In March 2010 An Post’s Facilities Manager John Smith presented the business case to the company’s Head of Property for replacing the existing sodium lighting (SON) high bay lighting systems with the more energy efficient Petina lighting. Petina lighting is a self-contained fluorescent system with motion detection and light sensitivity features. The key features of the Petina lighting system are ideally suited to An Post’s operational and business needs: An Post centres operate 24/7, but Petina allows for reduced lighting when there is enough daylight to light the building or low occupancy.

The business case posited an initial implementation cost of €135k, with a return on investment in 2.5 years. An Post began lighting substitution in seven Delivery Service Units around Ireland.

The project has contributed to cutting 608 tonnes of CO2 emissions in 2011, allowing An Post properties to report a 3.6% full year reduction in emissions in 2011 and contributing both to An Post’s own target of 20% reduction – as well as the Irish national target of 30% – by 2020.

The project also makes sound financial sense, saving An Post €52k in lighting energy bills, a saving of over 43% compared to the old system.

An Post plans to extend the project to its remaining offices still lit by SON, leading to further cost savings and CO2 reductions in 2012. The initiative will be self-funding by the end of 2012 – a clear win for both the environment and the bottom line.