Overview

This pilot project promoted the use of energy efficient lighting in Totnes, particularly for retailers that typically use lots of lighting to display their shop and products to best effect. Energy efficient lighting at home or at work typically reduces energy consumption, and therefore energy bills, by about 80%. This equates to an 80% reduction in CO2 emissions from lighting.

We arranged for a free lighting audit visit by an expert from our partner Efficient Light, a local web-based retailer that offers a wide range of commercial and domestic energy efficient light bulbs. There is no obligation to buy from this company, but they offer a 10% discount to all Totnes & District businesses. The audit looked at your current or planned lighting needs, showed samples and advised businesses on potential costs and savings.

This project was run by the Economics & Livelihoods group in partnership with the Totnes & District Chamber of Commerce. A flyer was used to help explain the project to potential participants.

Current status, news & updates

We conducted audits for about 30 businesses, which identified potential average savings of about £1,000 per year per business in electricity costs. Payback on the cost of new bulbs is generally achieved within about 6-9 months. More information is available in the press release.

This pilot project is now complete. Businesses can contact Giles Boardman directly at Efficient Light to see if he is planning to do more audit visits in Totnes.