Signify has been appointed by Leonardo UK to help accelerate its carbon reduction as part of the company’s ambitious sustainability strategy.

In support of Leonardo’s sustainability strategy – including a recently approved Science Based Target – and drive to Net-Zero in the UK, Signify has signed a 10 year Light as a Service (LaaS) agreement that includes the full turnkey installation of LED lighting with Interact lighting management software, across 14 buildings at the Yeovil site. The lighting in each building has been carefully designed to ensure a safe and productive work environment for the 3,300 highly skilled personnel across the site.

Signify’s LaaS model is a performance-based contract that guarantees light-level performance for the full duration of the contract. Crucially, the execution of the new lighting system does not require upfront capital investment – instead, Leonardo pays Signify an annual operating fee. This LaaS model enables Leonardo to realise cash-positive savings from the first year. Once completed, the programme is expected to reduce Leonardo’s location-based CO₂ emissions by an estimated 725 tons per year, supporting Somerset Council’s Climate Emergency Strategy.

Leonardo is one of the UK’s leading aerospace companies and one of the biggest suppliers of defence and security equipment to the UK MOD, making a significant contribution to the UK economy. Leonardo’s Yeovil site is the Home of British Helicopters – offering end-to-end helicopter manufacturing, training, and lifecycle services to operators worldwide.

As part of the redesign, the buildings will also see the deployment of Signify’s lighting management system, Interact. The connected lighting system combines energy-efficient Philips LED fixtures with advanced sensors and Interact software. The system will ensure that the LED fixtures are only turned on when an area is occupied. When there is sufficient natural daylight, the LED fixtures will automatically dim to compensate. This maximises lighting energy savings while ensuring a safe working environment.

“We believe that choosing Signify as our partner for lighting will have a significantly positive impact on our sustainability goals,” said Paul Coombs, VP of Facilities, Real Estate and Infrastructure Projects – Leonardo Helicopters UK. “Saving energy and minimising waste are two ways we manage our environmental footprint to help preserve our planet for future generations. The LaaS model provided by Signify gave us the option to do both in an innovative way with no capital outlay. Also, with Interact, we have a connected lighting system that provides more than just light. With the reduction in carbon emissions and the energy savings, Leonardo will continue its commitment to become a more sustainable organisation and lead the defence industry by example.”

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