If you’re running a business, you already know that energy costs are one of those bills that never seem to go down. Lighting alone can account for up to 40% of a building’s electricity use — sometimes more.
But here’s the good news: upgrading your lighting and adding smart controls can dramatically cut that figure. You’ll save energy, improve working conditions, and reduce maintenance costs — often with payback in just a couple of years.
At GU Solutions, we help businesses across Basingstoke and Hampshire do exactly that. Here’s how.
Upgrade to LED lighting
If your workplace still uses fluorescent tubes or halogen fittings, switching to LED lighting is one of the quickest wins you can make.
LEDs use around 70% less energy than traditional lighting and last far longer, which means fewer replacements, less downtime, and lower maintenance costs.
Other benefits include:
- Better light quality and brightness control
- Lower running temperatures (important for comfort and air conditioning)
- Consistent performance over thousands of hours
- Compatibility with smart sensors and control systems
In many cases, we see businesses recover their investment within 18 to 24 months through reduced energy bills alone.
Install lighting controls and sensors
Even efficient lighting wastes energy if it’s left on all day in empty rooms. Smart controls solve that problem automatically.
We can install systems that:
- Use occupancy sensors to switch lights off when areas are unoccupied
- Include daylight sensors to dim or adjust lighting based on natural light levels
- Integrate with timers or smart building systems for full scheduling control
In warehouses, offices, and retail spaces, these controls can add another 20–30% in energy savings — and once installed, they quietly pay for themselves month after month.
Design the lighting around how you actually use the space
Most businesses inherit their lighting layout from the last tenant or builder. It’s rarely designed with your operations in mind.
By redesigning the layout, you can make sure lighting is placed only where it’s needed, reducing wasted energy while improving visibility and comfort.
We’ll assess how your building is used — which areas need full illumination, where lower levels are fine, and where task lighting can replace blanket coverage.
That means better light, less energy, and happier staff.
Include emergency lighting and exterior lighting in the plan
Energy-saving isn’t just about the main office lights. Emergency and exterior lighting often stays on 24/7, even when it doesn’t need to.
By upgrading to LED and using photocells or timers, you can reduce unnecessary running hours and cut energy use dramatically.
We’ll make sure your emergency lighting still meets all safety and testing requirements while improving efficiency at the same time.
Monitor and measure your savings
Lighting upgrades and controls are most effective when you can see the difference they make.
We offer metering and monitoring options so you can track real-time energy use and confirm the savings. That’s particularly useful for ESG reporting or demonstrating progress toward sustainability goals.
It also helps identify other opportunities for improvement across your site — from heating and ventilation to machinery and office equipment.
Why choose GU Solutions
At GU Solutions, we’ve been helping local businesses in Basingstoke, Hook, Tadley, and across Hampshire improve their energy efficiency for over 20 years.
We’re NICEIC Approved Contractors, fully insured, and experienced in commercial lighting design, installation, and maintenance. We’ll assess your building, provide a practical upgrade plan, and deliver measurable results that make financial sense.
You’ll get expert advice, clear pricing, and no hard sell — just straightforward solutions that save you money.
Book your free lighting and energy survey
If your lighting is outdated or your energy bills keep climbing, it’s time for a professional assessment.
Call GU Solutions on 01256 473326 or send us a message to book your free site lighting survey.
We’ll review your current setup, show you where savings can be made, and create a plan that improves your lighting while reducing your costs.
Better lighting doesn’t just save energy — it makes your business a brighter place to work.
