Hot Topic
Budget 25
The owners of Bayfair Shopping Centre say they are achieving 64% energy savings by installing LED lighting. They also believe the lighting far surpasses the previous lighting output.
Bayfair is the largest shopping centre in the Tauranga area. It is managed by AMP Capital Shopping Centres and jointly owned by Fisher Funds and AMP Capital Investors.
The owners commissioned Phillips to manage the installation of LuxSpace LED lights, with the help of a grant from the Energy Efficiency Conservation Authority (EECA) subsidy for part of the cost of installation because of the significant energy efficiency benefits of the project.
More than 1450 light fittings were replaced. Redundant fittings were broken down and recycled, weighing 2476 kg.
Part of the challenge was to ensure minimal disruption to trading, with Phillips organising the project, from manufacturing to managing the installation.
Philips also claims the LuxSpace LED fittings require less maintenance and have an average life of up to 50,000 hours.
The installation has been put forward for environmental awards including the Fairfax Sustainable 60 Awards and the Sustainable Business Network Awards. However, there may an unexpected downside for the environment.
Recent research suggests LED lights confuse and attract up to 50% more insects than older lighting systems, which may have implications for ecosystems.
The topic is hotly debated on some internet sites.
Chris Hutching for NBR NZ Property Investor
Mon, 03 Nov 2014
Mon, 03 Nov 2014
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