For property owners and facility managers, ensuring buildings operate efficiently while creating a comfortable environment for occupants is an ever-present challenge. However, thanks to rapid advances in technology, there are now powerful "smart building" solutions that can help maximise energy savings, improve operations, enhance occupant experiences and drive sustainability.
In 2020, Telstra InfraCo, a leading provider of telecommunications infrastructure in Australia, set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and promote sustainable practices. The company aimed to cut CO2 emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve an 85% waste recycling rate by 2025. A crucial step toward achieving these targets was upgrading the lighting systems in hundreds of Telstra InfraCo Exchanges, which serve as critical hubs for hosting infrastructure for various service providers.
Innovative Approach to Lighting Upgrade
Recognising the scale and complexity of this undertaking, Telstra InfraCo sought an innovative approach. In July 2020, enLighten Australia, a leading provider of energy-efficient lighting solutions, was brought on board as the lighting designer, product supplier, and project manager for the first stage of the LED Lighting program. This initiative aimed to optimise the lighting setup in each facility by 40%, contributing significantly to Telstra InfraCo's CO2 reduction targets.
Meticulous Planning and Execution
The project involved upgrading LED lighting across numerous sites along the Eastern Seaboard of Australia, necessitating meticulous planning and execution. enLighten took on the task of documenting work scenarios, training contractors and auditors, and managing logistics with certified recycling centres to ensure a seamless and environmentally responsible implementation.
Advanced Monitoring System with enLink
In addition to the upgrade project, Telstra InfraCo was eager to explore the benefits of implementing an advanced monitoring system in several of their smaller exchanges. They selected enLink, developed by enLighten Australia. enLink integrates emergency lights, exit signs, and environmental sensors into a unified wireless infrastructure, optimising building operations, reducing costs, and enhancing safety and comfort for occupants through efficient resource management and real-time monitoring.
Successful Implementation and Benefits
Following the successful LED upgrades, the enLink phase commenced, focusing on three key Telstra InfraCo exchanges:
• Epping, NSW
• Warranwood, VIC
• Werribee, VIC
The installation process, spanning 1-2 days plus commissioning, involved a straightforward replacement of existing lights and the addition of several air quality sensors. This collaborative project between Telstra InfraCo and enLighten Australia not only improved lighting efficiency and reduced energy consumption but also improved building compliance and safety. Telstra InfraCo’s facility management now receives monthly emergency lighting reports from these exchanges, detailing the status of recent tests and identifying any fixtures that are not performing. This system also eliminates the need for contractors to visit the site, isolate electrical circuits, and manually conduct the 90-min test.
Read the full Telstra case study here.
