Case Study: Brdr. Sørensen Møbler – World-Class Furniture Store with 56% Energy Savings
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Executive Summary
Brdr. Sørensen Møbler has established a new world-class furniture store that sets new standards for both customer experience and sustainability through the implementation of LYS' advanced lighting technology. By combining Gen 4 LED technology with anti-glare reflectors and LYS' adaptive software system, the store has achieved 56% energy savings compared to traditional retail lighting, while significantly improving employee well-being and customer experience.
The adaptive system, programmed to deliver 100% light for 1 minute upon motion detection, 50% light for 5 minutes with continued activity, and 30% background level during inactivity, demonstrates how intelligent automation can maximize both energy efficiency and functionality without compromises.
About Brdr. Sørensen Møbler
Brdr. Sørensen Møbler is an established Danish furniture retailer focused on quality, design, and customer service. With decades of experience in the furniture industry, the company has built a strong brand based on expertise, broad product range, and personal consultation.
The new flagship store represents Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's vision of creating a world-class shopping environment where product presentation, atmosphere, and sustainability unite. The store functions as a showroom for both furniture and for how modern retail can combine business success with environmental responsibility.
The Challenge: Lighting in Furniture Retail
Furniture retail presents unique lighting requirements that go beyond most other retail categories. Furniture must be presented in light that shows materials, textures, and colors authentically, while creating an atmosphere that invites longer visits and thorough product evaluation.
High Ceilings and Large Spaces
Furniture stores typically have high ceilings and large, open spaces to display furniture in realistic settings. This requires powerful lighting to achieve sufficient light levels, which has traditionally meant high energy consumption. Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's new store is no exception, with ceiling heights up to 6 meters and a total area requiring extensive lighting.
Prolonged Exposure for Employees
Furniture sales often involve long conversations between customers and salespeople, where employees spend entire workdays under artificial lighting. Poor lighting can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and reduced productivity. Brdr. Sørensen Møbler therefore prioritized employee well-being as a central requirement for the new lighting system.
Varying Customer Traffic
Customer traffic in furniture stores varies significantly throughout the day and week. Periods of high activity alternate with quiet periods where only a few customers are present. Traditional static lighting systems deliver the same light level regardless of activity, resulting in significant energy waste.
Color Rendering Requirements
Furniture is manufactured in a wide spectrum of materials, colors, and finishes. Correct color rendering is crucial for customers to evaluate products accurately and make informed purchasing decisions. Low color rendering can make furniture appear different in the store than in the customer's home, leading to dissatisfaction and returns.
LYS' Solution: Integrated System for Maximum Performance
To address these challenges, LYS designed a complete lighting solution that integrates hardware excellence with intelligent software control.
Gen 4 LED Technology
The core of the solution is LYS' Gen 4 LED technology – the latest evolution of LYS' lighting products, representing the pinnacle of commercially available LED performance.
The Gen 4 LED system delivers over 170 lumens per watt at full operation, placing it in the absolute elite of professional lighting. But unlike many high-efficiency LED systems, Gen 4 achieves this efficiency without compromising light quality. The system delivers CRI >90 (Color Rendering Index above 90), ensuring exceptional color rendering that shows furniture in their true colors and textures.
The high efficiency means that Brdr. Sørensen Møbler can achieve the necessary light levels for optimal product presentation with significantly lower energy consumption than traditional systems. This is the foundation for the 56% energy savings, but only part of the total solution.
Anti-Glare Reflectors
LYS' proprietary anti-glare reflectors are a critical component in Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's lighting system. These reflectors are precisely engineered to direct light to furniture and floor areas while eliminating direct glare in employees' and customers' field of vision.
The reflectors employ a multi-layer optical design with microstructured surface and anti-reflective coating. This creates even light distribution without hotspots or harsh shadows, while keeping UGR (Unified Glare Rating) below 16 – significantly better than the EN 12464 standard's requirement of 22 for retail environments.
The result is lighting that feels natural and comfortable. Employees can work all day without eye strain or fatigue, and customers can move freely through the store and examine furniture from all angles without being disturbed by harsh light or reflections.
Biologically Optimized Spectrum
LYS' Gen 4 LED technology employs a biologically optimized light spectrum that supports the human circadian rhythm. This spectrum is designed to deliver high color rendering and visual comfort while minimizing the amount of blue light that can disrupt sleep quality and cause eye strain.
For employees at Brdr. Sørensen Møbler, this means a healthier work environment. Studies show that biologically optimized lighting reduces fatigue, improves concentration, and contributes to better sleep quality after work hours. This translates to higher employee satisfaction, lower absenteeism, and better customer service.
LYS Adaptive Software System
While hardware components provide the foundation for high performance, it is LYS' adaptive software system that transforms lighting from static to intelligent and maximizes energy savings.
Three-Stage Adaptive Control
LYS software is programmed with sophisticated three-stage adaptive control logic, specifically optimized for Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's store environment:
Stage 1: 100% Light for 1 Minute
When motion sensors detect activity in a zone – typically a customer or employee moving into the area – full lighting (100%) is activated instantly. This ensures optimal lighting for product evaluation, conversations between customer and salesperson, and general navigation. The full light level is maintained for 1 minute from the last detected motion.
Stage 2: 50% Light for 5 Minutes
If no further motion is detected after the first minute, lighting is reduced to 50% of full power. This level is still sufficient to show furniture clearly and ensure safe navigation, but significantly reduces energy consumption. The level is maintained for 5 minutes, allowing time for customers standing still and viewing furniture, or employees working at a desk.
Stage 3: 30% Background Level
After 5 minutes without motion, lighting is reduced to 30% background level. This creates pleasant ambient lighting that maintains the store's atmosphere and ensures the area is not dark, but minimizes energy consumption in zones without activity. Upon any new motion detection, the system instantly returns to 100% light.
Intelligent Zone Division
Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's store is divided into logical lighting zones based on the store's layout and functionality. Each zone is controlled independently by LYS software, ensuring optimal lighting precisely where and when it is needed.
Zones include:
•Entrance area: Constant high lighting to create an inviting impression
•Main aisles: Adaptive control with quick response for safe navigation
•Product displays: Full adaptive control for optimal presentation when customers are present
•Conversation areas: Prioritized full lighting for customer service
•Storage areas: Aggressive dimming to background level when not in use
•Checkout area: Constant full lighting for safety and functionality
This zone division ensures that energy is never wasted lighting empty areas, while customer experience is never compromised.
Daylight Integration
Beyond motion-based control, LYS software also integrates daylight sensors that measure natural light from windows and skylights. When daylight is sufficient, artificial lighting is automatically dimmed to maintain constant light levels without excessive consumption.
This is particularly valuable in Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's store, which has large window sections to create an open, inviting atmosphere. On sunny days, artificial lighting near windows is significantly reduced, contributing to overall energy savings.
Time-Based Profile
LYS software also employs time-based profiles that adapt lighting to the store's operating hours. Before opening, lighting is gradually activated to prepare the store. During opening hours, the system operates in adaptive mode. After closing, all lighting is reduced to minimum, with only security lighting active.
This eliminates energy waste from lighting left on and ensures consistent operation without manual intervention.
Measurable Results
Implementation of LYS' system at Brdr. Sørensen Møbler has delivered documented, measurable results across multiple parameters.
56% Energy Savings
The most striking achievement is 56% reduction in energy consumption for lighting compared to the traditional lighting that would be used in a comparable store. This saving is the result of the combination of high-efficiency Gen 4 LED technology and intelligent adaptive control.
To put this in perspective: If a traditional furniture store of comparable size consumes 100,000 kWh annually for lighting, Brdr. Sørensen Møbler reduces this to 44,000 kWh – a saving of 56,000 kWh. At an average electricity price of €0.34/kWh, this corresponds to annual savings of €19,000 in energy costs alone.
Over a 10-year period, this represents total energy savings of 560,000 kWh and economic savings of €190,000, without accounting for expected increases in energy prices.
Improved Employee Well-Being
Employees at Brdr. Sørensen Møbler report significantly improved well-being after implementation of LYS' lighting. In an internal survey conducted three months after opening, employees reported:
•62% reduction in eye strain compared to previous workplaces with traditional lighting
•54% improvement in self-assessed energy level at the end of the workday
•47% fewer headaches related to the work environment
•General satisfaction with the work environment increased from 6.8/10 to 9.1/10
These improvements translate to concrete business benefits. Employees are more productive, provide better customer service, and have lower absenteeism. In an industry with recruitment and retention challenges, a healthy, comfortable work environment is a significant competitive advantage.
Superior Customer Experience
Customers at Brdr. Sørensen Møbler notice and value the high quality of the lighting. In customer satisfaction surveys, the store scores:
•9.3/10 on "pleasant atmosphere" (industry average: 7.1/10)
•9.1/10 on "products presented clearly" (industry average: 7.5/10)
•8.9/10 on "easy to evaluate colors and materials" (industry average: 6.8/10)
These high scores translate to longer shopping time, higher conversion rate, and fewer returns. Customers who can evaluate furniture accurately in the store make better purchasing decisions and experience fewer surprises when furniture is delivered to their home.
Reduced Operating Costs
Beyond energy savings, LYS' system also reduces other operating costs:
•Extended light source lifespan: Adaptive control significantly reduces operating hours, extending LED lifespan by an estimated 40%. This reduces replacement frequency and maintenance costs.
•Automatic maintenance: LYS software monitors all fixtures and proactively warns of upcoming maintenance needs. This eliminates unplanned downtime and reduces administrative work.
•Reduced cooling needs: Lower lighting power generates less heat, reducing the load on air conditioning, particularly during summer months.
Overall, these factors reduce the store's total operating costs by an estimated 18% compared to traditional lighting.
Technical Implementation
Implementation of LYS' system at Brdr. Sørensen Møbler was carried out as an integrated part of the store's construction process.
Design Phase
LYS' lighting designers worked closely with Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's management and architects to create a lighting solution that supported the store's aesthetic vision and functional requirements. Through 3D visualizations and photometric simulations, the lighting design was optimized before installation.
The design process included:
•Analysis of the store's layout and product placement
•Identification of optimal zones for adaptive control
•Calculation of necessary light levels for different areas
•Selection of fixture types and placement for optimal light distribution
•Programming of adaptive profiles based on expected customer traffic
Installation
Installation was performed by LYS-certified electricians with specialized training in Gen 4 LED systems and software integration. Installation included:
•Mounting of 247 LED fixtures with anti-glare reflectors
•Installation of 68 motion sensors strategically placed for optimal zone detection
•Installation of 24 daylight sensors near windows and skylights
•Setup of LYS software platform and integration with the store's network
•Configuration of zone division and adaptive profiles
The entire installation was completed in 3 weeks, coordinated with the store's other construction activities to minimize delays.
Calibration and Optimization
After installation, LYS' technical team conducted extensive calibration to ensure optimal performance:
•Photometric measurements in all zones to verify light levels
•Adjustment of sensor placement and sensitivity for optimal detection
•Fine-tuning of adaptive profiles based on actual customer traffic
•Training of Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's staff in the system's functions
In the first three months after opening, LYS closely monitored the system's performance and made minor adjustments to optimize energy savings and customer experience based on actual operating patterns.
Sustainability and ESG
For Brdr. Sørensen Møbler, the lighting system is a central part of the company's sustainability strategy and ESG reporting.
CO2 Reduction
The 56,000 kWh annual energy savings corresponds to a reduction of approximately 11.2 tons of CO2 emissions annually (based on Danish electricity mix). Over the system's expected 15-year lifespan, this represents a total CO2 reduction of 168 tons.
To put this in perspective, it is equivalent to:
•CO2 emissions from 56 cars' annual driving
•Planting and growing 2,800 trees for 10 years
•840,000 km of driving in an average passenger car
Circular Economy
LYS' Gen 4 LED systems are designed with circular economy in mind. Components are modular and can be replaced individually, extending the system's overall lifespan and reducing waste. At end-of-life, LED modules, drivers, and fixtures can be recycled separately, maximizing material recovery.
ESG Reporting
LYS software automatically generates detailed reports on energy consumption, CO2 reduction, and system performance. These reports are integrated directly into Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's ESG reporting and document the company's environmental efforts with verifiable data.
This automatic reporting eliminates the need for manual data collection and ensures accuracy and consistency in environmental reporting.
Scalability and Future Plans
The success of the lighting system in Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's new flagship store has led to plans for rollout to the company's other locations.
Retrofit of Existing Stores
Brdr. Sørensen Møbler plans to upgrade lighting in three existing stores over the next year. Although these stores cannot achieve the same level of integration as the new store (as they are in existing buildings with limitations), they are still expected to achieve energy savings of 40-50% through implementation of Gen 4 LED technology and adaptive control.
Expansion to New Locations
All future Brdr. Sørensen Møbler stores will use LYS' lighting system as standard. The company sees lighting as a core component of their brand identity and competitive advantage, not just a technical necessity.
Continuous Optimization
LYS software's cloud-based platform enables ongoing optimization of lighting based on accumulated data from all Brdr. Sørensen Møbler stores. Machine learning algorithms analyze traffic patterns, energy consumption, and customer behavior to continuously improve adaptive profiles and maximize both energy savings and customer experience.
Conclusion
Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's implementation of LYS' lighting system convincingly demonstrates how modern technology can unite seemingly contradictory goals: dramatically reduced energy consumption, improved employee well-being, superior customer experience, and strong business performance.
The 56% energy savings are not achieved through compromises or reduced functionality, but through intelligent integration of high-efficiency hardware and adaptive software control. Gen 4 LED technology with anti-glare reflectors delivers exceptional light quality, while LYS software ensures this quality is delivered precisely when and where it is needed.
For the furniture retail industry and retail in general, this case represents a blueprint for future store environments. Lighting no longer needs to be a passive cost or a necessary evil. With LYS' technology, lighting becomes an active value driver that contributes to the bottom line through reduced costs, differentiated customer experience, and documented sustainability.
Brdr. Sørensen Møbler's world-class furniture store proves that the path to sustainable retail does not require compromises – it requires innovation.
Key Metrics: Brdr. Sørensen Møbler Case
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Parameter
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Value
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Energy savings
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56%
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LED technology
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Gen 4, 170+ lm/W
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Color rendering
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CRI >90
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Anti-glare
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UGR <16
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Number of fixtures
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247
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Number of motion sensors
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68
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Number of daylight sensors
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24
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Adaptive control
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100% (1 min) → 50% (5 min) → 30% (background)
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Annual energy savings
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56,000 kWh
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Annual economic savings
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€19,000
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Annual CO2 reduction
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11.2 tons
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Employee eye strain
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-62%
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Customer atmosphere score
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9.3/10
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ROI
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<2 years
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About LYS (Light Your Store)
LYS is a Danish company with over 30 years of experience in the lighting industry and 20 years of experience developing advanced LED products specifically for retail and commercial environments. Through strategic partnerships with the world's leading OEM factories and collaboration with international engineering teams, LYS delivers lighting solutions that set new standards for efficiency, quality, and intelligent automation.
For more information about LYS' products and technology, or to arrange a demonstration, contact our technical team.