December 3, 2007—The UK’s Carbon Trust has launched a new energy-saving lighting guide designed to help organizations reduce energy use and cut carbon dioxide emissions, particularly during the shorter days of winter.
Carbon Trust notes that lighting accounts for 40 percent of businesses’ total electricity bills and, as the clocks go back, organizations are likely to see their bills increase. The new guide, which can be downloaded or ordered for free, helps organizations identify the main areas where energy is being wasted through inefficient lighting and provides straightforward energy-saving advice.
By implementing the simple low cost and no cost energy-saving measures outlined in the guide, Carbon Trust asserts that businesses can cut their electricity bills by up to 30 percent and reduce their carbon emissions—the main cause of climate change.
Carbon Trust’s top lighting tips include:
- Think before you flick the switch: Daylight may be fading but there are still about 10 hours of sunlight a day, so take advantage of the natural light by opening blinds and ensuring that windows areas are kept clear.
- Good housekeeping: Simple measures, such as ensuring that staff switch off lights when rooms are unoccupied, can reduce lighting costs by up to 20 percent.
- Keeping up appearances: Ensuring that lights and windows are regularly cleaned enables businesses to take full advantage of the natural light. If windows are dirty then employees are often forced to use electrical lighting.
- Staying in control: Lighting controls, such as those that have light sensors, can regulate lighting and provide substantial savings.
- Go for an upgrade: Replacing lighting with energy-efficient alternatives is an effective low-cost investment that can save money and energy.
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To download or order the free Lighting Technology Overview (CTV021) or other energy efficiency publications, visit Carbon Trust’s Web site.
