Do you know all there is to know about energy efficient lighting? If not, and don’t be afraid to admit it, read on. Here is a course for the contractor.
Yes, this is another missive touting the virtues of further education for the electrical contractor. First mentioned in the news pages of E&MC July/August issue, the energy efficient lighting workshops from the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme (EEBPP) are in big demand – so much so, in fact, that after the success of the pilot series held in March, a further ten are being scheduled for the near future.

The workshops have been popular for good reason – energy efficiency has been steadily working its way towards the top of the client’s list of priorities when commissioning a new building. And it is set to become one of, if not the most important, consideration as the new Building Regulation Approved Document L comes into effect next year. Part L will shake up the way the construction industry looks at energy, with some serious measures designed to reduce energy usage and wastage.

The workshops run by the EEBPP, in conjunction with the ECA, are one day long and based around a hands-on approach. Lighting experts will work with the contractors to help them to grow their business by identifying opportunities to install energy efficient lighting.

Lighting designer and application engineer David Matyus-Flynn led the pilot series of workshops. He says: “There has long been a need for a course like this. Most electrical contractors are not trained to design lighting, let alone lighting that is effective and energy efficient – while lighting designers tend to lack the practical knowledge needed to design effective efficient lighting.”

The aim of the workshops is to equip delegates to:

  • recognise an inefficient installation;

  • understand the environmental, cost and other benefits of energy efficient lighting;

  • estimate energy cost savings and calculate payback periods;

  • recognise situations that demand expert lighting design advice and know where to get help;

  • know where to get information on discount and grant schemes for their clients.

Do you still need convincing? Testimony from real live delegates who attended the two pilot workshops in March tells of their value. A E Blair of ABC Electrical states on the course evaluation record: “It was an inspiration to re-look at energy efficient lighting, especially on projects that were completed 15-20 years ago. Please keep me advised when course upgrades occur.”

Colin Smith of Greenwald & Gregory noted the value of “being made aware of the energy and cost savings that can be made by good design.” And, this goes for most of the delegates. Stuart Davies of R T Harris says: “It was an excellent day’s training. I found really challenging the idea that there are cost savings to be made on most lighting schemes.”

H C Blank of Hyder Infrastructure Services sums up the course, saying: “The day is well worth coming to. I can use the course to increase business and also to help save the environment. Great value, very well done. Please arrange more courses.”

Are you now convinced that this is a worthwhile workshop to send your best electrical engineers to? Hopefully so because when Part L comes into force all new domestic properties will have to include a specified number of energy efficient fittings and the use of daylight reactive controls will be enforced. You could also make a little extra profit.

Dates for the next ten workshops have not yet been finalised. However if you are interested please fax BRECSU on 01923 664602 or e-mail it on brecsueve@bre.co.uk and you will be sent information as soon as it is made available.

Save cash and the planet

The Energy Saving Trust (EST) is offering small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) rebates worth up to £6000 if they install energy efficient lighting. The new rebate scheme is funded by Lightswitch, a project run by the EST. Three separate grants are available, all worth up to £3000. Any SME can apply for two grants for the following work:
  • replacement of inefficient products;
  • installation of lighting controls;
  • lighting efficiency measures recommended by a survey.
Contractors should make the client aware of the offer as it will cut their energy bills drastically. Rebates are available to SMEs with fewer than 250 staff and a turnover of less than £25 million. All work must be approved by the EST prior to commencement. Get more information on how you can save your client money by calling the Lightswitch helpline on 08705 133 538 or visit the website at www.lightswitch.co.uk.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor