A huge congratulations to the team at the Octagon Retail Park, Stoke-on-Trent, for receiving their first ever Green Apple Award for Environmental Best Practice and receiving Gold Standard accreditation.

When the team took over the management of the property, the main issue raised by occupiers across the site was the lighting. Upon inspection, it soon became clear that the lighting was dated and not fit for purpose. What’s more, lights were frequently turning off during the night, causing real health and safety issues as the winter months drew in.

Working with a local contractor, the team swapped all 39 halogen lights across the park for more energy-friendly LED fittings. The park also replaced the photocell which controls the lighting when it gets dark, ensuring that occupiers such as Mecca Bingo, who trade into the night, could welcome visitors safely.

Not only did these changes result in an improved experience at the centre for both occupiers and visitors, but they also resulted in a staggering £3,406.30 saving in electricity usage from October 2019 to July 2020 year-on-year.

Well done to all involved!