Saving Energy - Lighting

Millions of pounds are wasted each year on energy for unnecessary lighting of offices. Every £1 wasted on energy converts to approximately 5-6kg of unnecessary CO2 emission into the environment .

Key steps:

Use natural light: Make the best use that you can of natural light by positioning workstations near windows.

Similarly, you can implement lighting controls that take into account the amount of natural daylight. Areas withing five meters of windows can have sensor controls that relate to the amont of available daylight.

Avoid flooding little-used spaces: Blanket lighting in large open plan offices can waste lots of energy on lighting empty floorspace. Make use of individual lights, like desk lamps, for key areas. This can be far cheaper and better for the environment than keeping a whole room overly bright.

Link lighting to occupancy: Unused meeting rooms and empty toilets that remain lit are wasting energy.  Implement controls to switch off any unnecessary lighting when the area is unoccupied.

Switch bulbs: Energy saving light bulbs use 75% less electricity than standard light bulbs, provide the same amount of light, and last up to 10 times longer .

Switch fittings: Begin a rolling replacement programme to introduce new more energy saving fittings.

Educate staff and volunteers: Encourage everyone to turn off all lights and electrical equpment at night and over weekends.

Education, education, education!

Work to educate everyone, staff and volunteers to think about saving energy.