Energy efficiency

Sylvania explores the role of lighting in improving a facility’s energy efficiency and reducing its utility bills.

We know that energy bills are expected to increase by around a third over the next 12 years, adding significant costs for businesses in all sectors but particularly impacting logistics and distribution. Round the clock operations and vast warehousing infrastructure require massive amounts of energy for lighting, heating, and cooling, as organisations work hard to maintain competitive and safe operations. So whether on a single site or multiple locations, identifying ways to improve energy efficiency and bring down utility costs is a key driver for any logistics and distribution business.

Recent research shows that lighting typically accounts for 39% of commercial electricity consumption. This makes it a good place to start to look for ways to improve efficiency and to bring down the cost of energy. But where to start? A reminder to switch lights off in low-usage areas isn’t really going to make much of an impact. And neither is the bare minimum of maintenance, which could have the opposite effect, leading to a fall in safety standards, and avoidable contact with the industry regulator.

A lighting energy audit can unlock major savings by determining the optimum lighting design for a facility (one size doesn’t fit all) and establishing cost-effective ways to minimise energy use. Suppliers who are confident that their lighting solutions offer significantly reduced overall costs, will provide this service free of charge and with no obligations attached. An audit can also provide peace of mind that relevant regulatory standards are being met. In the era of ever more stringent regulation, whether European-led or territory specific, this can provide much-needed due diligence and a reassurance that operations are fully compliant.

It’s also important to think about the wider benefits lighting can have on commercial operations. Being more energy efficient and bringing down the overall cost of electricity are essential priorities, but there are other considerations too. Lighting solutions that are more reliable, sturdier and longer lasting have a positive impact on downtime, productivity and maintenance. Reliability and longevity are key, significantly reducing the need for ongoing maintenance and therefore any need to close down operations. In today’s always-on operations, where margins are tight and turnaround times have little leeway, this can be a significant benefit to the bottom-line and should be factored in when sourcing a lighting solution.

Legislation continues to emerge that demands ever more energy efficient buildings. Acting now is the way to stay on the right side of regulation and to improve the efficiency of your business operations. Whether it’s a simple first step of installing LED lighting systems, rather than halogen or incandescent (incandescent lighting uses a massive 75% more energy than LED alternatives) or partnering with a supplier that can provide an energy audit, the important thing is to do something to unlock energy efficiency gains from your lighting infrastructure.

To learn more on these and other issues in the logistics and industry sector, download our eBook ‘What’s Hanging Over Your Head?’ to find out more.