LED lighting company Vision Accendo has completed a total refit of airside lighting at Southampton Airport.

Vision Accendo director Mark Bigwood said the airport is one of the first in the world to go totally LED airside, with the company developing technology to fit the project’s requirements. It has also been installing new lighting on the passenger side.

“We developed lighting that was light enough in terms of weight to be put on the existing poles at the airport. This meant the project saved money because we didn’t have to install new poles,” said Bigwood.

“Because the lighting poles were in fixed places, they weren’t in the best position to light the airport. We overcame this by designing a reflector that punched the light out much further,” he added.

Bigwood said feedback from pilots has shown they are benefitting from better vision on landing. Currently 70 per cent of Southampton’s airports lighting is LED and it is hoped that will increase to 80 per cent by the end of the year. The airport says its electricity costs have been reduced by 10 per cent per year, saving £45,000. The LED company is now keen to work with other airports across the country.

Vision Accendo is hoping a recent meeting with the government will encourage more companies to follow in Southampton Airport’s footsteps and introduce LED lighting.

The company met with MPs and officials at the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC) last month to start looking into ways to make it easier for businesses to install energy efficiency measures. Vision Accendo is advising on LED lighting.

Under the Enhanced Capital Allowance Scheme companies could claim back up to 25 per cent of the cost of installing energy efficient lighting, but the government wants to make it easier for companies to access this.

“We have been talking to DECC and giving them advice. There might be a pilot scheme in the future,” said Bigwood.

Sources:

1. Lighting:
   Airport LED Upgrade.