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Case Study: LED Lighting Project - Emphasising Carbon Savings

The ongoing LED lighting replacement project aims to enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions across several buildings on campus: currently Biology L, Biology M, Biology Q, and Harry Fairhurst. 

This initiative involves substituting inefficient fluorescent lights with energy-efficient LED lights. The project is expected to make significant energy savings and improve lighting quality for building users.

Objective

  • Replace over 2000 fluorescent lights with LED lights.
  • Achieve a 15-20% reduction in total energy usage in completed buildings.
  • Combine LED installation with solar panels and behavioural change programs to further reduce energy demand.

Progress and implementation

The project is ongoing and making good progress across all buildings involved in this phase - Biology L, Biology M, Biology Q, and Harry Fairhurst - with a significant portion already completed. Positive feedback from building users highlights improved light quality, reinforcing the benefits, as well as the expected 50% energy savings compared to old fluorescent lighting

Key points

Switching to LED lighting is a pivotal step in reducing the carbon footprint of the buildings involved. Here’s how:

  1. Cost Savings:
    • LEDs use significantly less power than fluorescent light fittings. The project expects to achieve up to 50% energy, and therefore cost savings in some buildings. 
  2. Carbon Emissions Reduction:
    • By reducing energy consumption, the project helps decrease the amount of fossil fuel burned to generate electricity. 
  3. Longevity and Waste Reduction:
    • LEDs have a longer lifespan than fluorescent lights, reducing the frequency of replacements. This longevity means fewer lights are disposed of, reducing waste and the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposal processes.
  4. Complementary Interventions:
    • The project is part of a broader sustainability initiative that includes the installation of solar panels and the promotion of energy-saving behaviours.

Results

We will be able to better quantify the results of the changes following full implementation however expected savings amount to to 50% of the direct energy usage of the current light fittings. .

Conclusion

The LED lighting replacement project not only improves light quality and achieves significant energy savings but also plays a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions. This project is a model for sustainable practices in energy management and shows the tangible benefits of adopting energy-efficient technologies. We will continue to implement and expand on such initiatives.