Investment in energy efficient lighting see positive energy consumption reduction

Trusty Pet Supplies is a family-run pet supply business based in Derby since 1999; consisting of 3 generations of family, with over 50 years of experience in the pet trade as well as experience with a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and fish.

Why did they engage with DE-Carbonise

Trusty Pet Supplies identified a business case for becoming more energy-efficient and has made an ongoing commitment to becoming low carbon by investing in measures to reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions. The firm has invested over £30,000 in a 31kWp solar photovoltaic (PV) system, to meet the company’s electricity demand from renewable solar energy and LED lighting.

The solar system produces over 25,500kWh of electricity per year, saving 5.5 tonnes of carbon emissions. Moving to LED has reduced a further 7 tonnes of carbon emissions.

When the company purchased a new site in 2021, they contacted the DE-Carbonise team to enquire about making the new site more energy efficient. A carbon reduction audit identified an opportunity to make significant cost and energy savings by upgrading the lighting in their premises.

The company received a grant of £9,950. Each year, this investment in LED lighting saves 7 tonnes of carbon emissions.

What has been the impact of working with DE-Carbonise?

The initial assessment led the business to decide to invest in energy-efficient LED lighting which reduced their energy consumption by 25,195 kWh and an annual carbon saving of 7 tonnes a year. They received a grant for £9,950.00. 

Following the energy efficiency measures achieved by changing to LED, the company then applied for a second grant from the project and were awarded £9,840 towards the cost of installing a 31kWp solar photovoltaic system on their new unit. 

The energy efficient and energy generating measures fitted at the new unit save Trusty Pet Supplies Ltd over £9,500 per year and reduce their annual carbon emissions by 12.6 tonnes.  

The new site now has LED lights controlled by occupancy sensors and is generating its own electricity. This year, the company achieved the ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard accreditation and attribute their success in part to the assistance that the DE-Carbonise project provided.  

David Carlin, the company’s DE-Carbonise Champion has been extremely happy with the scheme and is looking at other areas that could improve energy efficiency. 

Impact data

Grant 1

Grant 2

Next Steps

The company are interested in investing in an electric vehicle in the future and will continue to identify further carbon and resource saving measures within its site and business activities as opportunities arise. 

About DE-Carbonise

DE-Carbonise is a three year collaboration between the University of Derby, Derby City Council and Derbyshire County Council, which started in November 2019. The collaboration is funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and follows on from the successful D2 Energy Efficiency/Low Carbon project.

Logo's for European Union Regional Development Fun, Derby City Council, Derbyshire County Council and Midlands Engine.

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To find out about current support available for your business in reducing your environmental impact, or your journey to net-zero. Please get in contact with our business gateway team.

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