Dark January 2025: Time to turn off the lights

Dark January is back for its third year, encouraging people to turn off unnecessary lights and reduce energy waste in buildings.

Whether you're already familiar with the campaign or hearing about it for the first time, this blog post will provide all the details you need to get involved and make a difference.

Why are we doing Dark January?

Energy waste in buildings is a huge problem. A shocking 30% of the energy used in commercial buildings is wasted, and much of this waste is completely avoidable. In the UK alone, businesses waste enough energy each year to power London for seven years.

Dark January is a campaign focused on raising awareness of this waste and encouraging practical steps to reduce it. The idea is simple: start by turning off lights in unoccupied spaces. 

While we understand that lights are just one part of the problem, they’re often a sign that other systems, like heating and cooling, are running unnecessarily too. Addressing lighting waste is an easy first step that can lead to bigger changes in how buildings are managed and operated.

How do buildings contribute to global emissions?

Buildings are responsible for a huge amount of global emissions:

• 28% of global energy-related carbon emissions come from buildings, making them one of the largest contributors to climate change
• Nearly 40% of the world’s total carbon emissions are linked to the construction and operation of buildings
• In a typical commercial building, the energy usage per year is approximately 22.5 kWh/square foot 
• By 2050, the number of air conditioning units in buildings is expected to quadruple to 4.5 billion, and the associated emissions will push up the average global temperature by as much as 0.5°C 
• 80% of buildings that will exist in 2050 have already been built, making retrofitting key to achieving net zero targets 

These statistics highlight the scale of the problem and the urgent need for action. Reducing energy waste in buildings is one of the most accessible and impactful ways to cut emissions and combat climate change.

How can you get involved in Dark January?

Make sure lights are switched off in spaces that aren’t in use, especially after hours. It’s a simple action with a big impact.

Start conversations with colleagues or your building manager about improving efficiency, and talk about what your workplace is doing to reduce energy waste.

Turning off lights is just the tip of the iceberg. Think bigger about steps you can take to inspire others to reduce energy usage and drive broader change.

Dark January is a chance to rethink how we use energy in buildings – starting small, taking responsibility, and showing that simple actions can have a big impact.

Follow us on LinkedIn for more updates, and let’s make this January the darkest yet.