How Ecoglo Supported a $320M Vision for Student Wellbeing and Safety

The University of Auckland’s new Hiwa Recreation and Wellness Centre is a benchmark for sustainable, student-focused design. Ecoglo was proud to contribute to this world-class facility with our Hybrid Exit Signs.

Background

Hiwa, the University of Auckland’s new Recreation and Wellness Centre, is a world-class, purpose-built facility designed to support student health, wellbeing, and performance.

With over $320 million invested in the development, the centre includes multipurpose sports courts, fitness zones, teaching and research spaces, and flexible recreation areas – a benchmark facility for sport and recreation in New Zealand’s tertiary sector.

Installation Overview

Approximately 70 Ecoglo hybrid LED exit signs have been installed throughout the Hiwa facility.

The installation, completed by Bishman Electrical Contractors, includes a mix of surface-mounted, ceiling-recessed, rod-suspended, and flag-mounted units in both white and black body configurations.

The contractor delivered a high-quality installation across a technically complex and high-traffic environment.

Why Hybrid Exit Signs

Ecoglo hybrid LED exit signs were specified to support the University of Auckland’s sustainability goals, including reduced operational costs, energy use, carbon emissions, and landfill waste.

With no batteries required for backup power, the signs have lower maintenance needs and use under 0.5W per unit. Each includes a 15-year warranty.

All signs are independently tested to show compliance with the relevant NZ Building Code (NZBC) Performance Standards.

Looking to enhance your next project with low-maintenance, compliant emergency signage? Contact us or explore our Hybrid Exit Sign range.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

At Ecoglo, we specialise in innovative, reliable, and environmentally responsible, emergency exit and path-marking solutions. At the core of our products is photoluminescent technology, a revolutionary advancement in safety lighting. So, how does it work, and why is it a game changer?

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗣𝗵𝗼𝘁𝗼𝗹𝘂𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

The glow in Ecoglo originates from strontium aluminate phosphor – a pigment that absorbs light and slowly releases it as a bright green glow to meet the output requirements of our products.

Like the dial on a Navy Seal’s dive watch, or the star and planets stickers on your child’s bedroom ceiling.

This material is non-radioactive, and chemically inert, minimising the impact on the environment when disposed of correctly.

𝗛𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗵𝗼𝘄 𝗶𝘁 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀:

• Absorption: The pigment absorbs photons from light sources such as sunlight or LEDs.
• Storage: The energy is stored in the material at a higher energy state.
• Emission: In darkness, the stored energy is released as a visible glow, lasting for hours.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗹𝗼 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀 𝗢𝘂𝘁

• Market-Leading Durability: Designed to endure heavy use and harsh conditions, our products come with industry-leading warranties for long-term reliability.
• Reduced Maintenance: No batteries to be tested or changed and fewer fail-points, our design innovation has removed that complexity.
• More Sustainable: Harnessing ambient light, our technology reduces energy consumption and environmental impact.

Explore how Ecoglo’s photoluminescent technology can enhance building safety while supporting a greener future.

Batteries in Landfills: Why the Emergency Lighting Industry Must Lead the Way

In the safety and emergency lighting industry, reliability is non-negotiable. Batteries have long been a cornerstone of traditional systems, yet their environmental cost is staggering. At Ecoglo, we believe it’s time for a brighter, more sustainable solution – one that eliminates the need for batteries entirely.

A Long-Term Problem for a Short-Term Solution

Batteries power many emergency lighting systems, but their disposal leaves an environmental legacy that lasts for centuries:

  • Alkaline batteries take over 100 years to decompose, slowly leaching harmful chemicals into the soil and water.
  • Lithium-ion batteries found in modern systems may persist for hundreds of years, resisting natural breakdown.
  • Lead-acid batteries corrode, but their toxic contents, like lead, remain indefinitely, posing long-term risks.

Every battery in a landfill today represents a missed opportunity to prioritise sustainable innovation.

Lighting the Way Without Batteries

At Ecoglo, we’ve reimagined emergency lighting with a focus on sustainability. Our photoluminescent technology is designed to eliminate the need for batteries by harnessing natural and artificial light, our products charge during normal conditions and glow brightly when it matters most.

Our mission is simple: replace outdated, battery-reliant systems with innovative, sustainable solutions that protect people and don’t cost the planet.

A Future Free of Battery Waste

Ecoglo’s photoluminescent safety systems prove that sustainability and safety can go hand in hand. By reducing reliance on batteries, we’re not only helping buildings stay compliant and cost-efficient but also taking a stand against the environmental harm caused by traditional systems.

Because in the emergency lighting industry, the brightest ideas are the ones that last – for people today and the planet tomorrow.

The Importance of Reliable Exit Path Marking in Emergency Situations

In a crisis, visibility can make all the difference. When power fails or thick smoke fills the air, clear, visible exit paths are essential for safe, orderly evacuations. At Ecoglo, we know that every second counts, so we’ve engineered our photoluminescent products to provide bright, reliable guidance – ensuring people can find their way to safety in any emergency.

Designed for Compliance and Peace of Mind

Our exit path marking systems don’t just enhance safety – they also help you stay compliant with building regulations. With rigorous testing and adherence to global safety standards, our products ensure you’re meeting requirements without compromising on quality or durability. This means peace of mind, knowing that your building is equipped with products that will work when they’re needed most.

Built to Perform, Wherever They’re Installed

Our products are crafted using a precise manufacturing process that combines resilience with sustainability. Without needing batteries, they provide a reliable, low-maintenance solution for guiding people safely in high-traffic buildings – from airports and stadiums to schools and office buildings. They’re built tough to withstand heavy use and are proudly manufactured in New Zealand.

Ecoglo’s exit path marking solutions are reliable, compliant, and more sustainable – because when it comes to safety, there’s no room for compromise. Explore our range to see how we’re lighting the way to a safer future.

High Temperature Curing: The Secret Behind Ecoglo’s Durability

Ever wondered how we manage to offer market leading product warranties whilst maintaining a competitive price?


The answer is our proprietary manufacturing process known as High Temperature Curing (HTC).


This process involves combining phosphorescent particles with polymers and applying the mix to an aluminium base, which is then baked at 180 degrees Celsius in our custom built oven in Christchurch, New Zealand. This process permanently bonds the material, ensuring our products resist peeling, shrinking, and fading, even in extreme conditions.

More Particles, More Glow
The brightness and longevity of our products come down to the number of phosphorescent particles we use – and we use a lot! Our precise dry powder process allows us to control the density and consistency of these particles, resulting in brighter, more reliable photoluminescence compared to products made using liquid-based methods.

Reduced Environmental Impact
Our HTC process isn’t just effective – it’s also more environmentally friendly than the alternatives. Excess powder can be reused, reducing waste, and there’s no liquid effluent, making it cleaner than traditional methods. It also removes the need for battery powered signage.

In short, Ecoglo’s products are brighter, tougher, and more sustainable.


Designed and manufactured in New Zealand, they’re built to last, no matter where they’re installed.

PSME 72nd NATCON 2024Evacuation Plans to Meet the Fire Code of the Philippines

Stay compliant with the 2019 Fire Code of the Philippines by implementing our photoluminescent evacuation plans. Designed to meet NFPA 170 standards, our plans come in three sizes to suit any building.
Comply with Fire Code Regulations
Ensure Safety with Photoluminescent Materials
Support Efficient Evacuations

Partner with Ecoglo for Compliance and Safety

Come and see us at:
Booth 337
PSME 72nd NATCON
17-19 October 2024
SMX Convention Center,
Manila

Or visit our website at:
http://www.ecoglo.ph

PSME 72nd NATCON 2024 – Come and see Ecoglo’s self-charging LED exit signs.

Designed with our proprietary Energy Caching Panel (ECP) and next-generation electronics. These exit signs replace traditional batteries, offering a more sustainable, durable, and cost-effective solution.

Benefits:
Significant cost savings
Lower electricity usage
No battery replacements
15-year warranty

Choose Ecoglo for the reliable emergency exit signage solution in the Philippines

Come and see us at:
Booth 337
PSME 72nd NATCON
17-19 October 2024
SMX Convention Center,
Manila

Or visit our website at:
http://www.ecoglo.ph

PIFPO NATCON 2024

UL 1994 Egress Path Marking Solutions Now Available in the Philippines

Enhance safety in your buildings with Ecoglo’s cost-effective photoluminescent solutions. Developed to meet the stringent New York City Building Code, our products are now available in the Philippines and have been widely adopted across the USA.
Increase Evacuation Speeds
Reduce Smoke Effects
Mitigate Generator and Battery Issues

Discover more about our UL 1994 Luminous Egress Path Marking Solutions:
Learn More & Get Pricing

Come and see us at:
Booth 2
2nd PIFPO NATCON 2024
Sept 5-7
Development Academy of the Philippines Conference Center
Tagaytay
Cavite

Or visit our website at:
http://www.ecoglo.ph

PIFPO NATCON 2024

CHAMPIONING INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS TO SUPPORT THE FIRE CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Ecoglo Philippines provides a comprehensive range of safety solutions that meet the updated 2019 Fire Code requirements. Our products ensure optimal safety and comply with NFPA 170 standards.

Our product range includes:
Evacuation Plans
Stair Nosing
Exit Signs
Photoluminescent Markings

These products enhance evacuation speeds, reduce smoke effects, and mitigate generator or battery issues.

Ensure Safety and Compliance with Ecoglo.

Come and see us at:
Booth 2
2nd PIFPO NATCON 2024
Sept 5-7
Development Academy of the Philippines Conference Center
Tagaytay
Cavite

Or visit our website at:
http://www.ecoglo.ph