A comprehensive lighting upgrade initiative at the South Gloucestershire school was completed in just seven days over the summer 2017 holiday period.
The desire to improve overall standards of illumination and reduce energy consumption has long underpinned the growing number of lighting system upgrades taking place at UK schools, colleges and universities. Increasingly, given the advent of highly sophisticated and user-friendly control systems, enhanced adjustment of lighting conditions and output can be added to the mix.
All of these elements came into play when Frampton Cotterell Church of England Primary School in South Gloucestershire decided to undertake a site-wide lighting upgrade earlier this year. The project covered multiple areas, from classrooms to general meeting spaces, and reflected the overwhelming feeling that “the lighting in the premises was in a very poor condition,” recalls school business manager Mandy Turner. “It had become increasingly difficult to procure replacement parts, and we were also aware of the energy savings we could make by converting to LED technology.”
Having established that South Gloucestershire Council would be able to part-fund the upgrade, Ms Turner and her team initiated a tender process. The contract went to Connected Light – through whom it actually had a personal connection thanks to Connected Light director Matt Holway being an alumnus of the school, and now having his own child as a pupil there.
“Matt had assisted us with advice in the past, which was very useful, but we had also engaged Connected Light for repair issues and were aware that their products and services were of a very high and reliable standard. Hence we specifically requested that they be included in the tender process,” says Ms Turner
Not surprisingly, the emphasis throughout the project was on ensuring minimum disruption to the normal running of the school, so all work was carried out in just seven days over the summer 2017 holidays. Drawing on LED lighting from across the current Connected Light portfolio, the new fixtures and fittings replaced ageing fluorescent lighting which had been the subject of failures and which was also yielding a very poor standard of illumination.
To ensure easy access to staff and support personnel to the control of the systems, simple controllers were integrated into a number of key areas, including the toilets, storerooms and cupboard areas. Personnel were given an overview of the new lighting and its capabilities, as and when requested.
As well as delivering all the expected advantages of transitioning from traditional fluorescents to the latest LED lighting – notably, reduced energy consumption and costs, improved illumination, less call for maintenance, and so on – there was one very immediate benefit in terms of peace of mind. “We once had an incident with one of the old units overheating and burning, which was obviously very concerning, so the new system has brought us a great deal of reassurance with regard to health and safety,” says Mandy Turner.
Several weeks on from the completion of the project and the school is continuing to report an across-the-board improvement in lighting conditions, as Matt Holway observes: “The general standard of the lighting had been below-par for some time, so I think everyone has noticed how much brighter and more appealing the conditions now are thanks to the new installation. The simple controllers mean that staff can easily take charge of what lighting is required, and when, and in the longer-term it is evident that the replacement of those inefficient fluorescents is going to deliver some very welcome reductions to the school’s energy bills.”
Connectedlight have worked for ETS designing and supplying lighting systems that deliver full turnkey projects repeatedly building up a valued trust between the companies.... Read More
We’re proud to collaborate with Connected Light, a team that shares our passion for smart, flexible, and future-ready lighting solutions. Their deep market knowledge and hands-on approach make them a perfect partner to bring the power of Casambi to projects across the UK.... Read More
The service Connected Light offer to us is invaluable. They have access to a wide range of manufacturers and luminaires that enhance any lighting design, provide the back-up calculations, control philosophy and on-site commissioning.... Read More
Connectedlight have worked for ETS designing and supplying lighting systems that deliver full turnkey projects repeatedly building up a valued trust between the companies. We have also been employed by Connectedlight upgrading lighting systems in many schools across the South.
Connectedlight engineers attention to detail is of a very high standing understanding the clients brief and looking at ways of energy saving and cost-effective installation. We have worked with various other lighting design companies, but Connectedlight definitely stand out in this area.
Their engineers and staff are professional, polite and keep you informed with updates on design and deliveries and will do whatever is required to succeed.
Their working accreditations reflect their quality of service and attention to detail. Construction Line Gold is a highly commended accreditation and requires a specific level of commitment, especially on health and safety and communicating between all parties involved. ETS Group have this accreditation and understands its level of difficulty to acquire.
Working with Connected Light Lighting Architects is a pleasure.
We’re proud to collaborate with Connected Light, a team that shares our passion for smart, flexible, and future-ready lighting solutions. Their deep market knowledge and hands-on approach make them a perfect partner to bring the power of Casambi to projects across the UK.
The service Connected Light offer to us is invaluable. They have access to a wide range of manufacturers and luminaires that enhance any lighting design, provide the back-up calculations, control philosophy and on-site commissioning. This makes Connected Light a great resource of knowledge for end to end luminaire and controls capability.
Connected Light have provided support on various projects, especially those with Philips luminaires as they have a very deep knowledge of the range and products on offer, and can integrate with third party lighting controls.