Computacenter exploits the benefits of LEDs
Computacenter, one of Europe’s leading independent providers of IT infrastructure services, has reduced its lighting energy consumption by more than half. The replacement of 700 luminaires with LED lighting in a project managed by Future Energy Solutions (FES) is expected to reduce energy use for lighting by over 400 MWh a year. Maintenance costs for the next five years will be negligible, compared with £4000 a year before the project. Lighting levels have been increased by 25%.
Lighting in the 32 500 m2 customer fulfilment centre at Hatfield, Herts, could be on for 18 h a day, and head of facilities Kevin Graham was concerned that the lighting was inefficient and not delivering enough light. He commented, ‘I realised that the sodium lamps and fluorescent tubes were yesterday’s technology and that far more efficient alternatives were available.’
Marcus Brodin, commercial director of Future Energy Solutions, said, ‘Our experience has indicated that using this [LED] technology can reduce lighting bills by up to 65%. LED luminaires are also environmentally friendly, as they are 100% recyclable and free from mercury and other chemicals that are harmful to the environment. This is important to an organisation like Computacenter that is committed to corporate social responsibility (CSR).
As a large organisation, Computacenter has to comply with the CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme. The company is required to monitor its energy use and report annually. The cost of CRC compliance was £6500 a year, which has been reduced to £3000.
Computacenter has a rigorous CSR agenda. Since 2007, it has been committed to the 10 core principles of the United Nations Global Compact aimed at demonstrating ethical, environmental and social responsibility towards its workforce and in its business interactions within each community and country in which it operates.
FES has produced a time-lapse video of the installation. See link below.
