Light bulb moment

3 January 2024

Just before Christmas I read a fascinating report about some unintended consequences arising out of adopting eco-friendly LED lighting instead of power-hungry alternatives like fluorescent tubes or sodium lamps. 

Apparently, some individuals and businesses are installing so many LED bulbs that they are actually ending up using more energy overall, according to the story on the BBC's website. 

The International Energy Agency says that in 2022, LEDs made up 50% of lighting sales globally, a figure that is increasing. Other reports say that householders are fitting more lights than ever before. 

More businesses are also switching to LEDs, although the pace is slower because the initial investment and longer payback times can be prohibitive, especially when installations are linked with solar panels and battery energy storage systems. 

What this again shows is that any new technology has to be implemented intelligently in order to be both cost-effective and eco-friendly.

And the hire industry is at the forefront of this. Indeed, the blog has reported previously on new depots opened by Speedy Hire and Nixon Hire where lighting and heating equipment has been installed with motion sensors and temperature controls to ensure optimum utilisation and economic operation, with future costings calculated at the early design stages. 

Looking more widely, hirers will also play an increasingly important role in helping clients use generators, plant, and other equipment besides lighting so that the initial investment costs are recouped in a managed way, using telematics and other reporting systems. Subsequently, the benefits from adopting such technology will increase significantly. 

Just using or installing new technology doesn’t deliver improvements automatically, but equipment hire is based on a cyclical model that can help to deliver real savings and environmental benefits.

The key is ensuring that the customer and hire company work together in exploring the various options in practical and proactive ways. 

Photo: Rodolfo Clix