Case Study Upgrading to Communual Energy Efficient LED Lighting  

 

 

ABOUT ARAGON HOUSING ASSOCIATION 

 

Aragon Housing Association part of Grand Union Housing Group manages over 6,500 homes across Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes, Luton and Northampton. With assets of £270 million and an annual turnover of £30 million, it is one of the fastest growing ‘not-for-profit’ landlords in southern England. 

 

 

THE CHALLENGE 

 

In December 2012 Michelle Davis, the Projects Manager at Aragon Housing Association needed to make safe the multiple communal stairwells at Sandford Rise. The existing lighting was over 3 decades old and not working as it should, thereby creating a hazard for residents during the long winter nights. 

 

The challenge was to find a suitable replacement lighting solution that met all their requirements. It had be vandal proof and cost effective with a robust sensor control system. In addition, the replacement wiring had to be in white PVC conduit, so it was sympathetic to the building design. Also where possible it had to be hidden behind vertical rainwater pipes. 

 

 

THE SOLUTION 

 

To start Woolgar undertook a thorough analysis investigating the current lighting infrastructure whilst considering Aragon’s requirements. 

 

They recommended ASD Horizon LED units with a built in dusk to dawn photocell. This robust LED lighting system uses up to 85% less energy with the LED lights lasting up to 20 times longer than the incandescent bulbs they were replacing. In addition the new suggested light fittings had a built in emergency back up for power failures. 

 

The installation was initially delayed by freezing winter conditions which made the conduits brittle and difficult to mould. Once the temperature rose, work could resume and the new wiring was carefully installed to minimise its visual impact. 

The control motion sensor system was set for safe entry and egress between dusk to dawn. 

 

 

OUTCOMES 

 

A new ASD Horizon LED system was installed. This robust lighting system not only used LED which decreased energy consumption but the motion sensor element meant that the lights only went on when the tenants were using the communal areas during entry and egress thus further reducing their energy bills. 

Also because the LED lights installed last up to 20 times longer than the traditional incandescent bulbs they were replacing their ongoing maintenance bills were lower. 

 

Michelle Davis says… 'I can highly recommend Woolgar as I was happy with the installation of the LED lights at Sandford Rise. Woolgar were very helpful, offering practical advice on the design and various product options available. The tenants now enjoy cost effective, dusk to dawn sensor controlled lighting enhancing their safety in the communal areas. 

 

 

Key Benefits: 

• Savings on both energy and maintenance bills as the new system uses significantly less energy and the LED lights need replacing less often. 

• Reduced risk from a liability view-point, communal areas are now lit from dawn to dusk with emergency back up during power failures. 

• Peace of mind from receiving expert, practical advice from a trusted supplier. 

 

 

To find out more about how Woolgar Electrical can help your organisation call us on 01525 409917 

 

 

 

 

 

Michelle Davis says…