Public sector organisations can still secure Government-backed interest-free loans to install energy-saving equipment, including ‘Save It Easy®’, a retrofit lighting converter that allows T5 lamps to be slotted into the existing fluorescent light fittings. 

Less than 30 days remain to apply for Salix funding, which is available for energy-efficiency projects across the public sector – covering hospitals, local authorities, schools (including academies), further and higher education organisations. Applications must be made by 31 March 2012, but organisations have until 31 December 2012 to install their energy-saving equipment.

A pot of £20 million is available in total, for new projects to undertake works like lighting upgrades, boiler upgrades, building insulation and power optimisation. To qualify for an interest-free Salix loan, equipment must be proven to cut carbon at a cost-effective rate and demonstrate rapid payback.

‘Save It Easy’ from Energys Group is an energy-efficient lighting product that meets all of the Salix requirements and has been used by a range of public sector organisations. Save It Easy allows energy-efficient T5 lamps to be slotted into the existing fluorescent light fittings, unlocking energy savings of up to 65%.

The College of North West London secured Salix funding to upgrade its lighting using Save It Easy, and the college was able to achieve payback on its capital investment in just two-and-a-half years. For West Sussex County Council, Save It Easy was installed at its County Hall building in Chichester, using Salix funding. As a result, the building reduced its lighting energy use by 40% – saving the council £6,266 a year on its bills and cutting 29 tonnes of CO2 from the atmosphere every year.

Nicola Winser, Carbon Management Officer at West Sussex County Council, comments: “I’d spoken to colleagues in the public sector, who confirmed that Save It Easy was an easy way to qualify for funding under Salix to upgrade to energy-efficient lighting. We also trialled another similar lighting product, but in the end we found Save It Easy to be superior, and the customer service by Energys Group was first class.”

Kevin Cox, Technical Director of Energys Group, comments: “Public sector organisations should be aware of the fact that securing Government-backed interest-free loans can be a straightforward process – provided they select a proven technology, like Save It Easy. Rising energy costs mean that organisations are losing money for every day they keep in place outdated fluorescent lighting systems that they can’t afford to upgrade. Salix funding provides an avenue to reduce electricity outlay and cut your carbon footprint.”

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