LEDs are ready to light up the world of Sport.

There was a time when one static camera and a floodlight tower in four corners of the stadium represented the modern day broadcasting of sporting events. Times have drastically changed, to the point were high definition slow motion replays have now increased the video speed by an original 70 frames per second to a whopping 300 frames per second, reducing the chances of any flickering in  the video. Having said all of that, the demand for a flicker free lighting is continuing to gain momentum and was actually included in the lighting design specification for the London olympics in 2012. Stadiums are capable of meeting this broadcasting demand by installing the traditional metal halide floodlights with an electronic control gear or alternatively LEDs

In August 2014, a preseason football game between the premiere league champions Chelsea and Spanish side Real Sociedad was completely light by LED's.  This was the first time in which LED lighting was used in English football. The LEDs used in stamford bridge (the home to Chelsea FC) was supplied by LED giant Philips. The momentum however did not stop there as southampton was the next english football team which installed these energy saving LED lights at their St Mary's stadium. This was supplied by Vision Accendo,   a local lighting company

Musco, a 40 year old US based lighting specialist company are single handedly responsible for the LED lighting of 60 sporting facilities last year. This is still suprisingly a small figure in comparison to the 2.000  lighting projects which Musco are aiming to conclude by the end of the year, using LEDs and other lighting technologies. These projects include Twickenham Rugby stadium, the train centre for the Denver Broncos and the NRG Stadium home to Houston Texans (American Football team).

Floodlighting seems to be the piece in the jigsaw that Philips are aiming to fill up with LEDs, according to Mike Simpson the technical and design director of Philips " Floodlights are one the last places LEDs are taking over". Proir to the world cup in brazil dutch technology company ArenaVision installed metal halide system aiming to optimise HDTV, Super Slow Motion and 3Ds. However it now looks as though this technology is wearing off the vice president of lighting giant Musco highlihted  " Metal halide has reached its zenith, while the energy efficiency and quality of LED lighting is still rising".

This was further brought to attention by this year's Super Bowl being taken place under LED lights. This event is American Football's answer to the World cup final and is one the most watched sporting events in the world.  

Overall its hard to disagree, LEDs are not just a force to be reckoned with anymore they are the go to technology in lighting and who knows maybe the next time you go watch your favourite sporting team you will be light up by LEDs

This blog post was adapted from:
ISSUU-Lux special- Hospitality by Revo media 

Philips Light Up The Festival of Lights

Philips Colour Kinetics LED connected lighting transforms the banks of the River Rhone.

Philips Lighting collaborated with French artist Severine Fontaine, to create the centre piece for the 2014, Lyon Festival of Light. The world famous Festival of Lights in Lyon, France is the world's principal creative lighting display event. This year the show ran from the 5th-8th December.  

The six minute, centrepiece show, spanned 80 metres of the River Rhone's banks. The phenomenal centrepiece, named "Incandescence" celebrated the importance of light in human development. 

"Incandescence" took six years to create, it featured nine illuminated domes, shaped like incandescent light bulbs.Each dome was the size of a small family car. The six minute show explored the symbiotic relationship between the human race and light. The iconic incandescent light bulb was used to represent the historic relationship between humans and artificial light, exemplifying it's often forgotten impact on human development. 

"Incandescence's" co-creator, Severine Fontaine said: "I chose to work with Philips, which is a prestigious partner, providing high-quality and high-tech products that enable spectacular light effects. The Philips technology allowed me to explore and create emotion, working light with great delicacy as if it were a musical score. Philips provided more than just products, the team also bought passion that allowed me to realize my concept and light scenario in optimal condition for the artistic quality of the art work."

Tonight Chelsea FC Become The First Premiership Club To Use LED Floodlighting

This evening Stamford Bridge will host the UK's first football game lit by LED floodlights. During Chelsea's friendly against Real Sociedad, Philips lighting promise fans and players better quality light and enhanced night vision thanks to their innovative ArenaVison LED floodlight system.  

CEO of Philips Lighting, Eric Rondolat explains: "The world's first ever floodlit football match took place in England, so as sports lighting goes digital it is only right that the lighting standard is again being set there. We are witnessing another technology milestone in the modern football game."

Philips ArenaVision LED floodlighting solution was created to meet the latest Premier League broadcasting requirements whilst provide players, broadcasters and fans with a top class sporting experience. Philips ArenaVision LEDs emit flawless, uniform beams of light creating exceptional vertical illuminance of the players. 

Eric Rondolat elaborates: "Our LED pitch lighting meets the new stringent broadcast criteria of the English Premier League in helping to deliver high definition, flicker-free, super slow-motion images and ensures that Chelsea delivers the best possible viewing experience to the 40,000 plus fans in the stadium as well as those at home." 

It isn't just broadcasting images that are improved by ArenaVision, the club can also expect a huge improvement in its environmental impact. Unlike the old fashioned metal halide floodlights, used in previous seasons, the new LED solution can be switched on instantaneously eliminating the need for a warm up period which in turn reduces light pollution in the area. Maintenance costs are also significantly reduced as Philips LED floodlights promise to last for up to ten seasons whereas the old metal halide lamps could only be used for three seasons. 

As with most connected lighting systems, ArenaVision is complete with its own dedicated user interface and control system. The club's maintenance managers will easily be able to switch between optimal lighting configurations, giving them total flexibility and the ability to dim and switch each individual floodlight. 

The control system comes with an added benefit, it can also be used to create entertainment lighting. The control system can be used to create a number of lighting effects that previously could only be achieved using dedicated stage lighting. This additional features means the floodlights can be easily integrated into pre- and post-match light shows creating the ultimate, exciting stadium atmosphere. 

Ron Gourlay, Chief Executive of Chelsea FC said: "I am delighted to be able to work with Philips on delivering the best possible environment for our supporters to enjoy Chelsea matches in. Once again, Chelsea Football Club is at the forefront of innovation and we look forward to many more memorable games at Stamford Bridge under this new floodlighting system." 

After seeing the benefits of ArenaVision at Stamford Bridge, Chelsea FC are in the process of up-lamping it's training ground to ensure lighting at training is similar to that of match days. The new high-tech connected lighting system will also enable the club to create varied illuminance levels by only lighting specific areas of the training ground creating the ideal practice environment for it's world class players.  

The LED Specialist and our sister company, Lightsave Fuller Read are preferred Philips lighting distiributors, if you require more information on this or any other LED lighting product visit our website http://theledspecialist.co.uk/ or call 0118 9507125

McDonald’s Energy Saving Plan- 20% Energy Cuts but 2020!

LED Street Light in McDonald's

Fast food gorgons McDonald’s aspire to increase energy efficiency by 20% in company owned stores by 2020.

Earlier this month, McDonald’s published a 116 page report focusing on corporate social responsibility. The report details a number of areas in which McDonald’s wish to improve, areas of particular importance were; sourcing, food, people, community and the planet. One of McDonald’s’ key goals for 2020 is to achieve a 20% increase in energy efficiency in seven of the company’s top markets (including the UK).

Although the strategy report is rather vague, it does mention implementing LED lighting: “We have identified a portfolio of energy-efficient solutions… such as high efficiency exhaust fans and LED walk-in refrigerator lighting, with the potential to support our aspirations goal of 20 per cent increase in energy efficiency in our company owned restaurants by 2020.”

Restaurant in the US have already hopped onto the LED lighting bandwagon. Currently it is standard practice for US, company owned McDonald’s restaurants to have LED dining room lighting, LED building signage and some franchises even have LED car park lighting.

The ‘aspirational goals’ set by McDonald’s only apply to company owned restaurants, not for its franchises. The top seven markets, to whom these goals apply to are; Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, the UK and the US. McDonald’s owns 19% of restaurants within these areas. According to the report, a framework of goals for franchise restaurants will be developed by 2016.

For more information on how energy savings can be achieved using LED lighting visit our website http://theledspecialist.co.uk/ or call the office on 0118 950 7125. 

London Underground Upgrades To LED Lighting

Underground stations including Tottenham Court Road, Bond Street and Victoria are currently being redeveloped. Bob Benn, stations engineering manager for London Underground told the Lighting for Rail conference that once the make-overs have been complete, these stations will use 100% LED lighting. 
The initial lighting design was created before the LED boom, and so planned to use fluorescent lighting products. In order to keep up with the times, London Underground lighting teams have agreed to update specifications ensuring they take full advantage of newer LED technology. 

Benn said: "We were basically dealing with an obsolete design. We've managed to change it all to LED lighting, but that's been a major challenge in London Underground in order to get that through the system." 

Although LED lighting has a higher investment cost, London Underground will see fast payback due to LED lighting's significant reduction in energy consumption and maintenance costs. The longer lifetime offered by LED lighting is a massive benefit to the London Underground maintenance team as conducting maintenance in busy, hard to access stations has an extremely high cost.

A number of London Underground stations have already been upgraded from costly T8 fluorescent lamps to LED tubes. This change-over saw a return on investment in 18 months and has saved millions of pounds in maintenance costs. 

Speaking of the astronomical savings, Benn said: "From the point of view of whole-life cost, we're very aware of the reduced maintenance of new technology."

London Underground estimate that work at Bond Street will be finished by 2017, while work at Victoria and Tottenham Court Road will continue until 2018. These redevelopments are part of a London wide scheme of station upgrades to prepare for the completion of Crossrail.

Taiwan places restrictions on LED lighting efficacy

Earlier this month, the Taiwanese Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) announced that all LED lights must have a minimum efficacy of 70 lumens per watt. According to this new legislation, all indoor, warm-white LED lamps must have a minimum efficacy of 70lm/W while cool-white LEDs must reach a minimum of 75lm/W.

The Global Lighting Association (GLA) support the implementation of this legislation, their representative Michael Ng said: “Minimum efficacy requirements should be set at such a level that good-quality products are widely available and at an affordable price. The GLA globally support one minimum level of performance for lighting products, just like what is announced by Taiwan’s MOEA Bureau of Energy. This is very different from just an energy labelling scheme. In general this serves the purposes of ensuring safe and quality products for the consumers, maintaining interoperability and competition on performance. There are adequate surveillance and penalties in place to ensure that the vendors are truthful and the standards used are internationally harmonised.”

When asked about this new legislation, Thorn Lighting’s Head of Global Lighting Applications commented: “it’s an interesting turn of events, the move is clearly designed to discourage people using high colour temperature, or perhaps to encourage retailers or manufacturers to favour warmer light by making it easier to comply.

Although he is not sure the move will have a knock on effect: “whether it will catch on on a global scare is a difficult one. We see general disquiet over the use of high CCT in the outdoors in many countries. Generally it is not liked, but that may be a more historic thing. Previously such cold colours were simply not available. In some countries, South Africa for example, there is generally a wider acceptance of colder colours, less so in Europe.”

In Taiwan in 2013, lighting accounts for 10.9% of the country’s total power consumption, according to figures obtained by the MOEA’s Bureau of Energy (BOE). Residential lighting accounted for 40% of the total lighting power consumption. 

15 Fun Reasons To Switch To LED Lighting

Light, Beyond Illumination- Coming Soon To A Streetlight Near You

Industry giants Philips and Ericsson have teamed up to create streetlight columns with integrated mobile broadband. It is hoped this innovation will allow telecom operators to harness the infrastructure of the existing streetlights to expand and strengthen their data networks.

If the project comes to fruition, telecom gorgon Eriksson will be able to rent the space within the lighting columns to mobile operators.

Philips’ CEO, Frans van Houten said: the technology offers cities a more energy efficient and safer urban area. This new connected LED streetlighting model is another example of us bringing the Internet of Things to life, and demonstrates the capabilities of light, beyond illumination. 

Philips Unveil Their Spring Collection: iColor Flex gen2

Philip iColor Flex MX gen2

iColor Flex gen2 luminaires are flexible strands of large high-intensity LED nodes with intelligent colour light. These luminaires can be used when designers require high brightness RGB direct-view accent lighting, or need to design creative mid/low resolution video displays, or even as RGB low profile outdoor/cove accent lighting.

All iColor Flex gen2 nodes on the flexible strand is individually controllable, providing the ultimate flexibility in lighting design and ambiance. The flexible strings fit nearly any architecture meaning they are suitable for all kinds of application. The flexibility offered by iColor Flex gen2 luminaires is current unrivalled, enabling users to customize node count and spacing. In comparison to their predecessor, iColor Flex gen1, the gen2 luminaires offer twice the brightness using the same power level.

Philips iColor Flex LMX gen2

These luminaires offer superior light output of up to 2.6 candelas. They have multiple lens options, including both clear and translucent domes. The strands can be mounted directly to a surface much like traditional string lights. The iColor Flex gen2 luminaires are compatible with most industry leading controls including Philips' Video System Manager Pro, Light System Manager, and iPlayer 3.

The iColor Flex gen2 comes in two options: iColor Flex MX gen2 and iColor Flex LMX gen2. Below is a table of thier specifications provided by Philips lighting.

Philips iColor Flex LMX gen2

Philips iColor Flex MX gen2

Manchester Airport Group’s LED switch-over

Manchester Airport Terminal 2

As part of their wide ranging sustainability programme, Manchester Airport Group (MAG) have replaced costly, high maintenance, outdated incandescent and fluorescent lighting with Philips LED luminaires in Manchester airport’s Terminal 2 and in Olympic House, MAG’s Head Office.

Philips' PowerBalance LED luminaire

The newly refurbished Terminal 2 at Manchester Airport is now illuminated using a combination of Philips’ PowerBalance and GentleSpace LED luminaires. Using these two different luminaires, lighting designers were able to accommodate the variation in ceiling height within the two terminal halls. To achieve a consistent light output through the terminal halls, higher mounted applications required a higher light output than those replacing the ceiling recessed lighting. Philips’ GentleSpace luminaires deliver the required high lighting output while PowerBalance luminaires provide an efficient and cost-effective LED alternative to the outdated, ceiling-mounted, fluorescent lighting.

Philips GentleSpace LED luminaire

In total, 2498 luminaires were replaced and a further 1356 were deemed redundant and so were removed during the LED switch-over. The installed electrical load within Terminal 2 has now been reduced by 2,225,879 kWh and the terminal’s carbon emissions have been reduced by 1,206 kg. Due to the LED lamps extended life time, maintenance and re-lamping costs will also be reduced meaning MAG can anticipate significant savings across the board. Both Philips’ PowerBalance and GentleSpace are included on the Energy Technology List, enabling MAG to claim tax exemption through the government’s Enhanced Capital Allowances Scheme.

All luminaires have been fitted with DALI cabling and control gear using this MAG created a unique, easy to use, cost effective lighting management system set to meet their unique control requirements. An essential requirement of the lighting within Terminal 2 was digital dimming; this functionality can also be achieved using DALI technology. MAG integrated the lighting control system with their in-house flight movement system aligning light levels to coincide with passenger movement and numbers ensuring lighting is being not wasted in unused areas thus maximising energy savings. 

Olympic House

After seeing the success of the LED switch-over in Terminal 2, MAG decided to upgrade the lighting in their Head Office, Olympic House. Earlier this year, Olympic House’s five floors were given a make-over, during the refurbishment MAG took the opportunity to reduce their carbon footprint, cut energy emissions and still receive a reasonable return on their initial investment. Through using Philips LED lighting and control systems MAG have created a modern, energy efficient, working environment.

Philips LuxSpace Compact LED luminaire

LED lights and control systems were installed on the ground, 3^rd, 4^th, 5^th and 6^th floors of Olympic House during the renovation. In open plan office areas, general lighting is provided using PowerBalance LED modular recessed luminaires. PowerBalance luminaires have a consistent light output and offer stable colour performance, their long lamp life means cost of ownership is low making them a smart, cost-effective lighting choice. In circulation areas, PowerBalance luminaires are complemented by LuxSpace Compact and StyliD mini recessed LED down-lighters providing feature lighting.  

Philips StyliD LED luminaire

To further maximise energy savings, lighting is Olympic House is controlled using Philips’ Dynalite control system which utilises the DALI protocol based on an Ethernet backbone. The control system has been configured so that other areas of the building can be added into the control system at a later date; the control system will be regularly maintained by Philips through their Control After-Care Package. As well as adding new areas to the system, Dynalite head end software enables MAG to easily reconfigure the lighting should the layout of the workspaces change in the future.

In office areas daylight harvesting technology is used meaning the lighting is linked to photocells and dimmed according to the rhythm of the natural daylight ensuring the required lighting levels are maintained using the minimum amount of energy. In areas of variable occupancy, presence detection sensors are used to ensure lighting is only on when required. In addition to these innovations, Olympic House’s meeting rooms have pre-set scene controls, while the board room has a touch screen interface which offers a more extensive control of the luminaires.

Light provided by Philips has transformed both Olympic House and Terminal 2. Since the switch-over, MAG has received positive feedback from staff and customers alike. After seeing the effects of these renovations, MAG staff from areas which were not included in the switch-over, have now requested LED lighting within their departments!

For more information on any of the lighting or control systems within this project or any LED product visit our website http://theledspecialist.co.uk/ or call the office 0118 950 7125 to speak to an informed lighting specialist. 

It's not a fixture, it's not a lamp, it's Philips' OneSpace luminious ceiling

Philips lighting have once again shown astounding creativity with LED technology, their OneSpace luminaire literally fills the entire ceiling with homogenous white light. American author and professor of biochemistry, Issac Asimov predicted the creation of this luminaire in a 1964 New York Times article discussing the technology of the future, he wrote: "By 2014, electroluminescent panels will be in common use, ceilings and walls will glow softy...". 

OneSpace by Philips integrates LED lights with textile; this combination creates a white light ceiling surface and hides the light source completely. OneSpace luminaires create a smooth, clutter-free ceiling which emits a uniform, glare-free light.

Philips lighting representative, Antoon Martens said: "This innovation will redefine how light can be used in architecture and design. Light is now an architectural component - it is no longer an add on in a space. The ceiling is not often seen as a designer element - now, it is transformed by this minimalistic ultra-thin panel of light into a design statement."

Philips' OneSpace luminous ceiling plays a duel role as both the lighting and the ceiling itself, meaning no additional ceiling is required. This luminaire uses LEDs which are closely positioned in a mesh like arrangement; the LEDs are combined with textiles to create sound absorbing panels which emits Philips' signature homogenous light quality. The OneSpace luminous ceiling adheres to all UK building and safety requirements, making installation a breeze. 



Architects who were involved in validating the OneSpace luminous ceiling described its effect as being "peaceful", "serene", and "sky-like". The white light emitted from the ceiling recalls the feeling of natural daylight. It is especially suited for car show rooms, flagship retail stores and public spaces including airports, hotels and conference facilities. 

The OneSpace ceiling has dimming capabilities, may be used as a safety lighting, can be connected to the buildings lighting management systems enabling centralised on, off control and therefore saves energy. The OneSpace ceiling is available in customised sizes up to 10 x 3 metres, providing maximum freedom of design, creating a striking and calm space while also serving as functional lighting. 

For more information on this or any other LED product visit our website http://theledspecialist.co.uk/ or call the office to speak to one of our informed lighting specialists 0118 950 7125

Philips present the world's first clear LED lamp

Global lighting innovators Philips, have bought the traditional incandescent lamp into the 21st century by combining the aesthetic beauty of incandescent lamps with the latest LED technology. Philips' clear LED lamp has a unique innovative lens which emits beautiful light whilst retaining the classic shape of incandescent lamps. 

This latest development is the biggest change to incandescent lighting in the past 100 years. This 40 watt lamp contains the first LED capable of emitting light in all directions. Whilst maintaining the elegant shape and sparkling light of traditional incandescent lamps, Philips' clear LED lamp saves energy, has a lifetime of 25,000 hours, emits 470 lumens and even when dimmed maintains the same brightness levels as its 40 watt incandescent counterpart. 

Philips noted consumers' reluctance to switch-over to LEDs within the home as home-owners want to hold onto the traditional warm light and shape of incandescent lamps. Philips' clear LED lamp allows customers to hold onto the light they love whilst enjoying all the benefits of modern LED technology. The clear LED means the classic shaped lamp keeps its original beauty making it a seamless replacement for the standard 40 watt (A60 shape) lamp. This lamp is ideal for application in the living room and other areas where quality of lighting really matters. 

Rene van Schooten, CEO Light Sources & Electronics for Philips Lighting said: “With our L-prize LED bulb we showed that we could match the quality of incandescent light. With our clear LED bulb we’ve combined the aesthetic beauty and shape of the traditional incandescent with the benefits of LED. Using our innovations in LED the bulb is highly energy efficient, saving up to £8 per lamp per year.”

                               Features of Philips’ clear LED bulb:

• Innovative lens for sparkling filament like light effect
• Dimmable
• Shape: A60
• Lifetime: 25,000 hours
• Colour Temp: 2700K
• Lumens: 470
• Energy efficient and cost saving: 85% energy efficiency (6w input wattage: 78 lumen per watt ratio)
• Perfect light distribution (omnidirectional): >240D
• Ideal for application in homes, hospitality and retail

Philips Li-Fi: Smart lighting, smart shopping

Philips’ latest LED innovation; the Li-Fi system, is being piloted by a number of retailers. Li-Fi uses in-store lighting to transmit information to the camera on consumers’ smart phones. Customers who have downloaded the app will be alerted of nearby offers, receive recipes and can be directed to specific items on their shopping lists.

Li-Fi uses Visual Light Communications (VLC) to communicate with customers’ smart phones; it is a one way communication system meaning consumers’ identities are protected. The stores ceiling luminaires are placed in a positioning grid, communicating with the camera sensors in their smart phones. Each lighting fixture in the grid communicates by blinking at frequencies so high they are undetectable to the human eye. Through these fast pulses information is transmitted relevant to the customer’s location within the store.

In addition to the energy saving benefits of LED lighting, this latest invention means retailers do not have to invest in additional infrastructure to house, power and support location beacons for indoor positioning. The light fixtures themselves can communicate this by virtue of their presence all over the store. 

How LED lighting can benefit your University- Graduate with a first class honours in lighting!

With recent cuts in government funding now taking effect, there has never been a more ample time for Universities to invest in LED lighting technology. Effective lighting technology can improve the quality of your environment, help meet sustainability goals and improve the well-being of your staff and students. Investing in LED lighting and control systems will bring immediate benefits including; reduced energy consumption and on-going maintenance costs.

Lighting equates to around a quarter of a University’s energy bill, this figure can be reduced by using energy efficient LED lighting and lighting management systems. Monitoring energy use across an entire University is no easy task; it is difficult to know how much energy is being consumed by each area and how to minimise this. Installing a lighting management system allows you to see and monitor lighting energy consumption within each area. Using this information, you can then consider how this consumption could be reduced, taking into account which areas are being occupied, for what, and how frequently. In areas where permanent lighting is unnecessary, presence detection sensors, timed switching, dimming and or daylight harvesting strategies could be utilised to drive down energy consumption and cost.

Some of the benefits of using energy efficient lighting are not immediately obvious; for example by ensuring lighting is only turned on when it is needed, less heat is generated and therefore less air conditioning is required. An overall reduction in lighting use means reduced energy consumption, lower emissions, smaller energy bills and a “greener” carbon footprint.

In today’s competitive environment, attractive LED lighting can help reinforce your brand image, strengthening your appeal to students, parents and business partners alike. Due to increased environmental awareness, choosing a “green University” may be an important factor for the next generation of students, there fore the lower your carbon footprint the more attractive your University will become. Likewise, business partners will be more likely to invest in research facilities or hire spaces available for corporate events if the University’s environmental policy matches that of their company.

Creating the right environment for learning is an essential goal for any University, their aim is to create spaces that are comfortable for students and lecturers which are also flexible enough to suit different tutorial needs. Using intelligent LED lighting the same space can be used for a multitude of activities; a space can be altered, literally with the flick of a switch transforming it into a completely different environment. Flexible LED lighting can be used to:

•          Project you University colours - reinforcing your brand identity
•          Give public spaces a WOW factor- making a lasting impression on students and their parents
•          Support themes and events around campus throughout the year
•          Create attractive, high-tech spaces to hire- attracting commercial interest
•          Transform a simple lecture theatre into a multimedia theatre
•          Stimulate students when energy is low by altering frequency and intensity of the lighting
•          Calm hyperactive students during lectures again, by altering the frequency and intensity of the lighting

Using LED lighting products can help transform your University environment. LED lighting is an investment which will start to repay itself the moment it is installed; that’s good news for you, good news for your budget, your staff, your students and your carbon footprint.

For more information or to begin your LED switch-over visit our website http://theledspecialist.co.uk/ or call the office to speak to one of our informed lighting specialists 0118 950 7125

Simply LED, for Sheffield Simply Food Store

Marks and Spencer’s Simply Food store in Sheffield is the first store within the UK to be lit using only LED lighting making it M&S’s most sustainable store. The store’s sustainable, bright, enticing lighting is achieved by combining Philips’ LED luminaires with Philips’ Dynalite management control system.

Philips Dynalite Control System

The LED lighting has been installed in across the store’s car park areas, back of house and shop floor, and has given the store energy savings of 25-30%. The installation of the new Philips Dynalite control system could further increase these savings!

In addition to these initial energy savings, thanks to the LED’s long lamp life, the store will also benefit from reduced maintenance costs as the need for re-lamping will be eradicated. Another benefit to the installation of LED lighting is there will be no discharge lamps to dispose of, meaning M&S avoid incurring WEEE charges.

Philips Maxos Trunking

Customers will be enticed into the store’s entrance due to the lighting ambiance created by Philips Blast and Graze luminaires. The remainder of lighting within the store is produced through a combination of Maxos trunking and StyliD fixtures. The store’s food chillers are all fitted with the latest generation of warm white LED modules; these make the merchandise look as attractive as possible. LED fittings and wall marker lights illuminate the store’s outdoor areas, creating a pleasant and safe environment in the car parks. 

Philips StyliD

To make maximum use of the natural daylight which pours in through the windows, M&S have utilised the daylight harvesting setting offered by Philip’s Dynalite control system. The daylight harvesting setting follows the rhythm of natural daylight and automatically dims the luminaires within each area ensuring a constant level of light is maintained in each working space. The control system can also be set so it switches off entirely as the daylight takes overs, further increasing the store’s energy savings. 

Alison Burnley, Store Manager at M&S Simply Foods Sheffield said: “We are delighted to be opening  this new Sustainable Learning Store in Sheffield which is the most environmentally friendly store M&S has ever built. The eco friendly Philips lighting systems we have in place have contributed to this and ensure that we create a fresh modern shopping environment for our customers.” 

Without a doubt, employing such initiatives as LED dimming and daylight harvesting M&S is one step closer  to achieving its ambitious energy reduction targets, setting an example to us all.

For more information about this project or any of the products featured visit our website http://theledspecialist.co.uk/ or call the office to speak to an informed sales advisor 0118 950 7125 

Philips' LED downlighters transform Dartmoor Zoological Park’s restaurant and conference area

The incredible story of Dartmoor Zoo is the subject of the best-selling book and film ‘We Bought A Zoo’. In 2006, the Mee brothers took a leap of faith without any experience to fall back on, purchased a run down zoo. Thanks to the brothers' tireless efforts, the estate has now been bought back to its former glory and a number of facilities have been improved. After the renovation, a remaining area of concern was the restaurant which was illuminated by outdated 2 x 26w compact fluorescent down lights.

Alex Smale, the zoo’s Business Development Manager said: “We reached a stage where only 40% of the fittings were working and those that were on were not giving out much light. The fittings were also very unattractive and certainly didn’t create the right impression.”

Philips’ solution to this problem was to replace the existing fittings with 32w Luxspace LED recessed down lighters. The benefits of using these lamps include; improved lighting performance, minimal installation costs and energy savings. 

Divided into zones, the Luxspace fittings are controlled through Philips OccuSwitch DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) which delivers an enhanced level of control. Through this system, lighting is linked to photocells so that it can be automatically dimmed in relation to natural daylight. The system is also linked to the occupancy detectors; ensuring lighting in unoccupied areas of the restaurant is dimmed to around 20% of the full light output. 

Staff and visitors approve of the new lighting, Alex Smale enthused: “It has made a fantastic difference to the restaurant and we’ll be saving a massive amount on energy costs. There will also be big savings on maintenance, thanks to the long life of the LED lamps”.

Philips is also supplying new lighting in the zoo’s’ cat houses with the aim of creating a better environment for the keepers. This lighting upgrade is part of the zoo’s plan to reduce its environmental impact, the zoo works closely with Bicton College in Salterton to promote environmental awareness. Together, these two organisations are working towards creating an education centre within the zoo. 

Integral Lighting Unveil Their New Range of LED Panels

The Imandra range from Integral contains eight LED panels; using simple design and no-nonsense engineering, these luminaries deliver a superior and efficient light output at a competitive price.These retrofit panels are perfect for customers looking to reduce the overhead costs of LED lighting; they have a high build quality and under-cut the competition in terms of prices. The panels are delivered complete with an integrated driver, it's push-fit connector enables quick and easy installation and reduces maintenance costs. 

Using the latest LED technology Integral Imandra panels offer a range of solutions for recessed installation in a wide range of commercial applications where a suspended grid ceiling is installed. The panels are back-lit with LEDs aligned vertically across the whole face of the unit providing a beam angle of 110°. The luminaires produce an even density of computer-screen friendly light making them ideal for applications including offices, meeting rooms, corridors, communal areas, schools and retail. 

The Integral Imandra panel range contains panels with dimension of 600 x 600 and 1200 x 600; the 600 x 600 range is available in 35 and 40 watt, producing 3200 and 3800 lumens respectively. The 1200 x 600 panels are available in either 70 or 90 watts producing 6500 and 7800 lumens respectively.  

The luminaires emit a cool white light (4000k) and provide a lifetime of up to 50,000 hours. Panels are finished with a polycarbonate diffuser which has been tested by a UK based laboratory and passes BS782-0:2004 Method 508A as required by safely regulations. The Imandra range also contains panels with an emergency back-up version compliant with fire exit and escape regulations. The integrated emergency function ensures that in the event of a mains power failure the panel will continue emitting light for a minimum of three hours.

If you would like more information about any of the above products visit our website http://theledspecialist.co.uk/ or call the office 0118 939 3218 and speak to one of our informed sales team

Discover how much you could save with Philips' lighting solutions...

Invest in LEDs and save £££ through the Enhanced Capital Allowance scheme

Enhanced Capital Allowances (ECAs) have been introduced as part of a nationwide scheme to reduce carbon emissions. This scheme allows businesses who invest in energy-saving technology to write off the total cost of said equipment against their taxable profit as a 100% first-year capital allowance. The scheme is managed and promoted by the government appointed Carbon Trust, who create and update the list of approved technologies. 

Although lighting is a non-listed product on the ECA scheme's technology list, individual products can qualify for ECAs if they meet a certain criterion. Tax relief can be claimed on the purchase and installation of LED lighting and LED controls. The scheme hopes to help reduce carbon emissions (which contribute to climate change) by encouraging businesses to invest more freely in new energy efficient technology. Your ECA claim can be made as part of your annual tax return and, at the discretion of your local tax office, you may be awarded tax relief for not only the cost of lighting but any other direct costs such as installation or transportation. 

With regards to lighting, the ECA scheme focuses on encouraging businesses to purchase equipment which automatically switches on and off or dims lighting, therefore saving energy. A number of lighting control categories are ECA eligible including both individual or combinations of; timer controls, presence detectors with associated switching controller, daylight detectors with associated switching and/or dimming controller and networked controls system. White light LED luminaires’ eligibility for ECA is mainly dependant on their light output efficiency; the criterion differs depending on the lighting application.

Several of our LED products, exceed the ECA criteria and qualify from the performance perspective. Although the high prices may be off putting at first, when considering the whole life cycle maintenance and operating costs of your lighting, opting for low cost non-LED lighting can prove to be false economy. The ECA scheme means that businesses can offset a significant part of the product and installation cost against taxable profits in the year of purchase, providing a cash flow boost and incentive to invest in energy saving LED equipment. 

Further information on this scheme is available from HMRC's website - www.eca.gov.uk/etl

SchoolVision: Philips’ Innovative Lighting System Proven to Improve Pupils’ Concentration

The SchoolVision system is specifically designed to enhance the learning environment; studies proving its benefits have been conducted all over the world. 

It is well established that lighting has a significant effect on our mood, energy levels and concentration. Using this knowledge, SchoolVision provides an outstanding learning environment that engages and stimulates or relaxes and calms. Pupils get the very best start in school with light that enhances learning, improves results and makes everyone feel at ease. 

In a single day, one classroom hosts a variety of activities ranging from; focused tasks and quiet reading time to creative pursuits and lively group work, all requiring differing levels of energy and concentration. Using the SchoolVision touch-pad teachers can support the rhythm of activity in the classroom by switching between warm light and daylight, whatever the time of day, whatever the lesson. 

Teachers are able to chose from one of four settings; Normal, Energy, Focus and Calm. The different ambiances are produced by varying the balance between light intensity and colour temperature, making each setting suitable for specific tasks or times of the day.  

The Normal setting was designed to be used during general classroom activities; light is emitted at a standard level of intensity, in a standard colour temperature. This light level is proven to help students pay attention. The very cool colour and high intensity light emitted in the Energy setting helps invigorate pupils when energy levels are lacking, this is ideal for use first thing in the morning or after lunch. The Focus setting emits light of the highest intensity in a cool colour temperature; this mood is designed to aid concentration during tests and challenging tasks. The Calm setting’s warm light temperature provides a relaxed ambiance for individual work and quiet time; it has also been proven to calm a hyperactive class!

As with all Philips products, SchoolVision adheres to relevant lighting norms and provides comfortable light with no shadows or glare. Daylight sensors dim the lights when there is enough natural daylight to create the desired ambiance and presence detectors turn off the lights when the classroom is empty. SchoolVision is also energy efficient offering savings of up to 57%.

Epsom and Ewell High School is the first school in the UK to have SchoolVision fitted. Results from this pilot study show that the SchoolVison system positively impacts pupils’ concentration levels. City University London has carried out a series of standard D2 Test Trials, in two of the High School’s Science Laboratories. These are standard psychometric tests which measure concentration. Focus group research with teachers and pupils was also carried out. 

The study has delivered the following results; one classroom saw D2 test scores increase by 17 points since the implementation of SchoolVision and the other by 40. A control group demonstrated no improvement in concentration levels over the same time frame. 

Head researcher, Dr Efrosyni Konstantinou from City University London’s Centre for Performance at Work, highlights that, more than anything, different students have different learning needs.

“On the whole, in qualitative interviews, both students and teachers noted how the lighting changes positively impacted the mood in the classroom. The benefits associated with the different SchoolVision lighting settings included better concentration, increased alertness, enhanced efficiency and a calmer mood which inidicate that the SchoolVision can be the beginning to a new way of teaching and learning for future student generations”.

The findings echo those from other research into the effects of the SchoolVision lighting system. A year long study in a primary school in Hamburg, Germany found that, with the SchoolVision lighting system, pupil reading speeds increased by 35%, frequency of errors fell by almost 45% and restlessness was reduced by 75%.