A Midlothian company is literally bringing light into the lives of hard-working teams and big-hearted volunteers who staff Scotland’s charities with a brilliant initiative which will also cut waste and boost the circular economy.
Blackmoon Lighting, which has been operating out of Loanhead since 2004, has established a scheme in which whenever it is engaged in a Category (Cat) B fit out, it recovers energy-efficient light fittings from existing Cat A fit outs which otherwise might be thrown away, refurbishes them and donates them to worthy causes.
A Cat A fit out is a basic operational fit out that provides a finished empty space, ready to move into, while a Cat B fit out involves bringing all office design elements, including flooring and furniture, to create an operational workplace.
The firm, which specialises in concept designs, lighting modelling and supplying energy efficient, sustainable lighting solutions, founded the scheme following the appointment of a new management team in May last year.
It gives perfectly serviceable light fittings a second life by collecting them, refurbishing them and distributing them to charities or recycling them. Any fittings donated to charitable causes come with a five-year guarantee.
Matthew Wright, who has taken on the role of Managing Director at Blackmoon, said: “There are lots of Cat B fit outs going on across the Central Belt of Scotland, where a workplace is completely re-designed to a client’s unique specifications, and often the first thing they do is rip out the lights and replace them with new ones. That’s where we step in.
“This re-purposing initiative is our way of closing the loop, reducing resource consumption, lowering emissions and making a contribution to building a Net Zero future through our circular economy approach.
“We have already helped the Smart Works charity in Edinburgh and a major educational concern in the city. Energy-efficient light fittings benefit charities financially, but many can’t afford them. Now all they have to do is get in touch with us and we’ll see how we can assist.”
Smart Works Scotland, which gives unemployed women the clothes, coaching and confidence to secure employment and change their lives, has two centres, at Annandale Street in Edinburgh and in Glasgow.
Rachel Shields, its Fundraising and Partnerships Manager, said: “We were delighted that the light fittings were donated free to our charity’s new centre in Edinburgh by this amazing and sustainable initiative.
“Thanks so much to Blackmoon Lighting for supporting our cause and helping to transform our new centre into a warm and welcoming hub where even more women can access our transformative interview, dressing and coaching service to help them connect with their potential, get the job and change their lives.”
The new management team at Blackmoon Lighting, which includes Ewan Arthur as Sales Director and Marc Faughnan as Operations Director, took over on the retirement of the company’s founder, Kenny Morrison.
It employs 12 people and carries out installations across the UK. The fast-growing company also has the facility to design and manufacture bespoke luminaires and systems for both decorative and commercial applications.