Energy Efficiency

Phase is at the leading edge of providing clients with the most up to date energy saving electrical systems and advising on related environmental issues. Some of the areas we currently advise clients on are:

Use of Compact Flourescents

A Compact fluorescent lamp (CFL), or compact fluorescent light is a type of light which converts electrical power into useful light more efficiently than an incandescent lamp. Many CFLs are designed to replace incandescent lamps and can fit into most existing fixtures.

Compared to general service incandescent lamps giving the same amount of light CFLs generally use less power, have a longer rated life, but a higher purchase price. Lower energy costs typically offset the higher initial cost of the lamp and they can save 2,000 times their own weight in greenhouse gases.

CFLs radiate a different light spectrum from that of incandescent lamps. Improved design means modern CFLs are rated as subjectively similar in colour to standard incandescent lamps.

Low Wattage Lighting

Fluorescent lamps emit less heat, and are therefore more efficient. A fluorescent lamp can produce from 50 to 100 lumens* per watt. This makes them four to six times more efficient than traditional incandescent lamps. You can use a 15-watt fluorescent lamp to produces the same amount of light as a 60-watt incandescent lamp.

*What is a Lumen?

Lumens is a photometric measure of light or the flux of a light being produced by a light source or received by a surface. Lumens (or luminous power) takes into account the perceived light rather than the optical power. Watts measure the amount of power used.

It makes more sense to talk about lumens when you need to assess the perceived “brightness”, of a light source.

Occupancy Sensors

Occupancy Sensors are an efficient way to operate lights in commercial premises such as offices. They can reduce energy consumption by automatically switching lights on when a person enters a room or space. The lights can be programmed to switch off after a selected period. There are different types of sensors available. The most commonly used is the PIR (Passive Infra Red). This reacts to the infrared heat energy emitted by people. They react to hand or body movement up to a maximum of 12 meters. Alternatively, microwave sensors can detect at longer distances if required.

Programmable lighting systems

Phase can assist you in installing lighting systems that can be programmed to take advantage of natural available light, reducing energy consumption. Sensors detect the light levels entering the room or space and reduce the powered lighting when the natural light meets the pre-determined required light level. In addition, lights can be programmed to switch off at a specific time of day, for example after normal office hours.

With light level sensors, the system can be designed to take advantage of natural light levels and utilise only the minimum necessary amount of lighting, saving energy and money.

Environmentally Friendly Disposal of used lamps and other electrical equipment

In 2005, the Government introduced a number of important changes to the Hazardous Waste Regulations, upgrading spent fluorescent tubes and sodium lamps as well as other electrical items to hazardous waste. Disposal of these items is hazardous as it can release harmful phosphor dust and toxic mercury vapour.

Phase can assist you in meeting the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) regulations which is waste within the meaning of the Waste Framework Directive (2006/12/EC), including all components, subassemblies and consumables which are part of the product at the time of discarding. ‘Waste’ is defined in the Directive as any substance or object which the holder discards or intends or is required to discard.