Dezeen has announced the 81 projects longlisted for this year's Dezeen Awards in the sustainability categories.
The 81 longlisted projects, which are in the running for awards in six different sustainability project categories, are by studios located across 20 different countries, including Rwanda, Australia, Brazil, Germany, India, Austria and South Africa.
In the Sustainable Design (consumer) category Sonnenglas received a nomination.
Sonnenglas was founded in 2013 with the aim of providing a sustainable light source for communities affected by frequent power outages in South Africa.
“Our mission was to create a product that not only harnesses solar energy but also promotes social impact. Starting with just 15 employees, we launched our fair-trade production in Johannesburg, producing our first lamps for the South African and European market. What began as a solution to help those in off-grid areas has grown into a symbol of sustainable design that’s beloved worldwide,” says Anita Chenga from Sonnenglas.
“Our factory, located in the heart of Victoria Yards, Johannesburg, remains the centre of our operations and reflects our commitment to sustainability and fair labour practices. Today, Sonnenglas has grown to a team of over 65 and our products are sold worldwide, maintaining our core values of ethical production and environmental responsibility,” she adds.
Chenga provided some more insights into the brand and the importance of the upcoming awards.
What does it mean for Sonnenglas to be longlisted in the Dezeen Awards 2024, especially in the sustainable design category?
Being longlisted in the Deezen Awards 2024 is a great honour for Sonnenglas. It’s a recognition of the efforts that have always been at the heart of our brand: the commitment to creating eco-friendly products that make a positive impact on both people and the planet.
As the first solar-powered lamp to be awarded the prestigious Blue Angel certification, we take immense pride in our commitment to sustainability, innovative technology, and eco-friendly design. Being longlisted validates the hard work that has gone into creating a product that serves more than a practical purpose. This motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and work on innovative solutions.
How does Sonnenglas ensure these lamps are sustainable products?
Sustainability is thought through every aspect of Sonnenglas. Our solar modules store solar energy during the day and provide clean LED light in the evening, serving as an eco-friendly alternative to conventional lamps and candles, significantly reducing CO₂ emissions. Our manufacturing facility also runs entirely on solar power, supported by 105 photovoltaic panels generating 40 kW of energy, making our production in Johannesburg climate-neutral.
We also take great care in sourcing environmentally friendly and recycled materials wherever possible, and all our suppliers must sign a strict code of conduct to prove that fairness and quality can go hand in hand in the electronics world. One of many examples of this is our 100% guaranteed sustainable solder, which comes either from a guaranteed sustainable supply chain from certified producers in emerging countries or from high-purity secondary raw materials of European origin. This conscious selection not only ensures high-quality end products, but also protects people and the environment from the negative effects of conventional tin mining.
Furthermore, our "Trade Instead of Aid" philosophy supports sustainable employment in South Africa, offering fair wages and development opportunities, particularly for women in leadership positions. Our products contribute to 14 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), reinforcing our dedication to positive global impact.
Could you share some insights into the design philosophy that led to Sonnenglas being recognised for its sustainability efforts?
Our design philosophy revolves around simplicity, functionality, and environmental responsibility. Our motto, "Sustainability by Design," guides every step of our process. The Sonnenglas Solar Lantern is designed as a modular system, allowing individual parts to be replaced rather than discarding the entire product when a component wears out. This approach reduces waste and extends the product's lifespan. The modularity also ensures that customers can replace parts at a low cost, promoting sustainable consumption.
Our newest SOMO Gen6 solar module, reflects our philosophy of combining sustainability, innovation, and aesthetic appeal. This module can be used across all products of our growing assortment, reducing the need for additional purchases and encouraging a more thoughtful approach to consumption. Beyond its functionality, Sonnenglas® has also become a stylish element in homes and a trusted companion for outdoor activities such as camping and hiking.
What impact do you hope the recognition from the Dezeen Awards will have on the future of Sonnenglas and its global reach?
We hope that this recognition will spread our message of sustainability and innovation, helping to inspire more people to choose eco-friendly and fair-trade products. The Dezeen Awards provide a platform to showcase how sustainability and good design can coexist beautifully. This allows us to expand our reach globally, showing that eco-conscious choices can also be stylish and practical. It reinforces our belief in the growing demand for sustainable solutions and motivates us to continue developing products that make a meaningful difference worldwide
