of a retrofit or controls integration.
And that’s where things get tricky. Without robust baseline energy data – or in buildings with variable use patterns – it can be difficult to isolate the effects of a lighting upgrade.
We’ve seen first-hand how this creates friction across the sector, from specifiers and contractors to end users. It’s a performance gap and a validation gap.
As specialists in sustainability and ESG impact reporting, this issue affects both our end-user customers (who need our help with credible, data-driven ESG reports – and, it ALSO affects our supply-side clients who are typically manufacturers or solutions providers in the energy efficiency space. It’s a double-edged sword!
Moving from assumption to proof
We wanted to help. So, we partnered with Cura Energy Ltd who provide energy monitoring and metering expertise across a wide range of commercial buildings.
Cura Energy is able to support our clients (many of whom are solutions providers in the building services space) with reliable, independently validated energy data.
Interestingly, Cura tells us that many lighting solutions companies are feeling this ‘pressure to prove’ (their savings data) more than ever.
“In energy efficiency retrofit projects, where there’s little to no historical data, proving energy savings can be incredibly difficult,” says Carly Higglesden, MD at Cura Energy. “We’re increasingly supporting lighting providers who need reliable, real-time data to evidence the performance of their systems. Especially when ESG disclosures or investment cases depend on it.”
One solution that’s gaining traction is temporary energy sub-metering.
Cura Energy says temporary energy monitoring provides a simple and cost-effective way to generate credible performance data. By installing temporary sub-meters before, during and after a project, lighting solution providers can capture real-time, site-specific energy data that clearly shows how systems are performing.
This data allows providers to demonstrate avoided energy use, confirm whether design goals have been met and support a stronger case for future investment – all without the disruption or expense of installing permanent metering infrastructure.
Why it matters
For a sector built on trust, data is fast becoming a critical differentiator. Verified evidence not only strengthens the business case for smart lighting, but also enables wider rollout, greater investment, and stronger alignment with sustainability goals.
As Content Coms continues to support organisations in the lighting, energy and cleantech space, one thing is clear: proof matters.
And with the right tools, like temporary monitoring, it’s increasingly within reach.
About Content Coms & Cura Energy
Content Coms is a B Corp Certified specialist comms and content consultancy working at the intersection of energy, clean-tech and the built environment. Our services include ESG, sustainability and social value impact reporting.
About Cura Energy
Based in Kent, UK, Cura Energy Limited specialises in delivering integrated smart energy and building management solutions. With a focus on complex and multi-site estates, the company is dedicated to optimising energy performance, reducing operational costs, and supporting the UK’s net-zero goals.
