The Sofitel Sydney Wentworth hotel (part of the Accor Hotels) has undertaken a sustainable energy efficient lighting upgrade by using Megaman Lighting’s LED technology – now consuming 81% less energy and CO2 than previously.

This was achieved by replacing inefficient halogen lighting and using a turn-key solution. This generated over 10,000 Energy Savings Certificates (ESC) made eligible under the NSW Energy Saving Scheme (ESS). This was driven by the hotel’s environmental policy to achieve an increase in its NABERS ratings.

In total, all 436 guest rooms (of which 45 are luxury suites), and 11 floors of corridor area were changed over to the eco-lighting solution. This resulted in annual savings of over $100,000, or 10%, and 620,000kWh in total electricity savings annually.

An estimated annual carbon reduction of 620 tonnes was achieved by Sofitel’s chief engineer Manual Wong, who was in charge of the lighting upgrade project.

Not only has the cost of maintenance been reduced from the frequent re-lamping of halogen lamps – the Megaman MR16 LED’s are also rated at 25,000 hours so the reduced heat output increased savings on air-conditioning costs.

Megaman Lighting’s managing director Cane Graoroski says, “It was important to meet Sofitel’s lighting design brief by using all their existing downlight luminaires to retrofit the Megaman 6W 12V MR16 LEDs (ER1006) in 24 and 36 degree beam angles with constant voltage drivers (LD0106-K12).

“Where dimmable eco-lighting solutions were required, 8W 12V LEDs (ER1708d) in 36 degree beam angles were used proving additional savings when dimming. We worked directly with Manual Wong and carried out a number of trial applications to maintain and enhance Sofitel’s design finishes of rich contemporary yet classic tones. We aimed for dramatic accent illuminiation in common areas and ambient illumination in guest rooms”.