Presentations – Energy Efficiency Breakfast, Eastbourne

Businesses from a range of sectors headed Eastbourne to find out more about LED lighting and energy sub-metering as well as meet like-minded organisations interested in energy efficiency. The learning and networking event was held by the Sustainable Business Network working in partnership with the Green Growth Platform.

Matt Rutherford from Eastbourne based  Infinity Lighting Solutions introduced the latest advancements in LED lighting, including new lamp types, colours and effects. He explained that with reduced energy demand, a long lifespan and minimal maintenance requirements in comparison with traditional lighting, LEDs can present a quick-win energy saving opportunity for many organisations. Matt’s colleague Thomas Wynn demonstrated a selection of LED lamps, including spotlights and panels.

Tony Verrall from Uniq Solutions discussed how sub-metering and energy management software can be the starting point for any business looking to understand and improve their energy consumption. Tony showed the different ways energy management software can be tailored to suit a business’s requirements and also how it can be used to detect problems and unnoticed, unnecessary energy use.

Uniq Solutions work with Mrshall Tufflex, who are based in St. Leonards-on-Sea and manufacture sub-metering hardware.

Case study speaker Fred Furner from Wave Leisure shared the range of measures they have taken to reduce energy and water consumption at their seven sports centres and swimming pools in East Sussex. These include 195 and 112 panel solar PV installations, which reduce the charitable trust’s CO₂ emissions by 60 tonnes a year, and combined heat and power systems which provide both heating and electricity from a gas supply.

As Fred explained, ‘less sexy’ energy and water efficiency measures are just as important. Wave Leisure have installed urinal sensors, engage employees with environmental initiatives and have processes in place to regularly check and maintain toilets, sinks, appliance and equipment.

The morning’s presentations are available to download here.

The Sustainable Business Network links businesses interested in improving environmental performance. Regular learning and networking events and Industry Insight Tours are held across Sussex.

The Sustainable Business Network works in partnership with the Green Growth Platform, a five year programme led by the University of Brighton that aims to support the growth of a local low-carbon economy. It offers a range of free and subsidised services to businesses that offer, or are looking to develop, environmental products and services.