Managed lighting systems from Ex-Or Ltd are cutting the energy bills for companies working within an office building in Guernsey.Financial institutions, including the Butterfield Bank (Guernsey) Ltd, accountants Deloitte Touche, and accountants Walbrook are operating out of Regency Court, the prestigious newbuild four-storey building where an extensive fitout has recently been completed.
To ensure the lights remain on only when needed, and the amount of light is automatically set at optimum levels for occupants, building services contractors Lorne Stewart plc specified the Ex-Or MLS Digital Managed Lighting System throughout the large open-plan areas and cellular offices on all four floors.
MLS Digital incorporates detectors which communicate with each other to provide the correct level of lighting to occupants in designated work zones. The system automatically detects the presence of occupants, measure levels of ambient light, and regulates luminaire output accordingly. In addition, it ensures lights in key circulation areas are kept on.
Another key benefit of MLS Digital is that lighting schemes within the open-plan areas have been "future proofed" to accommodate any changes in layout and working patterns. Any changes to the lighting required in the future can be carried out very easily without any rewiring having to be carried out.
By using MLS CONNECT Digital, Ex-Or's innovative lighting connection system, Lorne Stewart were able to install the managed lighting system more quickly and easily than with conventional wiring and connection methods. MLS CONNECT Digital's custom-designed CD Box provides plug-in simplicity, allowing luminaries and detectors to be connected with no on-site wiring, thereby eliminating wiring faults.
In the stairwells, corridors and toilets at Regency Court, Ex-Or LightSpot presence detection systems, comprising detectors which continuously monitor occupancy and control light switching accordingly, were installed.
Energy cost saving was the main reason for the installation of lighting management systems, according to Malcolm Taylor of Lorne Stewart who carried out the installation work for Premier Developments of Guernsey. Lighting can account for up to half of a commercial building's electricity use and with electricity usually accounting for half of the total energy bill, there is the potential to save 25 per cent of the entire electricity load.
Whilst the cost-saving benefits of cutting energy use are appreciated by the financial institutions within the building, they are taking advantage of other benefits also provided by lighting management. A suitably lit working environment ensures the comfort of occupants who work more contentedly, and productively. Furthermore, lighting management ensures compliance with health & safety and lighting regulations including current VDU regulations and CIBSE guidelines.
