Energy-Efficient Lighting Upgrade for Wordsworth Primary School

Client: Wordsworth Primary School, Southampton – Part of the Hamwic Education Trust

Industry: Education

Background

Wordsworth Primary School, built in 2013, required an upgrade to its existing fluorescent lighting systems to improve energy efficiency and reduce electricity costs. The fluorescent T5 tubes used in classrooms and communal areas were outdated, consuming significant energy and providing less-than-optimal brightness.

Hamwic Education Trust, one of the largest multi-academy trusts in the South of England, partnered with Mission Road Electrical to carry out the project.

Scope of Work

Mission Road Electrical was tasked with upgrading the school’s fluorescent lighting to modern LED equivalents. The project involved:

• Replacing fluorescent T5 tubes with energy-efficient LED tubes.
• Bypassing ballasts within the fittings to accommodate the new LED systems.
• Replacing decorative hanging light fittings in classrooms to integrate LED solutions seamlessly.
• Upgrading recessed spotlighting in communal areas with LED panels for improved lighting quality.
• Installing additional light fittings to ensure consistent brightness throughout classrooms and shared spaces.

Challenges and Obstacles

This project was scheduled over the Christmas and New Year period, presenting significant challenges:

1. Labour Availability: Limited workforce availability during the holiday season.
2. Supply Chain Issues: Accessing additional materials was challenging due to supplier closures.

Solutions:

• Mission Road Electrical conducted an additional site visit before the project began to assess material requirements thoroughly.
• The team planned meticulously to ensure all materials were procured and organised before supplier shutdowns.

Solutions Implemented

Mission Road Electrical successfully delivered tailored solutions to meet the school’s needs:

• Existing light fittings were retained and modified to accommodate the LED upgrades, preserving the school’s original design aesthetic.
• Fluorescent tubes and recessed communal light fittings were replaced with energy-efficient LED alternatives.
• Additional light fittings were installed to enhance brightness in classrooms and communal areas.

Benefits and Results

The LED lighting upgrade provided the school with several measurable benefits:

• Energy Efficiency: Significant reduction in electricity consumption, leading to long-term cost savings.
• Improved Lighting Quality: Enhanced brightness in classrooms and communal areas, creating a more conducive learning environment.
• Sustainability: Reduced carbon footprint due to lower energy usage.

Customer Quote

“Mission Road Electrical demonstrated exceptional planning and execution during a challenging time. The lighting upgrade has transformed our school’s learning environment while reducing our energy costs.”

Timeline

The project spanned the Christmas holiday period, with:

• An initial weekend allocated for preparation before Christmas.
• Work completed in early January, ahead of the students returning to school.

Cost Analysis

• Project Cost: £30,000
• Long-Term Savings: The switch to LED lighting is projected to significantly reduce electricity costs, offsetting the initial investment within a few years.

Safety and Compliance

• A comprehensive Risk Assessment and Method Statement (RAMS) was conducted and adhered to throughout the project.
• All work was carried out to ensure compliance with health and safety regulations, ensuring a safe environment for students and staff.

Mission Road Electrical’s commitment to precision, efficiency, and sustainability ensured the success of this project, further strengthening their reputation as trusted commercial electricians for schools and other organisations.