E.ON demonstrates LED advantage for commercial lighting

E.ON, a utility that generates electricity and supplies power and gas, has developed a new commercial lighting proposition that offers consultancy and installation work to replace inefficient traditional lighting with innovative LED solutions in offices in the UK.

E.ON is demonstrating the potential energy-cost savings of its commercial lighting offering with a project at one of its main offices. A total of 1692 LED luminaires will replace traditional luminaires at E.ON’s Newstead Court offices. The company expects that the installation will reduce energy consumption by 55%, leading to a saving of GBP40,000 per year. This is based on saving 452,000 kWh per year at GBP0.089 /kWh.

A reduction in maintenance costs of up to GBP16,000 per year is also projected, and the new lighting will significantly reduce carbon consumption by up to 253 tonnes per year.

Clark Morrow, Programme Manager at E.ON, said: “The installation of the LED luminaires has transformed the office space into a bright and comfortable environment to work in. Everyone working in the office has been amazed by the amount of light that each luminaire emits into the room. This project has not only enhanced our working conditions but has enabled us to demonstrate and prove the real benefits of the technology.”

According to E.ON, 80% of the UK’s commercial market has not yet realised the benefits of energy-efficient LED lighting. Moreover, research conducted on behalf of E.ON in September 2011 found that only one in five (21%) of UK small businesses have energy-efficient equipment in the workplace, and almost nine out of 10 (86%) don’t have lighting timers or motion sensors in their workplace.

E.ON has set up its specialist Commercial Lighting team to develop and implement a total lighting solution for commercial customers. The process begins with a thorough feasibility study, assessment of current lighting inventory and a comprehensive review of how the building is used.

Then, the team identifies a suitable replacement solution from a complete portfolio of LED lighting solutions, including lamps, luminaires and controls, and devises a suitable implementation programme bespoke to the business.

Martin Baker, Head of Infrastructure Services and Chief Engineer at E.ON, said: “LED technology has been around for many years, but now significant innovations have made it a more viable and affordable alternative to traditional lighting.”

“The new LED luminaires in Newstead Court, for example, will have an increased lifespan of at least three times that of the old lighting, and will significantly reduce energy consumption and generate real cost savings,” said Baker. “We hope this project will demonstrate to our customers how we can work with them to upgrade their internal lighting and in doing so see similar benefits in their own buildings.”