Energy efficient lighting upgrades
Energy and carbon reduction improvement programme
We have upgraded lighting systems in key civic buildings to:
- improve energy efficiency
- reduce carbon emissions
- help cut costs
- protect the environment
This is part of our commitment to a greener future and supports our Decarbonisation & Renewable Energy Strategy.
Project overview
The project involved replacing existing old, inefficient fluorescent light fittings with modern LEDs. The new lights have smart controls that respond to movement and natural daylight. This ensures energy is only used when needed, reducing costs and carbon emissions.
Lights were replaced at:
- Neath Civic Centre
- The Quays Office
- Service Response Centre
Project aim
The project aimed to:
- significantly improve the energy, cost and carbon performance of civic buildings' lighting systems
- enhance lighting levels
- reduce the impact of electricity costs
- reduce our carbon footprint
Benefits
The benefits of the project include:
- greater control of the environment in the buildings, improving internal comfort conditions
- healthier and more comfortable working conditions
- a significant reduction in annual civic building energy costs
- a reduction in the Council’s operational building portfolio carbon footprint
- demonstrating social responsibility and improving the Council’s reputation and sustainability
- reduced maintenance costs
The lighting control system offers other potential benefits. These could further reduce energy consumption and building running costs.
Phase out of fluorescent lights
The UK Government are phasing out fluorescent lights, meaning:
- it will become more difficult to repair fluorescent light fittings that fail
- the cost of remaining fluorescent tubes are expected to increase significantly
Energy, carbon and cost savings
Savings so far
These savings will be achieved through:
Optimised lighting design
The number of fittings was optimised for each specific area of the buildings. This resulted in the removal of hundreds of excess fittings.
Reduced energy consumption
The illumination (lux) levels of each LED fitting are fully optimised. Each fitting is adjusted according to the task carried out in that specific area. This results in each fitting’s energy consumption reducing by up to 30%.
Smart controls
Each fitting has:
- motion and daylight linked control
- the option to remotely fine-tune light output and motion sensor settings
Automatic compliance testing and reporting
Emergency lighting monthly and annual compliance testing and reporting is now completed automatically.
Increased effective lifespan
LED fittings have a longer effective lifespan than the old fluorescent fittings. This equates to reduced costs and results in fewer lamps going to landfill.
