The Dorchester Library at the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) will benefit from a 46% reduction in power consumption from lighting thanks to the installation of new, energy-saving spot lights. Designed to emit low heat, an additional benefit for the rare collection of 17th century books housed within the library, the new colour-changing spot lights will consume 650 watts compared with the 1200 watts consumed by the traditional lighting previously installed. This equates to a financial saving of 6p per hour and an environmental saving of 0.33kg of CO2 per hour.
Natacha Allen, Sales and Marketing Manager at the RCP, comments: “The new lighting significantly reduces power consumption and further strengthens our commitment to sustainability at the Royal College of Physicians. The colour variation also adds a nice touch to the room, providing more mood lighting options for dinners and receptions held in the library.”
The new lighting is the latest initiative to save energy and reduce waste at the venue. The RCP saves 200 cubic metres of water each year by using PIR (Passive Infrared) touch-free controls in hand basins and toilets in addition to leveraging solar collectors on the roof of guest accommodation at William Harvey House Hotel to supply energy for hot water. Up to 90% of kitchen waste is recycled at the RCP, assisted by the nine wormeries on-site which have contributed peat-free compost and liquid manure for use in the college’s Medicinal Garden. The RCP has also made a commitment to reducing general waste, including glass, paper, plastics and metals and has not sent any waste to landfill since November 2013.
