There has been substantial coverage of the potential for next generation lighting to deliver dramatic cuts in energy bills for retailers. But it is arguable that the potential of new lighting and other green technologies to improve the customer experience and overall business performance – something highlighted by the recently-published Health, Wellbeing and Productivity in Retail: the Impact of Green Buildings on People and Profit report – has yet to receive comprehensive recognition.
All of these strands appear to be coming together in a four-year nationwide programme being undertaken by supermarket giant ASDA to reduce the energy footprint of its stores. Alongside voltage optimisation, building management technology, and heating and ventilation optimisation, the conversion to LED lighting is an integral part of the upgrades. Ultimately, the company is working towards the goal of a 20% energy intensity reduction by 2020 (vs. a 2010 baseline).
ASDA considered a number of LED lighting providers before choosing Tamlite Lighting. The ability of the company to provide customised solutions was a critical factor.
Bespoke solutions
Tamlite devised a replacement for the existing lighting systems – many of which featured T5 or T8 fluorescent systems utilising a unique track and tray mounting system.
Now deployed at more than 50 stores nationwide, the solution sees Philips Fortimo LED modules utilised, with a bespoke retro-fit gear tray and optic controller that were designed by Tamlite and which provide a high degree of glare control and output. The combination has already reduced energy bills by as much as 37% across a number of 24-hour sites, while the long-life of the LED fixtures will contribute to lower maintenance costs.
The solution also underlines Tamlite’s ability to provide bespoke responses to customer requirements. The size of the company’s workforce was another important element determining its track-record in this area.
Long-term benefits
Although a significant number of stores have already been covered by the project, Colin Lawson, Head of Sales, Marketing and Product Development at Tamlite, confirms that it is an ongoing scheme that is likely to include Tamlite panels and other products at further UK sites. Meanwhile, personnel at the ‘converted’ stores report some welcome benefits alongside the cost-efficiencies.
“The new LED solutions have delivered improved light quality as well as a much more pleasant look and ‘feel’ to the stores,” confirms Colin. “More and more retailers are waking up to the myriad benefits associated with the latest LED and high-efficiency fluorescent lighting technologies. Our activity levels in this area are already significant, and we expect them to grow substantially over the next few years as more and more businesses undertake the conversion process.”
