The UK’s public sector is being encouraged to follow in the footsteps of organisations that have seen the light on inefficient lighting as efforts continue to slash a £2.5 billion energy bill.
Lighting is often the second highest energy cost for organisations, with older bulbs significantly more power intensive than modern LED designs.
Ahead of launching free training courses and workshops across England this month, Premium Light Pro – a Horizon 2020 project administered by Energy Saving Trust – has said organisations such as Leicestershire Police, who were able to reduce their £33,500 annual spend on maintenance and energy by around £28,000 per year, are one example of how the public sector can significantly reduce their overheads.
The sessions, which will be led by a team of energy efficiency experts, will also provide resources such as guides that outline the technology, design, and procurement criteria organisations should be assessing in order to make informed decisions on replacing lighting.
Part of the course will also highlight how local authorities can access finance to make the switch, with funding available for the work from the likes of Salix Finance.
Stewart Muir, who leads Premium Light Pro on behalf of Energy Saving Trust, said: “There is massive potential to reduce your energy bills just by looking at lighting – it is generally the second biggest user of energy for most organisations.
“Knowing the basics on lighting technology, controls and even how the placement and number of light fittings affects energy use enables those responsible for energy management to quickly identify savings.
“Being able to ask the right questions of installers and to know you’re getting quality products that will last and deliver the energy savings needed is also key. Our resources will also help you to know what your other support and funding options are.”
Although there is an initial focus on public sector organisations in a bid to reduce the UK’s increasing energy bill, the training days are not exclusive and private sector organisations are encouraged to attend too.
The UK Government has already committed £692 million to more than 16,500 projects through its Salix programme, with loan applications still being accepted.
Hayley Veenhoven, Programme Manager at Salix, said: “Salix has been working with the public sector since 2004 to help deliver energy efficiency initiatives across organisations by providing interest-free loans for carbon reduction projects. Upfront capital can be a barrier for organisations seeking solutions to reduce their energy consumption and Salix are keen to work with the public sector as they develop and deliver their carbon management plans.”
The CPD-certified training courses will be taking place on the following dates:
· Switching to Efficient Indoor Lighting in the non-domestic sector, full day, Telford, 11 September, 2018
· How to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting systems in the public and private sector – morning and afternoon half day sessions, Kent, 17 September 2018 in association with Low Carbon Across the South East
· Helping You Switch to Energy Efficient Street Lighting, full day, Birmingham, 26 September, 2018
· How to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting systems in the public and private sector – Kent, 4 October 2018 in association with Low Carbon Across the South East
To register for one of these events visit www.premiumlightpro.org.uk/education/
For more information or to register for an event visit www.premiumlightpro.org.uk.
