Energy saving bulbs halves lighting bill at National Trust properties

21 June 2008

The National Trust has achieved an impressive 50% energy saving for lighting using Philips MASTERClassic and other types of energy saving lamps across some 300 of its properties.

As part of its “Big Switch” initiative, the National Trust is committed to replacing all of its older energy inefficient lamps in its historic buildings. Keen to adopt the latest lighting innovations brought about by ongoing advances in development, the Philips MASTERClassic lamp is just the first step in the National Trust’s environmental journey.

This process began almost 18 months ago with initial trials at the National Trust’s properties of Polesden Lacey and Sissinghurst amongst others. Since then some 100 sites have been surveyed and recommendations for new energy saving lighting solutions adopted.

Working closely in this way the National Trust was fundamental to Philips fine tuning the benefits which the MASTERClassic lamp now offers. By listening to the specific needs of the National Trust, Philips was able to develop a lamp which is truly tailored to its application.

As Katy Lithgow, Head Conservator at the National Trust, points out, “In addition to saving energy we needed to ensure that the lighting we used was sensitive to the many historic objects and surfaces in our houses. By working together, we were able to identify a lamp with Philips that enabled us to introduce energy saving lighting in many showrooms. The MASTERClassic lamp gives a crisp, sparkly light which really complements reflective surfaces but has the added benefit of emitting substantially less UV than other energy saving lamps, making it fit for many locations in historic interiors. Its other advantage is that it can be dimmed as well!”

In all some 9,000 MASTERClassic lamps were delivered to the National Trust estate in a mix of 30 and 20 Watts where traditionally 60 and 40 Watt incandescent lamps had been used. By making this switch to energy efficient lighting, the National Trust will already have saved 2223 tonnes of CO2 emissions which is the same amount of energy which would be required to make 136,000 cups of tea!

National Trust members will also be able to purchase the lamps online via Lighting Services1, distributors to the National Trust. The website also features a user friendly guide with hints and tips showing how consumers can make a simple switch to energy efficient lighting.