St. Monica’s is a voluntary-aided Church in Wales primary school, in the Heath area of Cardiff. It serves families mainly from the local area who wish their children to attend a school with an Anglican ethos. It’s a mixed school with over 110 pupils between the ages of 4 – 11.
Background
The light levels in the classrooms at St. Monica's was very poor quality. Many of the existing light fittings were over 30 years old and had inefficient fluorescent technology.
The emergency lighting was also below the required standards and needed to be upgraded.
St. Monica's had no budget for wholesale lighting replacement, and their maintenance and energy costs were rising.
Brighter lighting
St. Monica’s turned to Ineco Energy for help with their lighting situation, as a result of our reputation for helping schools to become greener. We have significant experience working with schools of all sizes to upgrade lighting at no cost to the school, thanks to a number of approved funding and financing models. Not only does this enable schools to save energy and reduce their bills, but it also provides a brighter learning environment for pupils.
Site survey and design
We undertook a detailed lighting audit to give us a shared understanding of issues and requirements. This enabled the most energy-efficient lighting solution to be designed, which also significantly enhanced the light quality throughout. We also upgraded their ageing emergency lighting.
No upfront cost
St Monica’s Primary School had no upfront cost. Ineco Energy’s unique approach to survey and design means energy savings are maximised throughout; consequently the business case satisfied all government finance criteria. Project costs are repaid using energy savings, so the ongoing financing is no burden to the school. Maintenance savings were not included within the business case and therefore St. Monica’s will realise more savings from day one, as the cost of light bulbs and replacements can be reallocated.
Enhancing the environment
The new LED lighting at St. Monica’s has improved safety and delivered an enhanced learning environment for pupils and staff, with brighter lighting, improved environmental credentials, and reduced energy and maintenance bills.