A project to upgrade existing 8ft T12 fluorescent light fittings using Chalmor’s ReNew T5 upgrade solution, linked to BlueWave lighting controllers, at Oxfam’s 2,000 m2 central distribution centre is projected to deliver an operational cost saving of approximately 80% per annum. As a result, Oxfam is now able to direct more donated money to its front line activities.

“The existing lighting was of poor quality, inefficient and the only control was a central on/off switch which was inconvenient to use, so the lighting was frequently left on irrespective of daylight levels through the roof lights or whether the warehouse was unoccupied,” recalled Oxfam Supply Project Manager Helen Moore. “As the building is 7m high at the apex, replacing lamps was also time-consuming and expensive,” she added.

Chalmor’s ReNew T5 provides a truly engineered solution that only re-uses the body of the old fitting. Lamps, lamp holders and control gear are all brand new – to ensure ‘as new’ performance backed by a 5 year warranty. The existing T12 fittings, each with an installed load of 125W including ballast losses, were replaced on a point-for-point basis with ReNew T5 2 x 54W, in a configuration of two lamps end to end. The fittings are and linked to a BlueWave controller to provide occupancy and daylight control, whilst improving lighting levels to an average illuminance of 180+ lux thereby bringing lighting levels up to CIBSE guidelines and improving the working environment.

As well as reducing the installed electrical load and providing lighting with better colour rendering, the combination of longer life lamps (24,000 hours) and controls to minimise running hours will greatly reduce maintenance costs. Based on eight hours usage a day, the re-lamping cycle is expected to extend by 500%. This will also reduce the cost of lamp disposal in compliance with the WEEE Directive, thus reducing Oxfam’s overheads even further.