New lighting halves energy consumption

At AWE we actively seek ways to reduce or minimise our carbon footprint.

This brief case study explains how we took a more sustainable approach to lighting improvements.

The challenge

Lighting in some of our facilities consumes higher levels of energy compared with more modern lighting. We needed to replace ageing equipment with fittings that reduced our overall energy consumption within these facilities.

The solution

Lighting improvements were a focus for AWE in 2013. For example, within the Aldermaston main gate reception, we fitted Light Emitting Diode (LED) edge-lit flat panel lighting and LED downlighters. LED lights have grown in popularity in recent years and gave us an affordable solution – generating a 50% reduction in energy use and the equivalent in carbon savings.

Also, as the new lights were a direct replacement for the old recessed T8 fluorescent tube fittings, we were able to keep installation time and costs to a minimum. Today, we have lighting that is more efficient, cheaper to maintain and provides better conditions for the use of computer monitors in reception.

The end result is an enhanced working environment that’s better for our employees checking visitor documentation and a more ambient and brighter reception for welcoming visitors to Aldermaston.