Bright idea reduces business energy costs

Contracting, manufacturing and shopfitting company PEC has identified a growing demand from developers and landlords to reduce energy costs by installing sustainable internal and external lighting schemes.

According to The Carbon Trust, lighting in buildings accounts for around a sixth of total UK electricity use. 73% is used in commercial and industrial applications, with the balance in domestic applications. On average, 25% of an organisation's electricity costs come from lighting.

PEC is working with many of its clients to deliver sustainable lighting schemes which promise significant cost-savings.

PEC commercial director Suki Panesar said: "Estates and facilities managers with multi-storey car parks in their property portfolio could be making significant savings on their energy bills by replacing old-fashioned and expensive lighting.

"Poorly managed systems, especially in areas where the lights aren't always being used, can cost a business up to an extra 25% of energy usage. It's something that businesses can't afford, and in terms of reducing carbon footprint, it's a relatively simple situation to remedy."

PEC has been working with Q-Park, one of Europe's leading car park companies, on an extensive refurbishment programme for its central London properties. This has included installation of an energy-saving lighting scheme using intelligent daylight sensors and motion sensors. Q-Park believes the scheme will make a big difference to maintenance and running costs.

The team has also installed and customised a lighting scheme at a site in Vauxhall for a property investment company with a portfolio spanning London, France, Germany and Sweden.

"Energy-efficient lighting can save money and cut carbon, it's a win-win situation for businesses and we anticipate more organisations will start to look at ways of installing some of the newer fittings incorporating modern technology. We have a great team, with experience of installing schemes in multi-storey buildings with hundreds of fittings," said Suki Panesar.