Lincolnshire County Council is working with TRT Lighting on a countywide retrofit programme that is cutting street lighting energy use by more than 65%. The project upgrades existing lanterns with new LED technology, delivering major carbon and cost savings while extending the lifespan of assets across one of England’s largest rural counties.
Lincolnshire’s street lighting network plays a vital role in connecting communities and keeping roads safe. As a result, rather than replacing entire lanterns, the Council chose to retrofit existing fittings – a decision that reduces waste, lowers costs, and maximises long-term sustainability.
A bespoke retrofit design
TRT designed and supplied 5,400 bespoke retrofit kits, upgrading lantern models including Arc 80, Iridium, Evolo 2, Sapphire 1 and Sapphire 2. Each retrofit tray was developed and tested at TRT’s LIA-accredited laboratory to ensure compliance with lighting performance, uniformity, and thermal standards.
The retrofit solution allows existing lantern housings to remain in service for a further 10–20 years, significantly reducing embodied carbon and capital expenditure. Installation has also been streamlined, with each retrofit completed in under 10 minutes, minimising disruption to road users and local communities.
Proven results and long-term benefits
To date, the retrofit programme, delivered in collaboration with Balfour Beatty, has already achieved more than 65% reduction in energy consumption compared with a 2016 baseline, through the introduction of LED technology, dimming, and part-night operation. Further measurable benefits include:
• Over 65% reduction in energy use and associated CO₂ emissions
• Circular economy approach by reusing lantern bodies
• Reduced maintenance and extended product lifecycle
• Efficient installation for lower labour costs
• Reliable performance backed by a five-year warranty
Strong partnership, sustainable progress
Nathan Poundall IEng MILP BEng, Principal Engineer – Street Lighting at Lincolnshire County Council, comments, “By reusing existing lantern bodies and introducing advanced LED retrofit technology, we are cutting energy use by over 65% while avoiding unnecessary waste. This project is a clear example of how innovation and partnership can help us reduce carbon emissions, save money, and extend the life of our assets.”
This large-scale retrofit demonstrates how local authorities can modernise public lighting responsibly, combining sustainability and efficiency without the need for full replacement schemes.