University of Technology Sydney City Campus

Project Scope

The University of Technology Sydney is targeting an 11% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions based on 2007 levels by 2012-13 and a 30% reduction by 2020-21.

The University has a $9 million program over 3 years to increase the energy efficiency of existing buildings and has recently let a national tender for upgrades across all buildings across the Ultimo and Ku-ring-gai campuses, of which a comprehensive lighting retrofit will represent 50% of the expected energy efficiency opportunities.

The existing lighting in the Building 10 fire stairs was an emergency double 36W T8 fluorescent fixture driven by magnetic ballast. The lights operated 24/7 and had no energy saving controls.

The Building 10 fire stairs were alarmed and were extremely low use areas visited primarily by security staff. The fire stairs accessed each floor and the car park and were ideally suited to the Chamaeleon light, which operates on a standby level of light during unoccupied periods.

Products used

T8 fluorescent fixtures were replaced with Chamaeleon emergency lights, generating average lighting levels of 95 lux, which were above Australian standard AS1680 requirements of 80 lux.

Chamaeleon emergency lights were installed in the fire stair areas which required 24 hour lighting. The microwave motion sensors of the Chamaeleon light, which operate on a reduced lighting output in standby mode and full light in occupancy mode, enabled the impressive electricity savings.

Electricity Savings Results

Electricity consumption data logged by enLighten Australia indicated a 92% reduction in electricity usage across the fire stairs.

The Chamaeleon installation also resulted in an average 6% increase in power factor. Power factor improvements indicate an increased efficiency in the lighting circuit and translates into future reductions in the electricity network provider’s kVA energy demand charge.

Maintenance savings from the Chamaeleon retrofit contribute to the project ROI and are calculated by costing maintenance access, no. of lamps replaced, no. of control components replaced (ballasts, starters, transformers), lamp and control component replacement costs, disposal costs and emergency battery costs.

UTS is an Accredited Certificate Provider under the NSW Energy Savings Scheme and will be applying for the Energy Savings Certificates from this project.