Lighting Value Engineering, Done Properly
Save cost without losing design intent. Every EOS alternative is matched like-for-like on every technical parameter, then proved by a full lighting calculation of your actual space.
The problem with value engineering
Most lighting VE matches the headline numbers: wattage, lumens, a similar photo. Those numbers come from the catalogue, not your building. Glare, uniformity and light levels depend on the room, the mounting height and the optic, so a substitute that looks equal on paper can fail on site. The result is familiar to every consultant: alternatives rejected at review, or worse, discovered at handover with a UGR, lux or colour mismatch and luminaires already installed.
Our approach: match it, then prove it
EOS value engineering has two stages, and we never skip the second. 1. Technical like-for-like match. We compare the specified luminaire and our alternative across every parameter that affects performance, compliance and appearance (see the checklist below). 2. Proof by calculation. We model your space twice in DIALux or Relux, once with the original specification and once with the EOS alternative, and give you the results side by side. If the alternative doesn't meet the design criteria, we don't propose it. Every VE proposal is checked by Brian Glynn, our founder, who has more than 45 years in electrical and lighting work, from street lighting management on Transport for London's road network to lighting design and engineering.
What we match, and why
| Parameter | What we match | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Light distribution | LDT files compared and polar curves overlaid | Same lumens with a different spread gives different lux and uniformity |
| Glare (UGR) | Calculated in your room, not only from catalogue tables | Glare depends on the room and layout |
| Illuminance and uniformity | Full recalculation against BS EN 12464-1:2021 | Proves the design criteria are still met |
| Colour | CRI and R9, CCT, colour consistency (SDCM) equal or better | Avoids visible mismatches between areas |
| Efficacy | Luminaire lm/W meets Part L | Keeps Building Regulations compliance |
| Lifetime | L80/L90 B10 hours equal or better | Protects the maintenance factor used in the design |
| Drivers and controls | Same protocol (DALI-2, D4i, switch-dim), flicker-free | Controls work on day one |
| Emergency | Same mode, duration and testing type; BS 5266-1:2025 aligned | Life safety is never value engineered |
| Physical | IP, IK, finish, dimensions, cut-out, weight | No changes to ceilings, details or fixings |
| Programme | Lead time confirmed in writing | Protects the build programme |
How it works
- Send us the schedule — the specification, drawings and any room data you have.
- Parameter match — our technical team, working with our manufacturing partners, shortlist EOS alternatives and flag anything that can't be matched.
- Calculation — original and alternative modelled in the same spaces.
- VE report — side-by-side comparison of parameters and calculation results, cost saving and lead times.
- Approval pack — datasheets, LDT files, calculation outputs and compliance statements, ready for the consultant to review.
- Supply and support — delivery to programme, plus on-site and aftercare support.
What each person on the project gets
Consultants and lighting designers: evidence, not promises. A calculation-backed pack you can review in minutes, with the design intent visibly protected. Electrical contractors: real savings that get approved first time, so you aren't resubmitting alternatives or carrying the risk of a failed substitution. Clients and end users: a lower capital cost with the same lighting quality, energy performance and lifetime, and one point of contact.
When we'll tell you not to change it
Sometimes the specified product is the right one: a bespoke architectural detail, a client-mandated brand, or an optic we can't match without compromise. When that happens, we'll say so and recommend keeping the original. Honest advice is part of the service.
Frequently asked questions
Will the consultant accept an EOS alternative?
We build every proposal to be reviewed, with datasheets, photometric files and side-by-side calculations. The decision always stays with the specifier.
Can you value engineer emergency lighting?
Yes, but only like-for-like on mode, duration, testing type and performance. We don't reduce emergency provision to save cost.
What about lighting controls?
We match the control protocol and check compatibility with the specified control system before proposing an alternative.
Ready to save without compromise?
Send us your schedule and we'll send back a like-for-like, calculation-backed VE proposal.