Supporting Net Zero Goals Through Smarter Lighting: A Case Study from TEP Electrical Distributors

As energy costs continue to rise and environmental targets become more pressing, many businesses are looking for practical, impactful ways to reduce their carbon footprint and take meaningful steps toward achieving net zero.

At TEP Electrical Distributors, helping businesses make the shift to new technology isn’t new—it’s something we’ve been doing for over a century. With our roots firmly in Darlington and a fourth-generation family ethos guiding everything we do, we work in partnership with organisations across the UK to deliver energy-efficient lighting and smart control solutions that save money, cut emissions, add social value and create better working environments.

A Real-World Impact: The Vertu Motor Group Project

A recent collaboration with Vertu Motor Group, one of the UK’s leading automotive retailers, illustrates just how powerful the right lighting and smart control solution can be. With over 180 sites across England and Scotland, Vertu was facing the challenge of how to reduce rising energy costs and their carbon footprint, along with updating their lighting infrastructure.

We worked with their team to deliver a full-scale LED lighting upgrade that involved:

• A detailed analysis and redesign of lighting and smart control systems across all sites
• The replacement of over 10,000 outdated fittings with high-efficiency LEDs
• Specific improvements for call centres, spray booths, workshops, and external lighting

The Results

The outcome was significant:

• Over £600,000 saved annually on electricity bills
• A 433-tonne annual reduction in CO₂ emissions
• A 55% drop in electricity usage across upgraded sites
• A noticeable improvement in the day-to-day working environment for their teams

This was more than a lighting upgrade—it was a transformation rooted in efficiency, sustainability, and long-term value.

Supporting Businesses of All Sizes

While the Vertu project was one of our largest to date, the principles behind it apply to businesses of all sizes. Whether you manage a single site or a national network, we can support you with:

• Free site assessments and honest advice
• Custom lighting and smart control designs tailored to your space and goals
• Full supply and installation support
• Long-term savings through energy-efficient product recommendations
• ROI and Social Value Calculations

Why It Matters

The journey to net zero can feel complex but we believe it starts with straightforward, smart changes. Upgrading your lighting and smart controls is one of the most immediate and measurable steps a business can take.

We’re proud to be part of Darlington’s business community and to contribute to the broader goals of DEEP by helping others reduce their environmental impact in ways that are practical, affordable, and effective.

If you’re considering your next steps toward net zero, we’d be happy to talk.
Contact: mike@tepltd.co.uk
Visit: www.tepelectrical.com