Case study: Mitie delivers a circular economy lighting scheme to revamp an Edinburgh landmark

Overview of the challenge

The Mound in Edinburgh, Scotland, is an iconic building for Lloyds Banking Group (The Group). It sits in an area of historical importance that connects the Old Town and the New Town. The building, designed by architect Sir William Chambers, is a Category A listed structure. The renovation project aimed to upgrade the internal lighting and lighting control systems to improve the working environment for colleagues and reduce energy consumption, while preserving the building’s historical significance.

The Group challenged Mitie to design a new lighting and control scheme fit for a modern working environment while reducing energy and waste. The building was previously refurbished in 2008 and the scheme included the installation of unique and highly decorative pendant lighting. The light source featured T5, dichroic and cold cathode.

Our approach

Due to the historical design of the building, we worked with a specialist lighting designer to review the existing lighting scheme and deliver a design which aligned with all aspects of the brief. To save embodied carbon, we decided to refurbish and reuse the pendant structure. We engaged with the original lighting manufacturer, based locally in Edinburgh, to rework the pendants to support new modern LED lighting and control on site. This included the integration of a wireless mesh lighting control system to provide presence, daylighting and scene control to each pendant lighting control.

The results

The scheme reduced energy by 78% internally while providing colleagues with light levels which met wellness targets and The Group’s specification. This was aligned with the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CISBSE) and Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) guidance.

The refurbishment and reuse of the pendants and corresponding carbon avoidance was calculated by a carbon consultant using the CIBSE TM65.2 method. The carbon avoidance reduction delivered a saving of 28,120.29 kg CO²e (or 48.85%) when compared to installing new replacement luminaries. The savings have supported Lloyds Banking Group in its ambition to halve energy usage, achieve ‘Net Zero Operations by 2030’ and improve the overall working environment. The unique building is now showcased in the best possible light.

Why choose Mitie?

Mitie’s Lighting division has been operating for over 50 years, with a dedicated team of specialists experienced in designing and installing lighting solutions. The team delivers challenging energy reduction targets for our clients through lighting refurbishment projects. In line with many clients’ commitments, we champion a ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ policy, while improving the working environment for colleagues and customers alike.

Read more about how we also upgraded the external lighting of The Mound, leading to a 73% reduction in energy use.