Sustainability
At BRIGHT, sustainability is built into every solar lamp, from design to repair and recycling. We lead with purpose, embedding sustainability into every process, product, and decision. By doing what’s right for both people and the planet, we ensure our solutions bring lasting value to the communities that need them most.
Why sustainability matters
Why sustainability matters
Energy access is often described as the “golden thread” connecting the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). BRIGHT contributes to this by providing safe, reliable solar light to off-grid communities and humanitarian settings.
As climate change continues to affect the most vulnerable first and hardest, we are committed to replacing kerosene lamps with clean solar lighting, and working with partners to protect the environment.
Sustainability means taking choices we can stand by for years to come. At BRIGHT, we ask: Who will use our product? Where will they be used? What happens if its breaks? That’s why we design solar lamps that last, can be repaired, and respect both people and the planet.
“Sustainability is about doing what’s right, even when it’s not the easiest route.” Lorena Muñoz Carmona, Sustainability & Partnership Manager
Our sustainability principles: Durability, Repairability, Recyclability
Our sustainability principles: Durability, Repairability, Recyclability
Durability
Durability is the first step towards sustainability. At BRIGHT, we design and manufacture solar lamps that last, reducing consumption and overproduction. Long-lasting quality means less waste and greater value for users.
Repairability
Our products are built with repairability in mind. Through partnerships with key stakeholder organisations, our Repair Program delivers spare parts, tools, and training directly to communities, empowering them to fix solar lamps instead of discarding them. This not only extends product lifespans, but also significantly reduces electronic waste.
Recyclability
We carefully select materials that allow our products to be recycled at the end of life. For example, we use polypropylene (PP) plastic which is widely recyclable without compromising strength or repairability.
Measuring impact
Since 2014, BRIGHT solar lamps and energy solutions have created measurable environmental and social impact:
- CO₂ emissions avoided: 5.46 million metric tons CO₂eq
- Kerosene lanterns replaced: 4.2 million
- People with improved energy access: 20.9 million
- Savings on energy expenditure, all households (over lifetime of products): US$ 809.5 million
- Additional light hours used, per household (on average, over lifetime of product): 2 415 hours/ household
These results are calculated using the GOGLA Impact Calculator Tool, based on the metric formulas laid out in GOGLA’s Standardised Impact Metrics for the Off-Grid Solar Energy Sector document.
Product Lifecycle Management
Product Lifecycle Management
We manage our environmental impact at every stage of the product lifecycle; design, production, distribution, use, and end-of-life. Feedback from field use loops directly back to our research and development (R&D) team, ensuring continuous improvement.
Looking ahead, BRIGHT aims to expand product-service systems that integrate manufacturing, maintenance, repair, and recycling. By conducting full lifecycle assessments, we make responsible decisions before a new concept moves forward.
Our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
Our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals
By providing access to sustainable light, we help advance several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy – our core focus.
- SDG13: Climate Action– reducing CO₂ emissions through kerosene replacement.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – designing durable and repairable products
- SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – providing light access to vulnerable communities
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with global organisations
We recognise the SGDs are interconnected and follow the principle of Leaving no One Behind in everything we do.
Our sustainability reports
Stories
Let's talk sustainability
Learn more about our environmental and sustainability policies. Have questions about BRIGHT's sustainability approach? We welcome your feedback, whether it's a question, comment, or suggestion for improvement. Please reach out to our Sustainability & Partnership Manager. We'd love to hear from you.
Lorena Muñoz Carmona
Sustainability and Partnership Manager
I ensure that sustainability is integrated into all aspects of our activities. I also cultivate new and existing partnerships with our customers and bring in the voices of our end-users.
Write me an email