LED Lighting Case Study
Beckfoot Trust
Nessfield, Thornton, Priestthorpe, Allerton, Phoenix, and Heaton Schools
%
Annual savings
256,038 kWh
59.7 Tonnes CO2
4.4 years payback
Solas was appointed by Ameresco to design and deliver an extensive LED lighting upgrade across multiple schools within the Beckfoot Trust. The project supported the Trust’s commitment to creating a greener, more energy-efficient learning environment, improving lighting quality while achieving significant cost and carbon reductions.
The Client & Challenge
Beckfoot Trust is a Multi-Academy Trust of ten schools, including primary, secondary, and special schools. The Trust has developed an Environmental Strategy aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and committed to reducing carbon emissions by 20% by 2023. As part of this programme, six schools – Beckfoot Nessfield, Thornton, Priestthorpe, Allerton, Phoenix, and Heaton – were prioritised for energy-saving improvements. The existing lighting systems varied across sites and included older, inefficient fittings that were costly to maintain and delivered inconsistent light levels. The challenge was to develop a consistent, high-quality LED lighting solution across multiple sites that would reduce energy use and maintenance while improving lighting conditions for staff and students.
The Solas Solution
Solas carried out detailed inspections and lighting surveys at each school to assess the existing installations and identify opportunities for improvement. A tailored lighting design was produced for every site, ensuring that each space, from classrooms to circulation areas, was fitted with the most suitable and efficient luminaires.
Lighting Design
New LED fittings were specified across classrooms, halls, kitchens, corridors, and external areas. Each luminaire was selected for its performance, visual comfort, and energy efficiency, using a combination of UGR TPa LED panels, IP65 LED panels, LED downlights, LED battens, LED bulkheads, floodlights, and wallpacks.
Smart Controls
Sensor technologies were installed in appropriate areas to maximise energy savings by automatically adjusting light levels based on occupancy and natural light.
System Benefits
Project Delivery
The project involved the installation of over 2,800 luminaires across six schools. Works were scheduled to minimise disruption to staff and pupils, with each installation completed safely and efficiently.
Close collaboration between Solas, Ameresco, and Beckfoot Trust ensured that each site was handed over on time and in line with the Trust’s sustainability and operational standards.
Results & Impact
62% reduction
in annual lighting energy use
256,038 kWh
saved each year
59.7 tonnes of CO2
reduced each year
4.4 years
payback
Supporting Sustainable Education
Solas commissioned and tested all installations to ensure each system operated to specification. Staff at each school were briefed on the operation of the new lighting and control systems to help maintain performance and maximise savings.
The project has supported Beckfoot Trust’s environmental strategy, helping deliver long-term reductions in energy use and carbon emissions while creating better learning environments for pupils and staff.
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