Case Study: Energy‑Saving LED Upgrade at Kippen Village Hall
Kippen Village Hall is a perfect example of how no energy‑saving project is too small to make a meaningful impact. The client, a registered charity running a traditional village hall just 20 minutes from Stirling, was undertaking a full refurbishment — from new distribution boards to complete redecoration. To qualify for funding, reducing energy consumption and cutting electricity costs were essential requirements.
Balancing Cost, Compliance, and Performance
On every energy‑saving lighting project, achieving the optimum result means balancing three factors
- Material cost
- Labour cost
- CIBSE‑recommended lighting levels
With over 30 years’ experience in LED upgrades and energy‑efficient lighting design, I know that working closely with contractors is fundamental. A detailed site visit with Billy Duncan of Wm Duncan & Sons allowed us to walk the building, understand the constraints, and plan the lighting calculations accurately.
Working with an Older Building
As with many older buildings, much of the wiring was installed in conduit. This made relocating fittings impractical, so one‑for‑one replacements were the most efficient and cost‑effective approach.
In most areas, replacing fluorescent fittings with LED equivalents delivers 40–60% energy savings immediately. However, because the hall is hired out to the public, achieving correct lighting levels was critical. In some spaces, that meant choosing slightly higher‑wattage fittings to meet CIBSE standards — a small sacrifice in savings, but essential for usability and safety.
The Challenge of Uplighters
One of the more interesting aspects of this project was the existing uplighters. Uplighting is visually appealing, but from a technical standpoint it’s inefficient:
- Every time light bounces off a surface, a significant percentage is lost
- Light travelling longer distances dissipates
- Achieving correct lighting levels with uplighters alone often requires 2–3× more output than direct lighting
High‑output uplighters do exist, but they’re typically expensive. So, with a tight budget, the smarter solution for the foyer and hall was to install high‑output LED bulkheads. They’re not as decorative, but they deliver the required lighting levels efficiently and affordably.
Outstanding Results for the Client
Despite the constraints of the building and the need to maintain correct lighting levels, the project delivered exceptional results:
- 66.5% reduction in electricity consumption
- Significantly improved lighting quality
- Compliance with CIBSE lighting standards
- A delighted client who now benefits from lower running costs and a brighter, more welcoming hall
Having a satisfied client makes any job worthwhile. Like my job is making people happy. 😁
My sincere thanks go to Billy Duncan of Wm Duncan & Sons, and of course, Francis Carlaw from the Kippen Village hall Committee.
Iain Ross MSLL
