Search Here

Traditional lighting systems are burdened with inefficiencies, high maintenance costs, and an environmental toll that is often overlooked. From the miles of metal-clad cables and hard-pipe conduits used in installation to the frequent failure of LED drivers—the components responsible for powering light fixtures—old systems create a cycle of waste and increased carbon emissions. Although LEDs themselves are designed to last for decades, the need for constant fixture maintenance due to failing drivers undermines their long-term potential.

As Sebastien Gouin-Davis of Luum.io puts it, "The way we build buildings is archaic. We're eliminating miles of hard-pipe conduit, reducing the embodied carbon footprint by 40% in many cases, and reducing ongoing energy usage by up to 50%."

Recognizing the need for a new approach, Luum.io set out to disrupt the industry. Their answer to these challenges is Luum's patented X-PoE (eXtended Power over Ethernet)—a system designed not just to improve lighting but to redefine how buildings are powered and controlled.

X-PoE is more than just an upgrade; it's a fundamental rethinking of how lighting systems should work. Traditional approaches rely on complicated electrical systems requiring master electricians to install, but X-PoE simplifies the process by using low-cost Ethernet cables—the same kind that plugs into your Wi-Fi router. This innovation doesn't just reduce complexity; it enhances safety and slashes costs. While X-PoE starts with lighting, Luum has also added fast-charging (100W) PoE USB-C outlets to power laptops and monitors—all through the same system.

Beyond simplifying installation, X-PoE addresses the environmental impact of construction head-on. "The system reduces embodied carbon by up to 40%, an enormous win for projects aiming to meet carbon-neutral or net-zero goals. At the same time, it boosts energy efficiency by 10–15% right out of the gate. With advanced network lighting and granular controls, it can achieve an additional 30–50% in energy savings," explains Gouin-Davis.

By relocating LED drivers from individual fixtures to a centralized location, X-PoE extends the lifespan of light fixtures by two to three times. Maintenance, once a costly and recurring headache, is now reduced to a minimum.

For those in the lighting industry, skepticism about PoE lighting solutions is understandable. Many companies have tried—and failed—to harness Power over Ethernet for lighting in the past. These efforts were often led by IT companies eager to expand into the sector but lacking a true understanding of lighting needs and the nuances of the lighting industry. Inspired by the industry-standard remote driver approach, X-PoE pushes the concept further, requiring just a quarter of the space, using less wire, and offering built-in control and energy monitoring.

Luum.io's success lies in its "lighting-first" approach. With over a decade of experience in the field and 100,000 legacy wireless lighting controls already in use, they've built X-PoE from the ground up to address the specific pain points of the industry. "The problem wasn't the concept—it was the execution," says Gouin-Davis. "We've built a solution that's 40–50% of the price of traditional PoE lighting systems and solves all the historical problems while still being reverse-compatible with iEEE PoE devices." This differentiation makes X-PoE not just another attempt at PoE lighting but a true evolution of the technology.

X-PoE's impact goes beyond just energy savings and environmental benefits; it's also paving the way for future technological advancements. As artificial intelligence continues to grow, its potential in building management is immense. Yet, many buildings lack the infrastructure needed to take advantage of these advancements. Without granular data collection and precise control systems, AI-driven optimization simply isn't possible.

X-PoE changes that equation. By integrating detailed data reporting and advanced control capabilities, the system ensures that buildings are ready for the next wave of technological innovation. "AI needs granular data and control to make a real impact," says Gouin-Davis. "If we keep building the way we have for the last 30 years, we'll miss out on the opportunities AI can bring."

At its core, Luum.io is driven by a mission to create smarter, greener buildings that pave the way for a sustainable future. The company's ethos is deeply rooted in using technology to address inefficiencies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

For builders, building owners, and anyone invested in the future of construction, Luum.io represents a clear path forward: one that reduces costs, improves efficiency, and makes a tangible impact on the environment. To learn more, visit luum.io.