“The Dalek”
Solarcrown Commercial, SolarPV and LED solutions specialist, recently completed an LED lighting upgrade at Leeds’ Bridgewater Place for JLL, a global real estate services firm. The project aimed to enhance Bridgewater Place’s energy efficiency and sustainability. Solarcrown Commercial, known for its expertise in LED lighting solutions, effectively implemented the lighting upgrade, contributing to the overall goal of creating energy savings and an eco-friendly and energy-efficient environment.
Bridgewater Place, known as “The Dalek,” is a prominent office and residential skyscraper in Leeds, situated near the Leeds Railway Station in the “South Bank” area. Unveiled in 2001, the tower comprises office and retail space, as well as residential flats and penthouses. Solarcrown Commercial’s task was to upgrade the lighting infrastructure, specifically focusing on areas such as the 10th-floor corridors, emergency stair cores, cycle stores, lift lobbies and residential car park walkways.
With a projected 25-year life for the fittings, JLL expects to save thousands annually and considerable sums over the lifetime of the LED installations. This longevity translates into reduced maintenance and replacement expenses, making it a financially prudent choice.
Energy Saving Benefits
Following the recent ban on fluorescent lamps, (further info here) the Integral facilities management team, a part of the JLL umbrella, initiated the need for a transition to LED lighting. Leveraging the success of Solarcrown’s 2014 installation of LED lighting in the Basement tenant level car park (see case study here), the incumbent FM Resident engineer (Integral) recommended Solarcrown to the building manager at JLL.
In addition to the LED lighting upgrades, Solarcrown (SCC) engineered, provided, and installed a Wireless mesh network integrated into the building’s light fixtures. This system’s functionality enables the client to optimise savings without the intrusive installation of wired control cables. Collaborating closely with Tridonic, Solarcrown not only designed, delivered, and installed the lighting system but also commissioned a successful building-wide implementation of wireless controls to maximise energy efficiency.
The LED lighting upgrade on the 10th-floor corridor provides a great example of savings that will be made from the LED lighting installations. A saving of £6458.31 will be gained in the first year and the corridor lighting upgrade will generate savings of £308,236.40 over its lifetime.
LEDs are recognised for their energy efficiency, consuming less power than traditional lighting options. The upgrade directly addressed the high energy consumption associated with the outdated lighting system at Bridgewater Place, resulting in substantial energy savings.
Solarcrown’s expertise played a crucial role in the project’s success. The team demonstrated professionalism and collaborated closely with JLL, providing insights into the benefits of LED lighting. This collaborative approach, combined with Solarcrown’s experience in similar projects, contributed to the positive outcome.
This collaboration exemplifies the growing trend in the real estate sector toward adopting sustainable solutions for reduced environmental impact.
The LED lighting upgrade at Bridgewater Place showcases Solarcrown Commercial’s commitment to practical and effective energy-efficient solutions. By addressing specific areas and emphasising cost and energy savings, the project successfully met JLL’s objectives. The collaboration between Solarcrown and JLL, as highlighted by the Facilities Manager’s endorsement, demonstrates the tangible benefits of LED technology in real-world applications. The Bridgewater project reflects a straightforward and pragmatic approach to achieving sustainability goals and operational efficiency.