How Smart Lighting Systems Can Help Stadium Operators To Reduce Energy Use

As energy prices hit record highs we speak with Anthony Parkinson, Technical Manager at Ansell Lighting, to explore how smart lighting systems can help clubs and stadium operators to reduce energy use...

This year we’ve witnessed the largest ever energy price rises in living memory and with further increases set for the Autumn, the pressure is on to find new ways to cut expenditure on energy bills across the board.

Considering how notoriously energy intensive stadiums are, largely due to their sheer size and capacity, the issue of reducing energy use can seem like an impossible undertaking but in truth, when it comes to lighting, there are many new technologies that can be introduced that will harness impressive savings.

Smart lighting is one such technology. Ideal for use across all stadium areas, it can provide almost instant cost benefits and energy savings. It allows every single detail of lighting to be programmed and automated so that it is used only where and when it is needed.

Providing an exceptional level of control, smart lighting technology allows individual luminaires to be managed to such a fine degree that you can set their independent output levels and colour temperatures. It also allows you to link luminaires together to create different lighting scenes and zones which can be pre-programmed to operate at certain times of day or to deliver specific levels of illumination as required.

Implemented throughout hospitality spaces, offices, stands, seating areas, as well as car parks and the external building, smart lighting can not only achieve huge energy and cost savings, but it can also help to improve other factors such as safety and security, lighting quality and visual comfort levels.

For example, smart lighting systems can be used to create different ambiences throughout the stadium simultaneously. In hospitality areas, they can be used to set a dimmer, more relaxed environment - ideal for eating and drinking, whilst in the stands and seating areas, a brighter, higher intensity of light output can be achieved.

When it comes to internal corridors, store cupboards or even changing rooms, installing intuitive motion sensors as well as presence and absence detection lighting, can also result in major energy savings. They will ensure that areas are only illuminated when occupied and automatically switch lights off during periods of absence.

If health and safety or insurance requirements deem that light is required over longer periods, or perhaps even 24/7, lighting products with corridor functionality offers another highly efficient way of reducing energy consumption. They increase output to 100% only when somebody is actually using the space, reverting to 10% when there’s no presence, automatically adjusting the amount of energy in use.

Externally, smart lighting can be used to control lighting to ensure that the building is effectively lit at night; whether for security reasons and to deter vandals or for safety reasons for those accessing the premises after dark. The technology can be used to set lighting to come on as daylight fades, if used for general illumination this overnight period can be at a dimmed level to prevent any potential light pollution. Dimming back to off at a pre-determined time after sunrise. This control over time of use, output levels and colour temperatures will all ensure optimum energy use and ensure expenditure is kept to a minimum.

On a final note, aside from cost and energy efficiency benefits of smart lighting, but arguably just as important, smart technology can also be used to set lights to those of your club colours - a quick and effortless way to create atmosphere and reflect loyalty.