Financial bank Absa’s Umhlanga offices, in KwaZulu-Natal, is Green Building Council South Africa 4-star rated for energy efficient lighting, with electrical solutions company Magnet having installed light-emitting diodes (LED) for the parking lots, general office and staircase lighting, as well as feature and external lighting.

Magnet lighting solutions engineer Kaylen Reddy says nine LED lighting brands were used to meet the requirements of lighting performance, low-energy consumption and enhanced aesthetics.

Magnet, which is the lighting partner of consulting engineering multinational Aecom for the project, worked closely with electrical contractor Edison Power to transform the conceptual design and specification into a successful installation.

“Every luminaire supplied is an LED fixture, which ensures a minimum saving of 50% of energy consumption, compared with savings achieved when using other conventional light sources,” explains Reddy.

A highlight of the project was designing lighting for the atrium. Bespoke fittings from Italian manufacturer Martinelli were used to achieve design and performance requirements, while three 3.5-m-diameter luminaires are illuminating the space, he adds.

Replacing traditional light sources with LEDs provides financial benefits and reduces carbon emissions. LEDs also produce less heat, which reduces the air conditioning load in the building. Subsequently, a smaller air conditioning system was required, which reduced capital expenditure and lowered ongoing electricity expenses.

The company also designed and installed a solar water heating system for the building.

The Green Star rating tools were developed to create a common measurement for green and environment-friendly buildings and to recognise innovation and leadership in property development and construction, he adds.

Magnet was involved in this lighting project from design to implementation, as well as providing an ongoing support service that entails, Reddy concludes.