Pernod Ricard cuts its lighting bill by 91 per cent

Media release

24 March 2011

Pernod Ricard cuts its lighting bill by 91 per cent

Pernod Ricard has cut its lighting bill by at least 91 per cent pa due to new energy efficiency solutions introduced at its Glen Innes distribution centre.

The majority of the company’s savings were achieved by installing “lighting on demand” systems, said energy efficiency advisor, Martin Lynch, of 0800 Save Energy.

“Rather than just installing energy efficient lights, we fitted a lighting control system that automatically senses where and when light should be provided, and where and when lights can be dimmed. As a result, Pernod Ricard will save over one million kilowatt hours on electricity per year.

“When we first audited the site the electricity demand was 128kW of lighting load. After installing the new energy efficient lighting system, demand has dropped to between 5 and 17kW of lighting load across the entire warehouse.”

In addition, the company can also expect to save on maintenance costs.

“The lighting control system means the warehouse lights run at required light levels rather than full capacity so the lamps last longer and you don’t need to change them as frequently,” he said.

Mr Lynch said Pernod Ricard wanted to find smarter ways to use energy more efficiently as part of its ongoing drive to make financial savings.

He added “we have taken some reasonably straight forward steps that have paid handsome dividends in terms of additional energy and financial savings.”

The executive officer of New Zealand’s Energy Management Association (EMANZ), Ewan Gebbie, said there are $230 million worth of savings to be made in the commercial building sector from energy efficiency improvements.

“One of EMANZ’s goals is to make commercial property owners and landlords more aware of the benefits to them of energy efficiency.”

“It’s been an area that has been largely marginalised in the past. EMANZ is keen to work with government and other interested parties to focus on making some big improvements in this area,” Mr Gebbie said.

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