11.02.2026

Blog

Relamping vs relighting: what’s the smartest move for your building?

In practice - with Bart Stevens, Energy Expert at Pulse

Behind every real estate revalorisation lies a key technical decision. When it comes to lighting upgrades, the question is simple but strategic: is relamping enough, or is it time to relight?

With growing regulatory pressure, the phase-out of fluorescent lamps and rising ESG expectations, this choice directly impacts energy savings, compliance and long-term asset value.

Relamping vs. relighting: two very different approaches

Relamping replaces existing light sources with more efficient ones (typically LED) while keeping the existing infrastructure. It can deliver around 40% energy savings on lighting.

Relighting involves a full redesign of the lighting system: new luminaires, smart controls, daylight integration and sensors. Energy savings can reach up to 70%, with major benefits for comfort and ESG performance.

When does each option make sense?

Relamping can be a relevant quick win for limited or short-term renovations—provided technical feasibility and compliance are carefully assessed.
Relighting is the logical choice in major renovations and long-term strategies, where lighting studies help optimise performance, comfort and durability.

From an ESG perspective, relighting clearly outperforms relamping thanks to smart control systems, lifespan extension, reuse and thoughtful material choices.

At Pulse, we assess each scenario based on measurable emission reductions, overall energy performance, workplace compliance, technical and regulatory conformity.

Bart StevensEnergy Expert Pulse

EU Taxonomy and compliance

With regard to the EU Taxonomy, both approaches contribute to reducing energy consumption and CO₂ emissions. This supports further alignment with the Climate Change Mitigation criterion (achieving Energy Label A or being within the top 15 percent of the national building stock). It also strengthens compliance with the Climate Change Adaptation criterion (building’s resilience to climate change).

From a compliance perspective, relamping requires particular attention. Replacing fluorescent tubes with LED alternatives may, in certain cases, invalidate the CE conformity of existing luminaires, for example when control gear such as ballasts is bypassed, which could potentially undermine the building's overall alignment.

Comfort and occupant well-being

Relighting allows full control over flicker, glare and light levels from the design stage, with proven benefits for productivity and well-being. Relamping outcomes are more uncertain, which is why Pulse often recommends testing solutions in a representative pilot area.

Beyond quick wins: choosing the right strategy

Relamping may appear cheaper and easier at first glance. Yet when existing luminaires or ballasts require repeated interventions, a full relighting often proves more cost-effective over the long term.

There is no one-size-fits-all solution: the smartest choice starts with analysis, scenario comparison — and, where relevant, a representative test zone.

Pulse supports investors and asset managers with data-driven, value-oriented advice, ensuring that technical lighting decisions are fully aligned with long-term performance, regulatory compliance and asset value creation.

Bart StevensEnergy Expert Pulse

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Relamping vs relighting: what’s the smartest move for your building?