As part of our commitment to becoming a more sustainable organisation, we’ve recently completed a full upgrade of the lighting throughout our residential care home. All existing incandescent fittings have been replaced with modern, energy-efficient LED lighting, covering every floor of the house as well as external areas. 

The old lighting was coming to the end of its life and becoming less reliable, with increasing energy use and maintenance needs. By switching to LED alternatives, we’re reducing our energy consumption, lowering costs, and making the home safer and more efficient for everyone who lives and works here.

The new LED lighting also gives us more control over the environment. In certain areas, we’re able to adjust the brightness and tone of the light to better suit the needs of the children — whether that’s creating a calming atmosphere or a brighter, more engaging space. This flexibility is especially important in a setting where sensory needs vary from child to child.                                                                                                                                      

LED lighting uses up to 75% less energy and lasts significantly longer than traditional bulbs, making this a positive step both environmentally and financially.

The upgrade includes bedrooms, communal areas, stairwells, storerooms, and outdoor lighting — improving quality and efficiency across the whole home. 

The work was carried out by Barton Knight Group, a trusted local contractor, during our planned September closure to avoid any disruption to children or staff. This project is part of a wider effort to reduce our environmental impact and take practical steps towards decarbonisation.

You can read more about what we’re aiming to achieve in this blog post from the Surrey Sustainable Business Network, which highlights some of the ways we’re working towards a greener future.