Community sports clubs act as social and sporting hubs in the areas they serve and accordingly are often expansive premises to accommodate large numbers of people.
They’re also used for all manner of things besides the obvious - sport. It could be anything from business meetings to your local Slimming World group, from large scale birthday celebrations to smaller PTA gatherings, and everything in between.
The point is, clubhouse usage patterns vary signficantly, and pertinently in relation to this article, that means lighting needs vary significantly too.
In the ongoing battle against energy waste and excessively high bills this can leave sports clubs in a battle with their lights (pick on someone your own size, right?) as leaving the lights on unnecessarily leads to inflated bills and wasted electricity.
In this article, we’ll shed some light (sorry) on PIR sensors and zone controls, bringing you the lowdown on how they can make a big difference to both energy efficiency and your back pocket.
PIR Sensors: the smart way to light
How do they work?
Passive Infrared (PIR) sensors use infrared radiation to detect heat and movement across their detection range. When an object that radiates heat, like a person or animal, crosses their detection range, the inbuilt sensor is triggered, switching on the light.
Good to know: A PIR Sensor detection range is typically an 180-degree range that goes out about 30 feet.
Equally, when the area is vacated again, the sensor also detects the absence of movement and switches the lights off.
The advantages
In a sports club, where usage of different areas can vary significantly throughout the day, PIR sensors ensure that lights are only on when needed, so you’re not paying to light unused spaces.
With a focus on detecting body heat there is less chance of false triggers occurring with PIR sensors which eliminates the energy wastage that occurs when lights are left on in unoccupied rooms.
The cherry on the cake is PIR sensors are a relatively inexpensive option so they’re a great way to slash energy use for clubs on a budget.
Bonus points: PIR sensors offer a great extra layer of security.
Zone controls: lighting by need
How do they work?
Zone controls allow you to split your sports club into separate lighting areas or 'zones'. Each zone can be controlled independently, meaning you only light up the areas of the club that are in use.
There’s no shortage of options on the market when it comes to zone controls - some are controlled by an app, some by a wall mounted control, and others a remote.
Top tip: Source a qualified electrician to work with your club on identifying the best option for your individual needs.
The advantages
This system is perfect for large premises like sports clubs, where the entire building is rarely in use all at once.
Installing zone controls will not only save on energy and cost, but time too. Picture the scene, you’re showing a big football game on the TV, the bar is packed, and senior training just finished. Did your first XI remember to turn the lights off in the changing room?
With zone controls, your bar manager doesn’t need to run down the hall to check while leaving the bar unattended and instead can simply check the system and serve the next customer.
This level of control helps to minimise unnecessary lighting, reducing energy consumption and costs all while saving on manpower.
Bonus points: Some zone controls have integrated scheduling - programmed to turn lights on or off, or adjust the lighting levels based on the time of day or the day of the week.
The cost benefit analysis
You’ve probably worked out by now that there is an initial investment involved in installing PIR sensors and zone controls. But, the long-term savings are substantial.
In a typical sports club, these systems can significantly reduce the amount of time lights are left on, leading to a lower energy bill.
These savings, over time, will more than cover the cost of installation, making it a cost-effective solution for energy and monetary savings in the long term.
Good to know: At TJB Services, we can work with you to find potential funding pots to cover the cost of purchase and installation.
Summary
Harnessing the power of PIR sensors and zone controls is a great step towards making your community sports club more energy-efficient and cost-effective. Remember, every light left off when not needed is money saved for your club's budget.
If you are considering a smarter approach to your club's lighting, reach out to Chris at chris@tjbservices.co.uk to discuss your options and other energy saving strategies.
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