Leading Australian lighting manufacturer and supplier Versalux Lighting Systems continues on their sustainability pathway as they opt for locally sourced, lower-carbon aluminium from Capral Aluminium. This transformative decision highlights Versalux's commitment to environmental stewardship and the crucial role of decarbonising commercial buildings in combating climate change.
Two of Versalux's popular products, INFINITI and VERSATUBE, now use Capral’s lower-carbon aluminium. INFINITI is a modular luminaire solution specially designed for mounting at long lengths. The product, enclosed within an extruded aluminium housing, is exclusively developed for LED and is available in suspended, recessed and ceiling/wall surface-mounted versions.
INFINITI
"We see INFINITI – particularly enabled with MelaGen® - regularly specified in large commercial building projects, schools, healthcare and infrastructure projects. It is a popular and versatile lighting solution," says Versalux Director Greg Warner.
“Architects are increasingly interested in the environmental credentials of our products. Clients are seeking significant reductions in the carbon from their builds, not just the ongoing operational impacts but also the embodied carbon of the products specified within a project.
"When we heard about Capral's LocAl® product, we felt this was a logical next step for us; we continue to explore ways to reduce the operational emissions associated with our products. This is a great step to reduce the embedded carbon within our luminaire’s design."
In 2022, Capral introduced LocAl®, a lower-carbon extruded aluminium option for Australian manufacturers. The LocAl® offer includes two lower-carbon aluminium options: LocAl® Green, with carbon emissions of 8kg CO2e/kg Al*, and LocAl® Super Green, at 4kg CO2e/kg Al* – amongst the lowest-carbon aluminium available globally.
"At eight kilograms of carbon emissions per kilogram of aluminium, the LocAl Green offer has substantially lower carbon emissions than the current global average for primary aluminium. At 4 kilograms, LocAl Super Green is among the lowest carbon aluminium currently available within the world. It gives Australian manufacturers like Versalux an important opportunity to make more responsible procurement decisions when they source extruded aluminium," says Luke Hawkins, Capral’s Divisional General Manager – Industrial Solutions and Supply Chain.
VERSATUBE
Versalux's adoption of Capral's LocAl® green, lower-carbon aluminium represents a commendable effort to reduce the carbon footprint associated with its lighting products. By sourcing aluminium from Capral, a reputable Australian supplier known for its sustainable practices, Versalux is taking proactive steps to mitigate its environmental impact and promote sustainability within its supply chain.
"In addition to being able to offer a lower-carbon aluminium option, we have also worked very hard to achieve ASI certification for our operation," adds Hawkins.
Capral Aluminium has been certified against the ASI Performance Standard V3 and Chain of Custody (CoC) V2 for the extrusion, warehousing, and distribution of aluminium products and services. The certifications apply to all 26 of Capral's facilities, which consist of mills, distribution centres, and trade centres spread across every state and territory in Australia. These certifications recognise Capral's commitment to responsible production, sourcing, and management of aluminium products.
"The ASI certification is essential for Versalux as it gives us confidence that the aluminium we source from Capral has been produced and managed responsibly. It allows us to confidently say to the architects specifying our systems, the aluminium used to manufacture that (product) has been procured responsibly," adds Warner.
The shift towards LocAl® Green lower-carbon aluminium reflects Versalux's commitment to corporate social responsibility and ethical sourcing practices. By prioritising local suppliers such as Capral, Versalux supports Australian manufacturing and minimises the environmental impact associated with long-distance transportation.
Additionally, partnering with suppliers that adhere to sustainable practices ensures transparency and accountability throughout the supply chain.
Versalux's transition to LocAl® Green lower-carbon aluminium sets a positive example for the lighting industry. By prioritising sustainability in its operations and supply chain, Versalux reduces its environmental impact and contributes to the broader goal of decarbonising commercial buildings. As the world faces unprecedented environmental challenges, initiatives such as this demonstrate the pivotal role of businesses in driving positive change towards a more sustainable and resilient future.
*CO2e emissions stated are ex-smelter based on kilograms emitted per kilogram of aluminium produced – Aluminium Smelting and Casting
