SUCCESS STORY

Reducing energy costs with LED and solar: Lakes Story Ltd

Lakes Story Ltd runs the World of Beatrix Potter visitor attraction in the Lake District. They needed to reduce the operating cost of lighting and total energy costs.

Impact at a glance

• Replaced old fluorescent, halogen, and tungsten bulbs with energy efficient LED alternatives and achieved a 50% reduction in annual electricity costs
• Installed solar panels and achieved a 10% reduction in total energy costs

The business

The company was set up in 1990 and opened the World of Beatrix Potter in 1991 on what would have been the author’s 125th birthday. On its launch this was the only Beatrix Potter-themed attraction in the world, and over the years the business grew to become one of the Lake District’s most popular tourist attractions, with interactive 3D experiences bringing Beatrix Potter’s stories to life, with facilities expanded to include The Victoria Wood Theatre, two gift shops, and a café.

Sector: Tourism

Region: Lake District

Size: 1-49 employees

Why they took action

As the attraction expanded energy costs were a significant part of operating costs and the business was keen to reduce them. At the same time, sustainability was already a part of the firm’s ethos, with peat free, organic gardens and minimising waste already part of the business model. Moving to LED lighting made sound sense for both business and sustainability reasons.

What they did

Significant capital investment

Replaced 150 old fluorescent, halogen, and tungsten bulbs in the theatre and main exhibits with more energy efficient LED alternatives.

Installed rooftop solar panels.

What difference it made

The LED lighting installation led to a 50% reduction in annual electricity costs. This included a 20% reduction in running costs for air conditioning, due to the LED bulbs producing less heat.

The solar panels led to a 10% reduction in total energy costs

How were the changes funded?

Barclays Bank supported the business in arranging the financing of the investments.

Lessons for other businesses

Lakes Story Ltd shows how very significant savings can be made by switching to LED lighting especially when these are replacing older bulb technologies, and how savings can be multiplied in buildings that require cooling due to LEDs giving off little heat. These savings have helped the business ensure a solid financial foundation for its ongoing growth.

Find out more about Lakes Story Ltd