PHAM NEWS | DECEMBER/JANUARY 2026 20 Energy SavingAwards


Public Sector Project of the Year Sponsored by


Winner: NIBE Energy Systems for Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre


by a NIBE SMO S40 controller, which enables the three products to seamlessly communicate with each other.


This configuration is


engineered for maximum efficiency: the PV-T array pre- heats the ground loop, boosting the GSHP’s seasonal COP and sharply reducing electrical input. By cascading the GSHP and ASHP, the system runs each unit at its most efficient operating point, avoiding the steep energy penalties typical of peak-load fossil systems.


Judge’s comment: “A retrofit case study of a complex site providing a solution that generates both electricity and heat.”


Scotland’s National Retrofit Centre showcases a fully decarbonised, high-efficiency heating and hot water system delivered by NIBE Energy Systems, designed specifically to maximise energy savings while replacing the building’s outdated, energy-intensive fossil-fuel plant. The objective was to dramatically cut operational energy use through renewable heat extraction, smart optimisation, and ultra-efficient system integration – proving


that even complex commercial buildings can transition to low- energy, low-carbon operation. A high-capacity NIBE F1355-


28kW ground source heat pump was installed, which is cascaded with a NIBE S2125-12 air source heat pump to provide additional output during peak demand. The GSHP sources its heat from 42 roof-mounted photovoltaic- thermal (PV-T) panels, which generate both electricity and heat, an ideal combination for a GSHP. The entire system is controlled


NIBE’s advanced controls and myUplink optimisation further reduce consumption by constantly adjusting flow temperatures, balancing loads, and preventing unnecessary cycling. Early monitoring shows substantial reductions in delivered energy compared to the legacy system, achieved entirely through renewable heat capture and precision control. The result is a fully electrified installation that delivers high comfort at a fraction of the energy previously required, while providing real-time performance data that demonstrates and continually improves efficiency gains.


Lighting Product of the Year Winner: Tridonic for the Multichannel OTD Driver


Judge’s comment: “Complete control of outdoor lighting with clear benefits to conserving energy consumption.”


The Tridonic Multichannel OTD Driver represents a step-change in energy-efficient outdoor lighting. Designed specifically for street and urban applications, it enables precise, adaptive lighting that balances safety, efficiency and environmental protection. Unlike conventional


single-channel drivers, the Multichannel OTD allows flexible control of multiple LED channels, making it possible to dynamically adjust light colour temperature (CCT). Cooler light


can be used in early evening when visibility and safety are priorities, while warmer tones can be applied later at night to reduce blue light emissions that disturb wildlife and people. This adaptability ensures that light is delivered only in the quantity and quality required, reducing unnecessary energy use. Advanced dimming schedules and sensor integration further optimise energy consumption. Presence and daylight sensors ensure light is delivered only


when and where needed, automatically reducing output in empty or naturally lit areas. The driver’s high conversion efficiency – up to 95% at full load – minimises wasted energy, while standby consumption is exceptionally low, typically 0.16-0.3 W. Robust electronics maintain performance under harsh outdoor conditions, reducing losses and prolonging lifespan. Fine-tuned control via DALI or other interfaces allows municipalities to match output precisely to each environment, avoiding over-lighting and maximising savings. With up to 100,000 operating hours and minimal maintenance requirements, lifecycle energy use and costs are significantly lower than with competing drivers. By combining high


efficiency, intelligent dimming, multichannel control, and sensor- based adaptation, the Tridonic Multichannel OTD delivers substantial reductions in energy use while improving safety, minimising light pollution and supporting sustainable urban lighting infrastructure.


Highly Commended: EvoEnergy for solar PV installation at Birmingham Airport


EvoEnergy delivered a landmark 6.89 MWp airside solar PV installation at Birmingham Airport, designed to cut reliance on grid electricity and support the airport’s Net Zero 2033 target. As the UK’s largest ground- mounted solar PV system within a live aviation environment, it generates over 5,010,570 kWh of renewable electricity annually – enough to meet up to 20% of the airport’s total energy demand. This reduces both grid dependence and carbon emissions by over 1,037 tonnes CO2e per year, while providing predictable energy cost savings. The project’s distinctiveness


lies in its integration within a live airside environment, overcoming stringent Civil Aviation Authority


safeguarding rules via a bespoke glint and glare assessment. A custom remote interface dynamically manages grid export limits, optimising on-site energy use. Advanced mounting solutions and digital project platforms ensured efficiency and reliability during installation. Continuous real-time monitoring verifies the system’s performance, allowing immediate intervention if output falls below forecast. By integrating this large-scale renewable system directly into its operations, Birmingham Airport has achieved a permanent reduction in its baseline energy use from non- renewable sources, placing it at the forefront of sustainable aviation infrastructure in the UK.


Highly Commended: Signify for Puzzle by Signify MyCreation


Designed to maximise illumination while minimising energy use, Puzzle by Signify MyCreation achieves up to 157 lumens per watt, surpassing typical office-compliant LED luminaires, which operate at 130–140 lumens per watt. The product’s energy-saving capabilities are enhanced by smart-


system integration, including DALI Interact Dimming, Wireless Interact Dimming, and sensor-ready functionality. These features allow adaptive control of light levels, occupancy-based adjustments, and daylight harvesting, ensuring illumination is only provided where and when it is needed. In practice, this reduces unnecessary electricity use and cuts operational costs. Puzzle’s long lifespan, with lumen maintenance of 72,000 hours


to L80 at 25°C, further contributes to energy savings by reducing the frequency of replacements and the associated manufacturing energy. Its modular design allows future scalability without requiring energy-intensive retrofits. In office trials, the system has demonstrated up to 30% energy


reductions compared with conventional luminaires, while maintaining optimal lighting quality. By combining high efficacy, intelligent control and longevity, Puzzle offers an energy-efficient lighting solution that supports sustainable workplaces.


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