THE company which has supplied the lighting in all the luxury apartments at the former Coutts headquarters in Onchan has won a major industry award for its energy-efficient lighting systems.
Luminaires has been awarded the Energy Champions award for best practice in the private sector, which followed the recent Energy Expo exhibition in Douglas.
Planning regulations now include minimum levels of energy efficient lights to be installed in any new building, requiring that one energy efficient light must be fitted in one-in-three rooms, each providing a level of more than 40 lumens for each watt of energy consumed.
However, Luminaires have exceeded those requirements by a huge margin, installing many more energy efficient lights than the government’s minimum requirements.
The resulting energy efficiency throughout Coutts House complex brings major cost savings for the owners and has reducing energy consumption significantly, and considerably more than the minimum levels.
In an average property traditional lighting produces 12 lumens per watt. However, in Coutts House the lighting installed by Luminaires has an average of 50 watts throughout the entire building - more than four times better efficiency.
In addition, the new lighting technology is also much more reliable and longer lasting than traditional lighting systems, meaning the bulbs will last between eight and twenty times longer.
“Luminaires did a really first class job,” said Coutts House owner John Tinsley. “We wanted the very best high quality state-of-the-art lighting, but we also wanted to install the very best in low energy efficiency.
“I am delighted with every aspect of the lighting in Coutts House and I’m very pleased for Luminaires that their expertise has been recognised by this award.”
Ralph Peake of Luminaires added, “Coutts House has raised the standard in finish and quality here in the Isle of Man. Just as important, and not quite so obvious, is the level of design and technology which has gone into each and every apartment for the benefit of the occupier and minimising the impact on the environment.”
Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK said, “The Energy Champion Awards highlight the many excellent examples of good practice that are happening within local business and Government.”
“The awards ceremony ensures the good work Energy Champions have achieved is recognised and I hope will encourage other organisations to consider potential energy saving opportunities within their organisations.”
Mrs Clare Christian MLC, Department Member with responsibility for Energy, added, “I am delighted with how the Energy Champion Programme for businesses and government has developed since its launch in 2008.
“It was interesting to hear how different organisations have approached the issue of energy saving and achieved such outstanding results. I am sure the champions will continue with the excellent work they have achieved and I look forward to many more years of Energy champion awards. We all stand to benefit from the success of these projects in years to come.”
