Case Studies

Global

The benefits of switching to Light Emitting Diode (LED) signage across the Group have been thoroughly evaluated following trials in the UK and Hong Kong. LED signs use up to 20% less energy than fluorescent equivalents and have a life span of 10-12 years, compared to just three for fluorescents.

LED signs currently cost more for initial purchase and installation. However, taking into account rising energy prices, proposed increases in land fill taxes and the need to reduce ongoing maintenance costs, switching to LED signage should recover costs in as little as five years.

Hong Kong

HSBC has invested over US$37,000 on various lighting initiatives in Hong Kong that have resulted in annual energy savings of at least 140,000 kWh – enough energy to light the whole of New York City for about five hours. These include:

• Replacing decorative halogen lamps in lift lobbies and other public areas;
• Bulk replacement of all old fluorescent lamps with energy-efficient bulbs;
• Replacing traditional signage with LED signs.

Thailand

In June 2005, HSBC in Thailand replaced almost 3,000 fluorescent lamps in its main building with energy saving ones, cutting direct energy requirements and also reducing the amount of energy needed for air conditioning as less heat is generated by the new lamps. In addition, all materials in the new lamps can be recycled. The initiative will decrease the lighting system bill by US$5,500 per year.

A further energy saving was achieved by not lighting external signage after 22.00 hours, saving more than US$1,000 in 2005.