Leela Shanker Redefines Designer Workflow at Enlighten Europe 2025
At the IALD Enlighten Europe 2025 conference in Valencia, Leela Shanker, Sustainability Director with WAP Sustainability, delivered a powerful session titled “Designer Workflow: New Performance Criteria and Trade-offs.”Her presentation focused on how lighting designers can take a more sustainable, transparent, and circular approach in their daily work.
A Clear Process for Sustainable Design
Leela introduced an updated designer workflow with eight key steps. These included setting performance goals, identifying suitable products, gathering data, and conducting product comparisons using energy modeling. She also highlighted the importance of using automation tools to streamline carbon budget calculations.
Importantly, this structured process helps designers align product choices with environmental goals, making sustainability more achievable in real projects.
Managing Trade-offs and External Pressures
Leela emphasized that lighting professionals must navigate a range of trade-offs. They need to consider carbon impact, material health, and circularity. For example, while aluminum has a high carbon footprint, it remains infinitely recyclable—a fact that adds nuance to decision-making.
Moreover, external relationships can influence the design process. Building owners, contractors, manufacturers, and tenants each bring different priorities. As a result, designers must balance these expectations while also complying with regulations, carbon budgets, and tracking requirements.
Evaluating Materials Through a Carbon Lens
Leela presented a bar graph that illustrated how different lighting types contribute to global warming potential (GWP). Notably, aluminum—including its coatings—accounted for the largest share of emissions across all fixture types.
Consequently, she encouraged designers to ask essential questions:
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What percentage of the material is recycled?
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Is the product red list-free?
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Where is it produced, and what kind of energy is used?
A Call to Collaborate
In closing, Leela urged designers and manufacturers to work together more closely. She called for better tools, clearer data, and greater transparency to support low-carbon decision-making.
Ultimately, her message reflected a key theme of Enlighten Europe 2025: performance is no longer just about output—it must also support people, the planet, and long-term progress.
Learn More: Thought Leaders at LEDucation 2023: Leela Shanker