CASE STUDY: AMEY

Achieving sustainability through smart solutions in Scottish Schools

Customer: Dumfries and Galloway (D&G) Council and Scottish Borders Council

In schools, lighting is one of the largest running costs, often accounting for circa 20% of the total energy bill.

D&G and the Scottish Borders Council wanted to better manage their energy consumption – to boost efficiency, lower carbon emissions to achieve targets set by the Scottish Government and to safeguard public funds.

 

Amey worked in partnership with the councils to develop the most effective ‘Smart lighting’ solution for the 11 Public-Private Partnership schools across Dumfries and Galloway and the Scottish Borders we maintain – maximising the return for the councils’ investments, both in carbon reduction and cost.

Working closely with our supply chain partner CEF & Powertech, detailed energy surveys and data was submitted setting out the options for meeting the required savings.

 

What did we do?

Our solution was a smart lighting system that uses cutting edge technology to optimise flexibility and control via the building management systems (BMS) and mobile Apps. The fittings used provided a long-term solution, allowing for the installation of more innovative technology into the existing fitting as it develops.

The smart lighting system delivers improved efficiencies by using technology to detect human presence and natural light, adjusting the light levels and using energy only when needed.

The solution allows quieter areas of the schools with fluctuating footfall levels to save on energy costs while ensuring the busier areas of the building are always properly lit. With this system, lighting energy savings of up to 60% can be achieved.

What was the impact?

Lower energy costs: saving around 60% a year on lighting costs

CO2 emissions reduced by approx. 700 tonnes per annum across the schools in D&G and the Scottish Borders

Improved lighting that helps improve comfort and reduce tiredness for pupils and employees

Future-proofed for installation of more innovative technology at a later date

 

Mark Baillie, Dumfries and Galloway Council:

“Dumfries and Galloway Council, like other Local Authorities, face the challenge of reducing their carbon footprint and improving efficiency. Central to this is improving the efficiency and performance of our built environment and estate.

“We have been proactive in working with our partners to take measures to improve energy and carbon-related performance for the betterment of the Dumfries and Galloway Community by changing the way we work and by supporting the implementation of more efficient and cost-effective technical solutions where opportunities exist.

“The Dumfries and Galloway PPP Smart Lighting project is a prominent example of technical solutions making a significant contribution to our environmental agenda.

“Not only is the Authority benefitting from all the energy, carbon and cost savings delivered through the project, but this represents a significant investment in the learning environment for our young people and wider communities. We look forward to achieving the financial, environmental and broader social benefit that we expect the scheme will realise within our region.”