On Par for Great Energy Savings

Since attending a UTILISE Energy, Waste and Water Efficiency Course, East Brighton Golf Club has reduced its energy bills by £917 per year, and has initiatives planned to save a further £1,115.

In the clubhouse bar, thirty-eight 50W halogen spotlights have been replaced with 4.5W and 3W LED equivalents. The project cost £1,035, but will save over 7,380 kWh of electricity and £664 a year, as well as reduce maintenance time. PIR sensors have been installed in the locker rooms to switch off lights when vacant. The sensors will save £253 per year, paying back the cost of installation in fifteen months.

Angie Lintott, who attended the course, and the club committee are now planning to replace fifteen remaining halogen spotlights in the men’s locker room with LEDs, as well as two T12 fluorescent tubes with T8 tubes and link them to the PIR sensors. These actions will save an additional 2,146 kWh and £193 per year.

Electricity, gas and water meters are read monthly, to help spot anomalies as well as prioritise areas for improvements. Angie has also tested electrical equipment to see which items use the most power. As a result she plans to fit plug-in timers to automatically switch off the two 40W drinks fridges in the bar overnight, saving 234 kWh and £21 a year, and to better control the three 1.5kW heaters in the green keepers’ building.

Annual utility savings
Electricity: 10,194 kWh = £917

In the pipeline
Electricity: 2,380 kWh = £214
Gas: 25,755 kWh = £901

To reduce gas consumption, thermostatic radiator valves have been installed, allowing individual temperature control in each room. Angie is also investigating fitting optimum start controls to the boiler, which alter the heating start time each day depending on internal and external temperatures.

Before winter loft insulation is due to be laid. This is expected to help reduce the annual heating demand by up to 25,755 kWh and the club’s gas bill by £901.

For more information about UTILISE, a practical focused course which helps businesses find savings through energy and water efficiency and waste minimisation, contact the Sustainable Business Partnership.

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