Guillevin Lighting – Navigating Retrofits

Lighting

April 12, 2023

Simply put, lighting is changing.

The introduction of LED and lighting controls forced rapid shifts in how the residential, commercial and industrial sectors addressed their lighting needs. As we look ahead, the horizon for fluorescent lamps is likely going the same way after the Department of the Environment and Department of Health have proposed to phase out fluorescent lamp manufacturing by the end of 2023 and a complete ban on their sale by 2026.

Lighting Design and Specification (LDS) sat down with Emil Kalocsai, Regional Lighting Specialist at Guillevin, to discuss some of these changes and how Guillevin is working with contractors and end-users to support their lighting needs and take advantage of the rebate incentives available in many Canadian provinces.

Emil is focused in British Columbia and thus we take a closer look at how Guillevin is supporting clients in BC. Emil has noted that a substantial portion of the lighting business over the last few years has been driven by retrofits, though we are seeing an increase in commercial construction after the downturn in the last few years.

Emil stresses that gaining the right knowledge to ensure you get the right solution for your needs, in a way that is the most cost effective, is critical. With that Guillevin supports its clients throughout the entire journey. Too often Emil has witnessed the failure of incorrectly used products that are costing businesses and so is focused on providing clients with the tools and knowledge to get the right solution upfront.

LDS asked Emil to speak more about the process for clients that are focused on lighting retrofits and rebate incentives in BC.

First and foremost, Emil noted how fantastic the supportive rebate program can be. If you have any questions, on the rebate program in the British Columbia on commercial job – Please reach out to your local Guillevin branch.

This is where Guillevin can provide advanced support to ensure that the details of your application are correct. Emil has dedicated himself to becoming an expert on incentive paperwork and is prepared to discuss that will clients right from the first mention of a potential retrofit.

If we consider contractors – which Emil notes is approximately 70% of his clients – although they know the products well, they often require specific SKUs for acceptance. Guillevin’s team works alongside the contractor to learn about their project and product needs. From there, Guillevin will utilize its extensive line card to develop a product selection that will meet both the project needs while also being applicable to rebate incentives.

Emil explained a recent client’s very first question about the process was, “how do I ensure products will qualify for the incentive?” The second question was a concern regarding the requisite paperwork. Emil and the team at Guillevin quickly solved that problem with their extensive knowledge and by supporting them through the process.

In another example, Emil had a client ask him to come on site to inspect why their high bay lighting was failing after just 6 months. In this instance, the client purchased the product and installed the high bays themselves. With his onsite inspection, Emil found the high bays were substantially underrated for the temperature of the use area. This is a classic example of not knowing your needs and focusing on the cheapest solution. However, Emil was able to properly assess the needs of the client’s application and provide a high bay solution with the correct temperature rating.

The point here is that selecting the correct lighting while also ensuring you have the best chance of obtaining a rebate incentive is not as simple as picking a light off the shelf. With Guillevin’s team you get a highly experienced staff that know and live lighting. They can assess the needs of your project, work with you to select the right product, and support you through any rebate processes. Ultimately, what you have with Guillevin is more than a distributor, you have a partner that is focused on ensuring your success.

For more details and support reach out to your local Guillevin branch – https://www.guillevin.com/.

Related Articles


Changing Scene

  • Acquisition of Cree Lighting US

    September 20, 2023 The acquisitions solidify ADLT Lighting Group’s position as a global leader in the lighting industry and reinforce its commitment to innovation and excellence. The ADLT Lighting Group is thrilled to announce the successful acquisition of Cree Lighting US, E-conolight, and Cree Lighting Canada on September 8th, 2023, marking a significant milestone in the company’s… Read More…

  • BFC Lighting Solutions Partners with BJ Take Inc.

    September 19, 2023 Adapted from Linkedin Post BFC Lighting Solutions is delighted to be announcing their new partnership with, BJ Take Inc., a Canadian manufacturer that they are particularly proud of! BJ Take Inc. represents a significant asset that BFC Lighting Solutions proudly adds to their list of valuable partners. This Canadian company distinguishes itself… Read More…


Design

  • Architectural lighting brings industrial building to life as part of City of Montreal rejuvenation project

    September 11, 2023 Valeco Energie Québec Inc. is a renewable energy development company found on the edge of Frédérick-Back park in Montreal. Valeco acts as the operators of the Biomont Energy cogeneration plant in the Saint-Michel environmental complex, which recovers biogas from the former landfill site and transforms it into green energy. “The park used… Read More…

  • St-Denis Thompson with Eureka Lighting

    St-Denis Thompson with Eureka Lighting

    September 6, 2023 Industrial-era lighting design complements historic office architecture Montreal contractor St-Denis Thompson specializes in building restoration. So, it was no coincidence that it moved its head office to a historic 1908 building on the banks of the Lachine Canal. St-Denis Thompson hired local interior design firm Folio Design to create new offices with… Read More…


New Products

  • BS101LRE Retrofit Kit from Beluce

    BS101LRE Retrofit Kit from Beluce

    September 19, 2023 The BS101LRE is the economical retrofit kit for the BS111 and BS101 The BS101LRE Retrofit Kit allows you to upgrade your existing BS111 and BS101 from fluorescent to LED. To retrofit all you need to do is remove the existing lens and reflector holding the lamps & ballast from the existing fixture… Read More…

  • S4i Integrator Solutions for Seamless Control

    S4i Integrator Solutions for Seamless Control

    September 19, 2023 S4i IB Now Integrates with Crestron Electronics to provide Seamless Control of Casambi Technologies Lighting S4i Solutions for Integrators is pleased to announce that the their Integration Broker (IB) now integrates with Crestron (SIMPL) control systems. This integration allows users to seamlessly control Casambi lighting from their Crestron system. Casambi is a wireless lighting control system that uses Bluetooth Low Energy… Read More…