Lighting has evolved rapidly over the past decade, yet many blocks and estates are still relying on older fluorescent systems. These lamps are now obsolete, and replacement stocks are dwindling. For leasehold and estate managers, this presents an important opportunity to review how communal lighting is performing and plan upgrades.
Even buildings that have switched to LEDs may find that their lighting systems are not performing as efficiently as they could. Poor installation, inconsistent maintenance, or incorrectly commissioned sensors can result in wasted energy, higher costs, and uneven lighting across communal areas. A lighting audit is a structured approach to identifying these issues and understanding the overall performance of a building’s lighting system.
What a Lighting Audit Involves
At Future Group, our lighting audits are designed to give managers a clear picture of how their lighting is performing. The audit assesses energy usage, fixture condition, control systems, and emergency lighting compliance. From this, a lighting plan can be developed, including quantified data, energy usage, and potential savings.
Key aspects typically include:
- Energy usage and wattage analysis
- Condition reporting of existing fittings
- Assessment of automation and control systems
- Review of emergency lighting compliance
Why it Matters
Effective lighting is about more than just energy savings. Well-planned systems ensure communal areas, corridors, and lobbies are safe, comfortable, and consistent in appearance. Regular lighting audits also help managers meet health, safety, and fire compliance standards – a core responsibility for anyone overseeing a block or estate.
Jordan Begg, Technical Director at Future Group, explains: “We are passionate about lighting design and aesthetics, but energy efficiency, cost management, and maintenance need to be considered equally. A well-executed audit identifies where improvements can be made, saving both money and energy over the long term.”
Case Study: City Peninsula
Following the success of similar projects, Future Group recently completed a full lighting upgrade at City Peninsula, a large riverside development in Greenwich managed by Rendall & Rittner. The estate had previously relied on outdated fittings, resulting in poor light levels, high energy use, and rising maintenance costs.
A detailed lighting audit was carried out to understand usage patterns, emergency lighting requirements, and control functionality across internal and external areas. From this, Future Group designed and implemented a complete LED upgrade with new emergency lighting, energy-efficient controls, and uniform light distribution across stairwells, corridors, and car parks.
The upgrade delivered:
- Over 75% reduction in energy consumption
- Enhanced safety and compliance through re-commissioned emergency lighting
- Extended product lifespan and reduced callouts
- Consistent, high-quality lighting across all areas
This project demonstrates how data-led audits and tailored system design can deliver measurable improvements in performance, compliance, and long-term cost savings for property managers and residents alike.
Practical Takeaways for Managers
Lighting audits provide actionable insights while minimising disruption. They help managers:
- Identify inefficient or failing fixtures
- Reduce energy demand through improved controls
- Ensure compliance with safety regulations
- Plan budgets strategically to avoid emergency costs
- Enhance resident satisfaction through well-lit communal areas
By taking a structured approach, Future Group helps managers balance aesthetics, efficiency, and compliance, creating safer, more sustainable, and cost-effective environments for residents.
