The right lighting could save UK businesses £700 million, says Carbon Trust

Energy efficient lighting could save UK businesses and public sector organisations up to £700 million a year, according to the Carbon Trust.

The government-based organisation launched a new guide this week giving businesses advice on how to choose the most efficient lighting system with compromising on quality.

Lighting uses a fifth of the electricity generated in the UK but just switching off when not in use or adjusting basic controls and settings could save 2.2 million tonnes of CO₂ a year.

Simple, cost-effective refurbishment and sensor-based controls can typically provide cost savings of around 20%, while installing control systems or efficient LED lighting could save food and manufacturing industries, as well as retail and office premises, around 30-50% in electricity use.

“From simple reminders to turn the lights off, to installing the latest in lighting technology, there’s £700 million and 4.4 million tonnes in CO₂ emissions to be saved by UK businesses,” says Richard Rugg, director of Carbon Trust programmes.

Retailer WJ Aldiss, for example, is saving £20,000 a year in energy costs after replacing T8 fluorescent light fittings with T5 high frequency fittings and introducing low voltage downlights in its stores and distribution centre.

In the US, meanwhile, warehouse and distribution company Millard together with Groom Energy has completed one of the largest installations of LED lighting in the country, which is expected to save over 1700 tons of CO₂.

The LED retrofit at Millard’s Allentown facility comprises nearly 800 fixtures covering almost 58,500 m2 and a control system to provide lighting only when operators are present.

For further information:
www.carbontrust.co.uk/expertinenergy
www.millardref.com
www.groomenergy.com

07 December 2011

Back