Lighting - Cumbria Business Environment Network

Cumbria Business Environment Network

FACT: Lighting can typically account for up to 40% of a company’s electricity bill (carbon trust)

FACT: In the UK, lighting consumes around 20% of all the electricity generated

FACT: It is a simple fact that even the best lighting system will be at its most efficient when it is switched off.

TOP TIPS FOR ENERGY EFFICIENT LIGHTING

	The best light of all is natural light, save money by keeping lights off when sufficient daylight allows. Incorporate clear panels into roofing and make sure windows are cleaned and not obstructed, pull back the blinds.
	Replace all traditional incandescent lamps with low energy (compact fluorescents) lamps. These have similar light output for only 20% of the power consumption, LED lamps which have a similar light output for only 10% of the power consumption. Pay particular attention to lights that operate for longer time periods.
	Clearly label your light switches. This will help people to switch off unnecessary lighting. Make sure they are not obscured by furniture and are located near to doors. This makes it easier for people to take responsibility and switch off unwanted lighting.
	Use Occupancy sensors where appropriate. These can reduce lighting costs considerably in areas such as corridors and workshops. Consider connecting every alternate light to a sensor, this will maintain a minimum level of background lighting for safety purposes and give extra light when the area is occupied. Sensors can be fitted to wall switches as well as in ceilings.
	Time delay switches are an excellent way of preventing lights being left on accidentally. They can be used in store rooms and in cupboard spaces that are not in continual use.
	If you have fluorescent lights consider upgrading them or replacing them with slimline T5 units. These will save approximately 40-50% of your energy use. If fitting fluorescent luminaries always use T5 fittings with well designed reflectors. New units can also incorporate daylight dimming and presence detection.
	Don’t forget outside lights and spotlights, there are a number of low energy and LED replacement options for these. Outside lights should be connected to timers to prevent them being left on. Look for lights that don’t illuminate the night sky to minimise light pollution.
	When replacing any lights always consider LED options. LED’s are available to replace many traditional lamps including GU10 and fluorescent tube applications. They cost more but have superior lifetime and reliability, reducing maintenance costs and typically saving 90% of the power used by conventional lamps.

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Useful websites

www.carbontrust.co.uk Interest free loans for energy saving projects and publications to help you choose efficient heating systems.
www.eca.gov.uk Information and financial support via enhanced capital allowances
www.energysavingtrust.org.uk variety of energy saving information and tips

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Since 2006 CBEN have identified the following savings in Cumbrian businesses that we have worked with