LED is the simplest way for a commercial site to lower running costs while improving safety and light quality.
Modern LED fittings use less power per square foot, last longer and work with smart controls.
That means fewer call-outs, better visibility and lower bills.
Why LED saves money
- Lower lighting power density (W/ft²) for the same or better lux levels.
- Longer life and fewer lamp/ballast changes.
- Works with occupancy and daylight sensors to trim wasted hours.
- Improved colour and uniformity that helps safety and productivity.
Quick way to estimate your saving
Annual kWh = Area (ft²) × Lighting power (W/ft²) × Hours ÷ 1000
Cost = Annual kWh × your electricity rate (£/kWh).
Typical comparison per 10,000 ft² (3,000 hours a year)
Assumes £0.25 per kWh. Edit the numbers to suit your tariff or hours.
| Lighting type | Typical W/ft² | Annual kWh (per 10k ft²) | Annual cost | Saving vs LED |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LED (high-bay or office troffer) | 0.45 | 13,500 kWh | £3,375 | — |
| Fluorescent T8 | 0.90 | 27,000 kWh | £6,750 | Save £3,375 / 13,500 kWh |
| Fluorescent T5 | 0.80 | 24,000 kWh | £6,000 | Save £2,625 / 10,500 kWh |
| Metal halide high-bay | 1.30 | 39,000 kWh | £9,750 | Save £6,375 / 25,500 kWh |
| Halogen / legacy | 2.00 | 60,000 kWh | £15,000 | Save £11,625 / 46,500 kWh |
Notes: values are indicative and depend on required lux levels, mounting heights and controls.
For a quick scale up, multiply the table numbers by (your ft² ÷ 10,000) and adjust for your annual hours.
Worked example
A 20,000 ft² warehouse running 3,000 hours a year moves from T8 fluorescent (0.90 W/ft²) to LED (0.45 W/ft²).
Annual energy drops by 27,000 kWh which is about £6,750 a year at £0.25/kWh.
Add occupancy and daylight controls to take a further 10–30% off in many sites.
LED ROI & Payback
Quick snapshot based on 10,000 ft², 3,000 hours/year, £0.25/kWh.
CapEx (typical LED refit)
£18,000
Annual saving vs T8
£3,375
Simple payback
~5.3 months
5-year net gain
£(3,375×5 − 18,000) = £-? Edit here
Edit the CapEx to match your spec. Formula: Payback = CapEx ÷ Annual £ saving.
Case Study: 20,000 ft² Warehouse LED Upgrade
A Norfolk distribution site running 3,000 hours/year replaced ageing T8s and metal-halide high-bays with LED high-bays and emergency routes to BS 5266. We introduced occupancy sensing in low-traffic aisles and daylight dimming along perimeter bays. Lighting power density fell from 0.95 W/ft² to 0.45 W/ft². Annual energy dropped by ~30,000 kWh (≈£7,500 at £0.25/kWh). Simple payback landed inside the first year. Deliverables included lux verification, as-built drawings, emergency test records and a maintenance schedule.
Add Smart Controls for Extra Savings
| Control | Typical extra saving | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Occupancy / presence sensors | 15–35% | Aisles, stores, meeting rooms |
| Daylight dimming | 10–30% | Perimeter bays, skylight zones |
| Scheduling / overrides | 5–10% | Offices, retail, production lines |
Ranges depend on hours, daylight and tasks. We size controls during survey to avoid under-lighting.
Carbon Savings for ESG/SECR
CO₂e saved = kWh saved × your supplier’s carbon factor (kg CO₂e/kWh). Example: if you save 30,000 kWh and use 0.20 kg CO₂e/kWh, that’s 6,000 kg CO₂e avoided per year.
We can include COâ‚‚e figures and evidence in quotes and post-install documentation.
What Good Looks Like by Sector
- Warehouses: uniform high-bay LED, clear emergency routes, typical 200–300 lux in aisles; higher in picking/packing.
- Offices: comfortable 300–500 lux, low-glare fittings, good colour rendering, occupancy+daylight controls.
- Retail: bright, even presentation lighting, accent spots for merchandising, reliable emergency signage.
- Education: even classroom lighting, board/AV zones considered, scheduled testing during holidays.
- Healthcare: task-appropriate lux and CCT, robust emergency compliance and documented routines.
Standards and Documentation
All electrical works to BS 7671 and emergency lighting to BS 5266. You receive lux checks where required, as-built drawings, logbooks and test certificates for audit and insurance.
Get a Free LED Savings Estimate
Current lighting type T8 fluorescentT5 fluorescentMetal halideHalogen/other Send my estimate
We’ll reply with a 1-page estimate covering kWh, £ saving, payback and CO₂e.
Before and After
Before: Legacy fittings After: LED + sensors Occupancy & daylight control Even distribution, fewer fittings, sensors in the right places for extra savings.
Related Services
FAQs
How long does a 10,000 ft² retrofit take?
Typically 1–3 nights out of hours, depending on access and ceiling height.
Can you phase works to avoid downtime?
Yes. We schedule zones and keep emergency cover in place while we work.
What warranty do you provide?
Most fittings carry a 5-year warranty. We specify to match hours and environment.
Do you handle emergency design and logbooks?
Yes. We design to BS 5266 and supply test records, logbooks and maintenance schedules.