High frequency sensor controlled lights from Steinel (UK) have replaced manually switch operated ceiling lights at the Trust Housing Association to improve electricity consumption and environmental profile.
A not for profit housing association, Trust Housing offers rented accommodation and shared ownership for older people, families and others in housing need – some 2,400 homes in all, spread across Edinburgh, Glasgow and Arran.
As part of an ongoing programme of improvements to achieve savings and meet legislation, Trust Housing chose to look at the energy efficiency of its buildings. A key area of energy waste was immediately identified – corridors. Communal areas, naturally, must be well lit, in order to ensure the complete safety of all residents. As a result, however, Trust Housing found that lights were typically left on permanently in empty corridors – a massive energy drain that was driving up costs.
“Intelligent, sensor controlled lighting seemed like the obvious solution to the energy inefficiency of lighting the corridors round the clock,” commented Gary Cusick, facilities officer at Trust Housing Association. “However, we needed sophisticated technology, so that we could be completely sure that the lights would switch on automatically when a person entered the corridor, and then stay on for only as long as they were needed. Steinel’s RS PRO 1000 sensor lights are clearly at the cutting edge of technology and they met our needs perfectly.”
Forty of the Steinel sensor lights were initially installed by Trust Housing, and this first installation proved to be so successful that another 100 of the RS PRO 1000 sensor lights were put in place. Each of the RS PRO 1000s works with two 18W low energy lamps and two electronic ballasts, meaning less wasted energy and more light for power input from high frequency operation. The state of the art sensors guarantee detection accuracy in 360°, at a distance of up to eight metres.
“As a result of the installation of RS PRO 1000s, the lighting at our residential homes has greatly improved, reaching a high new standard,” said Cusick. “We’ve also been able to reduce our electricity consumption. Not only have we upgraded to low energy lamps, but we’re safe in the knowledge that the lights are only being used when they’re absolutely needed. We’ll also be installing Steinel’s LED modules, providing a courtesy light, to ensure the total safety of all our residents.”
Trust Housing Association has found a solution that works and it’s sticking with it. Cusick commented, “We’ve been so pleased with the Steinel sensor lights that we’re planning to roll the RS PROs out across more of our sites, including the High Blantyre development in South Lanarkshire. We anticipate that the sensor lighting will prove to be both a financial and an environmental win.”
