Lutterworth Ecolighting designs, manufactures and installs energy efficient lighting in warehouses and industrial premises throughout the country.
The company’s managing director Martin Needham reports that the desire for lower energy bills is driving the demand for replacement lighting installations, particularly from larger warehousing and distribution operations that operate 24-hours a day. Here he explains what can be done to significantly reduce lighting costs in these facilities.
“To achieve optimum energy savings, a lighting system must be configured to the activity that is taking place inside the building,” says Martin. “In a warehouse environment where there are fluctuating levels of activity in different areas during the day, this becomes all the more important.
“For the best results, design teams must understand the practical application of the lighting. This means identifying when lighting is needed, for how long and if there are any areas that require particular attention such as pedestrian walkways or racking.
“Armed with this knowledge and the latest software, designers can plan a lighting scheme that utilises appropriate technology to fit the specification of the building and the requirements of its occupants.”
Traditional sodium lighting or metal halide discharge light fittings typically consume 450 – 460 watts, whereas the low energy light fittings that Lutterworth Ecolighting design, manufacture and install, can consume anywhere between 76w and 252w depending on the fitting type even when at full power. Despite the low wattage, the lights produce a very crisp white light when in use.
The fittings have built-in intelligent sensors to detect motion and monitor ambient daylight levels. When there is no occupancy in the area or when there is sufficient ambient daylight, the lights will automatically switch off or operate at just 10%.
“We can programme timers so that when the sensors detect movement, the lights in that zone can remain on for a period lasting anytime from 10 seconds right up to 72 hours,” continues Martin. “With this level of control we can ensure that lighting is truly relative to activity.”
Typically, this results in customers making energy savings in excess of 70%. Return on investment is rapid and is usually within one to three years.
“In addition to substantial economic benefits, energy efficient lighting also provides a sustainable contribution towards the fulfillment of long-term environmental objectives for storage and distribution operators,” adds Martin. “Significantly lower energy consumption means a reduced carbon footprint and less impact on the environment.”
Aside from the financial and environmental factors, the most obvious and instant benefit of energy-efficient lighting is the superior light quality that the new technology generates. The result of a lighter and brighter working environment is improved visibility and enhanced workplace safety for employees. Lutterworth Ecolighting reports that workforce delight at the improvement in the working environment is an inevitable result of an installation.
“Despite the benefits, there are still some companies that are reluctant to replace their lighting because they fear the installation will disrupt day-to-day operations,” continues Martin. “However in the same way that an energy efficient lighting system is configured to activity, the installation process can also be coordinated around warehouse activity. Our engineers work closely with warehouse managers to ensure works are scheduled in designated areas outside of peaks periods to avoid disruption.”
Lutterworth Ecolighting
Tel: 01455 552511
Email: enquiries@ecolightinguk.com
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