What Are The Benefits Of Retrofit Lighting?

Retrofitting refers to upgrading an existing system. Modern electrical systems tend to be more energy efficient, safer and less costly than legacy systems. Retrofitting spans various aspects of a commercial building including heating and insulation, electrical equipment and/or systems, and lighting.

In this blog, we’ll run through the various benefits of retrofit lighting for commercial buildings. We’ll highlight the things to consider before undertaking a retrofit, as well as some of the factors that affect the price.

What is retrofit lighting?

Retrofit lighting is about upgrading or replacing existing lighting systems in buildings or other structures. The process can include:

• Upgrading old school halogen or incandescent bulbs or fluorescent lighting to the latest, energy-efficient LED lighting technology
• Replacing older light fixtures with more modern, energy-efficient ones
• Implementing lighting controls and automation systems – such as dimming controls, occupancy sensors and timers – to adjust lighting levels for specific spaces
• Providing better lighting solutions to achieve a better quality of light.

Why consider a lighting upgrade?

If you’re wondering whether you should upgrade your lighting technology, it’s worth considering the following questions:

• Would you like to reduce energy consumption in your business premises?
• Are you looking to augment your building value?
• Would you like to improve the light quality in your building?
• Do you want to enhance your employees’ wellbeing as well as boosting productivity?
• Are you keen to lower your operating and maintenance costs?
• Do you have sustainability targets to reach?
• Would you like to improve the lighting aesthetic in your commercial premises?

Retrofit lighting can achieve any or all of these elements. The latest LED technology can transform your commercial environment.

5 benefits of a commercial lighting retrofit

Energy efficiency

Traditional lighting sources tend to use far more electricity than modern lighting technology. LED lighting technology, for example, is significantly more energy-efficient. Retrofit LED lighting is designed to operate at optimal energy efficiency which is a major reason why it’s a popular choice in the lighting industry.

Energy cost savings

You could save up to a staggering 80% in energy costs with LED light sources. By reducing the amount of energy used, retrofit LED lighting is a cost-effective solution. You’ll enjoy lower energy bills but you should also have reduced maintenance costs. LED bulbs have a longer lifespan than old style fluorescent tubes and light bulbs.

Environmental benefits

LED lights are more environmentally friendly than traditional lightings. Fluorescent lighting, for example, contains toxic substances like mercury. As the lifespan of LED lights is significantly longer than old light bulbs, there’s less waste. Fewer end up in landfill which is better for the environment as it reduces emissions.

So that’s less energy consumption, fewer CO2 emissions, less waste and reduced hazardous, toxic materials than traditional or fluorescent lamps. Retrofitting can be considered an important part of our circular economy, improving the environmental performance of a building.

Improved light quality

Natural light is the optimum level, but LED lamps comes pretty close. LED light’s excellent in terms of artificial lighting. This high quality of light increases the aesthetic appeal of commercial and industrial buildings.

It’s not just about aesthetics though. Your workplace becomes safer as visibility is much enhanced. Better light quality is hugely beneficial for the people inside the building. It can enhance your employees’ wellbeing and productivity which is hugely positive for you as an employer. The colour temperature of LED retrofit lighting can be selected to match the environment which makes it feels more comfortable. This simply isn’t possible with traditional lighting.

Time saving installation

Retrofitting LED lighting often works with existing light fittings. Often you can keep the existing body of the luminaire and replace the internal parts and ballast with new LED technology. That can help to maintain the design aesthetic in your building. It also means that the LED fitting takes considerably less time to install than a full, complete lighting installation.

How much does lighting retrofit cost?

Your lighting retrofit project will have unique specifications, so the cost will be bespoke to you and your building. However, there are key factors that affect the overall cost and we’ll run through those here.

1. Your building

There are a number of variables that can impact the cost of a lighting project. Your building size, structure, usage and hours of operation will be factors. It will also depend on your existing electrical system and service.

2. Your lighting system and requirements

Your existing lighting system and your future operational requirements need careful consideration. The state of your current light fittings and fixtures can impact costs. The light levels that you desire or need to have will be a factor. Then you also need to think about your future business processes too.

3. Your aims

What are your priorities and key outcomes for the project? It could be any or all of those listed above, such as reduced energy bills or a more eco-friendly lighting solution. These goals for the project will determine the best lighting technology for you.

4. Other factors

Your facility, your current set up and your future goals will all influence the cost and scope of your lighting project. Will the project comprise indoor and outdoor lighting?

Did you know that energy-saving projects like this may qualify for incentives from your local utility provider? It’s certainly worth investigating as you may receive funding towards your LED lighting upgrade.

If you want to discuss your particular lighting issues and requirements, we’d love to talk it through, please get in touch.

Work with us – we’re LED lighting specialists

We’re an experienced and professional team of lighting specialists and electricians operating in and around London. We’d love to upgrade your existing lighting systems, bringing energy efficiency and high quality LED technology to your commercial environment.

Our exemplary lighting solutions, coupled with our excellent customer service, will bring transformative results for your business. Let’s chat to find out how we can help you to achieve your goals.