Munster Technological University Kerry (MTUK) updates its emergency lighting and switches to Zumtobel’s central battery system, achieving IS:3217 emergency lighting compliance, substantial cost savings, and a greener campus. Discover how Zumtobel and its sister brand Thorn have illuminated a path to efficiency.

An aged emergency lighting system threatened compliance and safety at Munster Technological University Kerry (MTUK). Determined to achieve a greener, more efficient campus, they procured the services of the Zumtobel Group lighting brands Zumtobel and Thorn for a comprehensive solution. The result? Automated reporting, substantial cost savings, and a safer, more illuminated campus.

MTUK’s Challenges

Compliance obligations loomed over MTU’s aging emergency lighting systems. Seeking a future-proof solution compliant with IS:3217, they sought a single supplier for a central battery system and modern lighting upgrades. Sustainability and affordability were key priorities.

Zumtobel Group’s Approach

Renowned for lighting innovations, Philip Dewey, Key Account Manager at Zumtobel Group, explains, “MTUK needed a comprehensive solution. We provided a single-source central battery system, efficient LED emergency lighting, all aligned with their sustainability goals. This holistic approach not only ensures compliance, but slashed maintenance costs, provides automatic testing to IS:3217 standards and any faults reported can now be actioned immediately, maintaining full compliance and safety for everyone.” 

Phased Transformation

The process unfolded in two strategic phases, prioritising high-traffic areas. Collaborating with O’Connell Electrical Services Ltd, Zumtobel and Thorn worked tirelessly to ensure minimal disruption. Zumtobel’s EBox central battery system, RESCLITE PRO emergency lighting, PURESIGN signage and Thorn Voyager Solid were seamlessly integrated throughout the campus.

Innovation Overcoming Challenges

Rising raw material costs, Covid constraints and time limitations demanded flexibility. Philip highlights, “Switching from the tendered ECD 5 core installation option to an ECP 3 core installation proved crucial. This choice facilitated faster installation and significant cost savings.”

Emergency Compliance, Streamlined Maintenance

Zumtobel’s EBox met every compliance requirement. Email fault reports ensure immediate response, minimising downtime and guaranteeing continuous compliance. Aidan O’Sullivan, MTUK Buildings Officer, remarks, “Maintenance needs plummeted by 90%. The 10-year battery warranty and reduced electronic waste align perfectly with MTUK’s sustainability vision.”

Aidan O’Sullivan concludes, “From professionalism to innovative solutions, Zumtobel Group exceeded expectations – their commitment was exemplary.”

Success Leads to Future Projects

Impressed by Zumtobel and Thorn’s innovative solutions and seamless execution, the University entrusted them with their next challenge: an interior lighting upgrade across various campus buildings.

Driven by a commitment to sustainability and the impending fluorescent ban, MTUK sought to reduce energy consumption and modernise their existing lighting fixtures. Knowing their expertise in efficient lighting solutions, they invited Zumtobel Group lighting brands to tender for the project.

In a highly competitive market, the company’s exceptional track record and understanding of MTUK’s needs distinguished them. Their expertise played a vital role in tackling a challenge in the library, where stringent exam schedules demanded rapid and efficient installation. Rising to the challenge, Zumtobel proposed their TECTON continuous row lighting solution, a modular system renowned for its quick installation and superior lighting performance.

The final solution embraces a variety of luminaires, each carefully chosen to meet specific needs and seamlessly integrate with existing elements. Zumtobel’s TECTON, AMPHIBIA and VIVO II and Thorn Lighting’s Punch, College, Diffusalux, Cetus, Anna, Amy, Julie, and Lara all play vital roles, not only in addressing energy efficiency, but also in enhancing the learning environment. The adaptable TECTON system with its direct/indirect MPO fittings introduced a new dimension to the library, creating a brighter, more inviting space for students and faculty alike.

For more information about the respective products, please visit www.thornlighting.co.uk or https://z.lighting/en/zumtobel/.

East Lothian’s newest secondary school, situated within the £47.2m Wallyford Learning Campus, prioritises space flexibility with the installation of a Dorma Huppe Variflex ComfortDrive moveable wall, allowing the main drama and assembly hall to be quickly and easily divided into two separate areas, whenever required. 

Partitioning experts, Style, worked with JM Architects and Morrison Construction to deliver delivered adaptable space to this heavily used facility.

“This is a large space with a high ceiling,” said Angela McGowan, sales director for Style Scotland. “As a result, the panels are 4.6 metres tall which is why the fully automated operation is an advantage, as it would be more difficult to manoeuvre such large panels by hand.”

The secondary school incorporates modern teaching and social spaces for 1,000+ pupils. There is also specialist provision for secondary age young people with severe and complex needs; a dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM) centre; and a Tots and Teens area.

The Wallyford Learning Campus also provides access to sport, health and wellbeing facilities, outdoor learning, employability and training opportunities, for both adults and young people.

Maximising the use of the hall, the Variflex moveable wall glides into place at the push of a button, dividing the room into two and forming an impressive acoustic separation due to its 57dB acoustic rating. This means a noisy class on one side will not disturb more quiet teaching on the other.

“The moveable wall opens up the options as to how the hall is utilised,” said McGowan. “It also means savings on heating and lighting costs can be achieved by closing off half the hall whenever it is not required.”

The Variflex moveable wall has a chic, black laminate finish. Extending the wall’s lifespan, each panel can be replaced individually if it becomes damaged or scuffed. This is a great advantage in busy public places, such as school and colleges, particularly where children may be undertaking drama or sports classes.

Style also has a UK-wide service and repair team, with service contracts available to ensure ongoing smooth operation of almost any moveable wall system.

www.style-partitions.co.uk

Bradford Grammar School (BGS), a high-performing independent grammar school, has partnered with NVC Lighting, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high-quality and cost-effective commercial LED lighting solutions, to transform its estate and achieve savings of over £65,000 annually on energy costs.

The school has been working closely with NVC Lighting on a major lighting upgrade, replacing its outdated and inefficient fluorescent and incandescent lighting with high performance LED solutions. 

This extensive project involved installing commercial LED lighting throughout the school, from the historic Price Hall to a range of traditional and modern classrooms, cutting-edge sports facilities, and the theatre. The upgrade has also encompassed all corridors, stairwells, kitchens, workshops, laboratories, and outdoor areas such as pathways and car parks.

NVC Lighting additionally provided all the emergency lighting required, all fully integrated into the school’s building management system.

Ian Clint, Head of Estates at BGS, said:

“This project has been a great success and one I’m extremely proud of. By working closely with NVC Lighting’s expert team, site surveys and assessments demonstrated the significant benefits of the scheme, addressing rising energy costs and the opportunity to reduce our carbon footprint, while also enhancing the learning environment to improve student performance and well-being. 

“It was a no brainer; I recommended the project, and it was approved by the senior management team and governors.”

The result for BGS has been outstanding.  With NVC Lighting’s high-quality solutions installed, integrated with smart lighting control technology, the school has made a 34% saving in its energy costs, over £5,500 per month.

“The buildings at BGS are architecturally stunning, and the entire school community is extremely proud of them,” Ian continued. 

“We now have a lighting scheme across the estate that exceeds the standards of a high-performing educational facility. I’d like to thank NVC Lighting for their exceptional support. They’ve gone above and beyond—not only providing superior, cost-effective lighting solutions, but also excelling in product availability, delivery times, and customer service throughout the project.”

As a leader in the education sector for LED lighting, NVC Lighting offers schools and colleges a complete end-to-end service, from site surveys and assessments, right through to technical support and design services.  The company’s LED lighting solutions are high quality, easy to install and maintain, and can be integrated with smart lighting control technology to maximise energy savings and positively impact student and staff performance.  

Allister Szczepanski, Regional Sales Manager for NVC Lighting, commented: “BGS is such a prestigious school, so we were delighted to have been specified for this project.

“We have worked in partnership with Ian and his team throughout the whole process, developing a fantastic relationship to deliver a lighting upgrade scheme that adds real value to the school.”

As part of the scheme, a range of products from NVC Lighting’s extensive range of commercial LED lighting solutions were installed, including the company’s popular YALE PRO (surface and suspended lighting solution), along with STERLING PRO (ENEC approved LED panels), DENALI (IK10 and IP65 rated circular bulkhead for amenity spaces), WESTMINSTER (IP54 rated low glare downlight) and WASHINGTON (IP54 rated wide beam recessed downlight).

YALE PRO is a robust luminaire and benefits from UGR<19 low glare, which is particularly useful in schools, colleges, classrooms and office environments, where better glare control is required.  Complete with IP40 and IK10 ratings, YALE PRO is ideal for use in corridors, circulation areas and communal spaces including areas of leisure and increased physical activity.  Available in three sizes (4ft, 5ft & 6ft) YALE PRO is power selectable allowing a choice of 4 different outputs that can be selected during installation.

Every product in NVC Lighting’s PRO range is L80, 100,000 hours rated and comes complete with a comprehensive 7-year warranty that not only applies to all fittings, but also to emergency batteries. 

“There are so many benefits of installing high-quality LED lighting systems in schools, particularly when it comes to the learning environment and improving academic performance,” continued Allister.

“Another key driver is the energy efficiency of LED lights, consuming significantly less electricity compared to traditional incandescent or fluorescent fittings.  LED solutions also offer a longer lifespan, further reducing ongoing maintenance and replacement costs.”

NVC Lighting understands that the educational sector is a demanding environment, with so many different room types that all have their own lighting needs and requirements.

For those responsible for the specification of lighting within the education industry, the company’s ‘Lighting in Education’ guide provides information and support on everything a specifier will need to know.  From compliance and the best solutions for inside a facility, to outdoor spaces and the importance of emergency lighting.

For more information on NVC Lighting’s extensive range of solutions, visit www.nvcuk.com.

Millions of litres of water are wasted daily in the UK from leaking toilets and uncontrolled urinals. Richard Braid, Managing Director of Cistermiser explains how direct flush systems help schools cut costs and boost sustainability by tackling high water use.

Every day, millions of litres of water are wasted in the UK, much of it from uncontrolled urinals and leaking toilets. Data from Thames Water shows that around 23 per cent of water delivered to non-domestic properties is classified as “continuous flow” – a sign of leaks or poorly controlled systems. A single leaking toilet can waste an average of 400 litres a day, costing hundreds of pounds and needlessly depleting one of our most vital resources. For schools, where water usage is high and budgets are stretched, this represents an urgent problem yet offers an opportunity to save both water and money. 

As water scarcity intensifies and the UK faces an additional daily demand of five billion litres by 2050, DEFRA has set some achievable water-saving targets in the commercial built environment: a 37 per cent reduction in water leakage by 2038 and 50 per cent by 2050. While these targets focus on commercial properties, schools have their own  role to play in improving water efficiency. Switching to a direct flushing system is just one simple yet highly effective solution, helping schools become both more sustainable while achieving immediate financial benefits.

What is direct flushing?

Direct flushing systems eliminate the need for traditional cisterns by connecting directly to the mains water supply. Instead of relying on a cistern to refill between flushes, these systems use the pressure of the water supply to deliver successive and effective flushes. 

Cistermiser’s urinal and toilet solutions are designed to maximise water efficiency and hygiene while minimising maintenance demands. Per toilet, the Easyflush Direct system addresses common issues like leaks from cisterns, which Thames Water estimates can waste the equivalent of five full bathtubs a day. This mains-fed system removes cisterns entirely, reducing maintenance and providing a hygienic flush powered by dynamic water pressure. Users can choose between two modes: ‘wave,’ which triggers flushing with a hand gesture, or ‘walkaway,’ which activates automatically when the user leaves. The system also features a dual flush option, optimising water use based on the duration of occupancy. 

Cistermiser’s Direct Flush system flushes individual urinals after use, using as little as 0.5 litres of water per flush. Activated by a PIR sensor, it eliminates the need for traditional auto-flush cisterns, which waste water by flushing all urinals intermittently and irrespective of use. The Direct Flush system has configurable settings for flush timing, sensing distance and flush duration which ensures only the minimum amount of water is used. If the urinal is not used for 12 hours, the Direct Flush automatically runs a hygiene flush to prevent odours and uric acid build-up in the pipework.

For schools, direct flushing has several advantages. Maintenance for instance, becomes significantly easier. Leaking cisterns, particularly those concealed behind panels, are often difficult to repair, leading to prolonged periods of wasted water. You may not even notice a leaky toilet as it could just be a constant trickle down the back of the pan – but even this can waste around 200 litres a day. Direct flush systems remove this risk, reducing the likelihood of leaks and ensuring toilets work effectively even during busy periods.

In addition to preventing leaks, direct flushing systems offer considerable water savings. According to Thames Water, sensor controls on urinals can save 80% compared with uncontrolled flushing; a single urinal fitted with Cistermiser’s Direct Flush system for example, can save up to 182m³ (182,000l) of water annually, equating to a cost saving of £557 and a reduction in CO₂ emissions by 0.06 tonnes per toilet. For a school with multiple facilities, these savings can quickly multiply, making a noticeable impact on budgets and sustainability goals. 

Hygiene is another acute consideration for schools and direct flushing systems excel here too. Traditional cisterns can become breeding grounds for harmful bacteria like Legionella, particularly when left unused for extended periods, such as during school holidays, posing a health risk to staff and pupils. Direct flushing systems eliminate this risk by avoiding standing water altogether. 

Direct flushing systems are built with versatility in mind. Their dynamic pressure ensures an immediate flush and as there is no cistern to be refilled, successive flushes can be immediately activated. Cistermiser’s Easyflush Direct also has an automatic hygiene flush function that keeps the bowl clean to ensure optimal hygiene, reducing unpleasant odours and the need for frequent manual cleaning. In ‘walkaway’ mode, the system automatically flushes as the user walks away, eliminating the age-old problem of some users forgetting to flush! It also automatically utilises a dual flush mechanism, providing a partial flush if the user departs within 45 seconds and a full flush if the stay is longer.

Switching to direct flush technology offers significant advantages for school facilities managers. As water scarcity becomes an ever more pressing issue, schools that invest in water-saving technologies now will not only help ease pressure on the national water supply but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability. 

There are vast financial benefits to be made too. With budgets often stretched, the cost savings associated with reduced water wastage and minimal maintenance demands make a significant difference. For schools looking to invest in long-term, reliable and efficient solutions, direct flush systems provide a clear return on investment. The savings made by installing the Cistermiser Direct Flush Discreet for example, means the system pays for itself in just eight months. 

DEFRA’s achievable water-saving targets may currently focus on commercial properties, but schools that adopt similar strategies stand to also reap the rewards. By electing a direct flushing system, schools can future-proof their facilities, meet their environmental obligations and unlock immediate financial savings. In doing so, they ensure that every drop of water, and every pound spent, goes much further.

For more information on Cistermiser visit www.cistermiser.co.uk