FAQ

In the greenhouse effect, the Earth’s surface absorbs heat from the sun and reemits it as infrared radiation. This infrared radiation is absorbed by CO_₂, water, ozone, methane, and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and radiated back to Earth.

These gases have contributed to increased global temperatures, altered weather patterns, and the melting of polar ice caps, leading to rising sea levels.

CO_₂ was identified by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) in their 2007 report Climate Change 2007: Synthesis Report, as the single biggest contributor to climate change.

To quantify Thorlux’s carbon footprint, we measured all electricity, gas, and fuel used (including by company-owned vehicles but excluding subcontractors’ activities) in our UK manufacturing and commercial activities. We multiplied these quantities by factors provided by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy in its Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Conversion Factors 2024 to estimate the total CO_₂e produced.

By dividing the total CO_₂e produced by the number of luminaires Thorlux produces each year, we calculated that each luminaire generates an average of 1.08 kg CO_₂e in its production and delivery.

Use our online energy calculator to determine your CO_₂ emissions from Thorlux luminaires. A report will be generated in PDF format.

Trees absorb CO_₂ during photosynthesis. Trees and other plants use CO_₂ and water in the presence of light to produce energy-storing carbohydrates. The CO_₂ remains in the tree until it dies and decomposes. Sustainable management will harvest trees and use them for wood products. This traps the CO_₂, preventing its release back into the atmosphere.

To quantify Thorlux’s carbon footprint, we measured all electricity, gas, and fuel used (including by company-owned vehicles but excluding subcontractors’ activities) in our UK manufacturing and commercial activities. We multiplied these quantities by factors provided by the Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy in its Greenhouse Gas Reporting: Conversion Factors 2024 to estimate the total CO_₂e produced.

By dividing the total CO_₂e produced by the number of luminaires Thorlux produces each year, we calculated that each luminaire generates an average of 1.08 kg CO_₂e in its production and delivery.

We are planting native broadleaf species including oak, hornbeam, birch, willow, and wild cherry. Faster-growing trees will be harvested in accordance with FSC guidelines, allowing the slower-growing species to mature.

Some non-native species can absorb greater levels of CO_₂; however, they will harm local wildlife. Native species will improve the natural environment and provide a habitat for indigenous wildlife. At both Thorlux woodlands, restoring native biodiversity is a priority.

The UK was approximately 98% forested before human settlement. By the start of the twentieth century, only 5% of the original coverage remained. According to a 2025 update from the Woodland Trust, this has now increased to 13.2%, but only half of this is native species; the rest are fast-growing conifers grown for timber. Much of the UK’s native wildlife cannot survive in these conifer plantations. Britain is one of the least wooded countries in Europe.

Furthermore, just 7% of Britain’s native woodlands are in good ecological condition, and their relative isolation is a contributing factor in the decline of native birds, butterflies, and plants. Together, these facts highlight the importance of increasing native tree cover.

There is considerable discussion around this topic, and Thorlux has been careful to ensure that repurposing the land it has acquired for its woodland projects will not impact UK food production. As noted above, increasing the coverage of native tree species is a positive step. Planting trees on former farmland can enhance biodiversity, improve soil health, and help mitigate climate change by capturing carbon. Additionally, it can reduce erosion and flooding, making the land itself more resilient.

Yes, you are welcome to visit. You will receive an email detailing your purchase and the site location. Visitors are welcome at both Thorlux woodland sites year-round. Public access is a key feature of the new Brook woodland.

Carbon offsetting alone is not a solution to climate change. The most effective action one can take is to reduce emissions. However, carbon offsetting can help counteract the impact of our energy consumption.We must all think more carefully about the environment.

The FSC is an international organisation promoting responsible management of the world’s woodlands. For further information, see fsc.org.

Natural Resources Wales is a government department established to protect the environment. It has a dedicated forest management division. For further information, see naturalresources.wales.

Net-zero means balancing the amount of greenhouse gases produced with the amount removed from the atmosphere. This is crucial for limiting climate change and can be achieved through reducing emissions and enhancing carbon removal efforts.

A net-zero target is a future date set by an organisation by which it aims to achieve net-zero emissions. The UK Government’s current target is for the whole country to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

The Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is a corporate climate action organisation that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis. See sciencebasedtargets.org.

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is a set of standards and guidelines developed to help companies and organisations measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions. It provides a comprehensive framework for accounting and reporting emissions, enabling entities to track their progress in reducing climate-warming emissions. See ghgprotocol.org.

The Thorlux SmartScan System uses presence detection and daylight linking to control light levels. Lights turn off when an area is vacant. When the lights are switched on, the light levels adjust automatically to combine with available natural light. Measurements have verified significant energy savings. See thorlux.co.uk/smartscan.

ISO 14001 is an international standard setting out a framework of essential elements for an effective environmental management system. An organisation reaching this standard can consistently control its environmental impact, reduce the risk of pollution incidents, ensure compliance with environmental legislation, and continually improve business operations.

ISO 14064-1 is an international standard that provides guidelines for organisations to quantify and report their greenhouse gas emissions and removals. It helps businesses manage their environmental impact and improve transparency in their emissions reporting.