Lighting the way

Lighting the way

The Watergate building has boosted its green credentials, completing the installation of LED lights in all common areas.

The final stage of the process was the changeover of more than 700 light fittings in the building’s car park, which was completed at the end of September.

According to Watergate OC president Barbara Francis, the decision to change the lights to LED was a “no-brainer” when considering the significant cost-savings for the building.

According to building manager Marshall Delves, the new lighting will save the building $2300 a month on its power bill, along with an estimated $3000 saving per month on reduced maintenance and repair costs.

The building had replaced hallway lights with LEDs two years earlier and Mr Delves said this change had led to savings of $70,000 per year.

Mr Delves also said a leasing agreement meant the building could pay back the cost of the new lights from the power savings over the next two years.

Capital Green Solutions carried out the lighting upgrade and managing director Leigh Davies said, in the car park alone, the new lights would save more than 103,000 kilowatts of energy each year, effectively halving the power usage.

He also explained that the new LED lights had a much longer life expectancy of 12 to 14 years compared with the standard two-year lifespan of a fluorescent light, meaning Watergate won’t have to worry about replacing lights anytime soon.

The building also benefited from the State Government’s energy efficiency scheme, which will see it receive a rebate of $14,400 covering some of the costs.

Ms Francis said innovations like the new lighting made Watergate a more attractive place to live.

“It raises the standard of the building and maintains a high level of living,” Ms Francis said.

Residents of the building have also been offered the opportunity to convert lighting in their apartments to LED if they wish.

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