Broomhill Library
Ipswich library cuts lighting energy costs by 66% with LED
Better light quality and reduced maintenance costs
Case study
We carried out a full building audit to identify areas for efficiency and cost savings projects, leading to an LED retrofit solution.
The installation included LED tubes, low-glare (UGR) panels, bulkheads and emergency lights, resulting in better light quality and reduced maintenance costs.
The project cut lighting energy costs by 66%, and reduced CO2 emissions by 2/3.
The Client
Broomhill Library is one of 44 libraries in Suffolk run by Suffolk Libraries, an independent and charitable organisation which has just renewed its five-year contract with Suffolk County Council. The Suffolk model involves each library having its own voluntary ‘Friends’ or community group which supports and champions its local library.
The Brief
The idea to install energy-saving lighting in the iconic Broomhill Library in Ipswich came from the Friends of Broomhill Library who put Suffolk Libraries in touch with SaveMoneyCutCarbon.
Broomhill library is an active and well-used part of the local community.
Suffolk Libraries has saved 33% from the library budget since 2011 and whilst all libraries have remained open, there is always a need to find new ways to save money to meet the challenging financial climate facing all public services.
The Solution
SaveMoneyCutCarbon carried out a full survey of the Grade II listed library building, built as an air raid shelter and gas decontamination unit in 1942 before conversion in 1948, to assess the potential for savings and the condition of the lighting.
Its comprehensive report highlighted that the library’s old fluorescent fittings (pictured above) could be replaced effectively with low energy LED models, reducing electricity consumption by 66%.
The new LED tubes and LED 2D bulkheads also have an exceptionally long operating life and preserve the quality of light, unlike fluorescent models that degrade badly over time.
The SaveMoneyCutCarbon installation team carried out the LED lighting refit in a single day at the library in Sherrington Road, working with Suffolk Libraries to minimise disruption to customers.
This project was completed in March 2018.
Annual energy consumption reduced by 2/3
CO2 emission reduced by 66% per annum