Upgrade to the Calculator has improved functionality and increased the number of potential outcomes for the user
The Resource Efficient Scotland Light Touch Calculator has proven a valuable tool to those wishing to improve the effectiveness of lighting in their premises. This upgrade makes the tool more user friendly and provides a number of new potential outcomes for internal and external lighting, and now includes street lighting.
Introduction
The feedback from users of the initial version of the Light Touch Calculator indicated that this tool could make an impact on reducing energy consumption and costs. To develop the functionality and increase the number of outcomes, it was considered to upgrade the tool.
The lowdown …Who can use it? / The tool was developed for energy professionals who may undertake energy surveys to identify lighting improvements across their estate.
What format is it in? / The Tool is based on an Excel format.
What support is available? / The Calculator is supported by the Light Touch User Guide, which can be accessed via the Resource Efficient Scotland website. This takes you through how to set up and carry out an audit, refine results and generate reports.
What improvements are included in the Light Touch Calculator Version 2?
Upgrades to the Calculator include an update to conversion factors in order to reflect current values. The list of technology options was expanded to include industrial and external lighting (including street lighting), as well as any other common types of lighting that were not originally accommodated. This information will be reviewed at regular intervals to ensure that it is accurate and up-to-date.
As the list of fittings will increase, and in order to enhance data entry, the Calculator now allows for the selection of a fitting category (e.g. T5, CFL), which in turn will bring up a shorter list from which to select the actual fitting. A further enhancement of the tool will allow data to be entered directly in bulk form in addition to the existing entry forms, to speed up data entry where a survey has already been completed.
Why should I use it?
The Light Touch Calculator undertakes an array of calculations to determine the capital costs, annual savings (kWh, £, CO2) and payback periods for the proposed replacement fittings, and generates a series of reports that summarise the potential benefits.
The recommendations within these reports can then be included in an Outline Business Case to progress the project, with robust evidence to substantiate the reason on the proposed capital investment.