Northampton Saints has completed the first phase of an LED lighting refurbishment at its stadium, with Collingwood Lighting, a UK manufacturer of LED lighting products, supplying new fittings for the Barwell Stand as part of the club’s wider net zero strategy.
The project covers spectator seating, corporate hospitality areas, corridors, staff facilities, toilets, and other public spaces.
According to the club, the initial installation is expected to reduce carbon emissions by almost 15 tonnes annually and cut running costs by up to £9,000 per year. Across the entire stadium, projected carbon savings are estimated to reach around 60 tonnes each year.
The refurbishment forms part of Northampton Saints’ stated commitment to the UN Sports for Climate Action Framework, which includes a target to halve emissions by 2030 and achieve net zero by 2040.
Julia Chapman, Chief Executive of Northampton Saints, comments, “This LED lighting refurbishment future-proofs our stadium because it not only costs us less money and uses less energy, but it has a real impact on how our fans enjoy a space.”
Talking about one of the hospitality areas, the Tunnel Club, Julia goes on to say, “The environment that we create makes all the difference to someone’s match day experience, with lighting having such a big impact on the look and feel of an area.”
Collingwood Lighting designed the lighting scheme, supplied the fittings, and estimated the project’s energy and cost savings. The company states the investment has an estimated payback period of 19 months.
Different lighting schemes for hospitality and operational areas
Hospitality spaces, including the Tunnel Club, feature warm 3000K lighting using Thea Pro downlights with DALI controls and LED strip lighting to create a more relaxed environment.
Elsewhere, including corridors, toilets, kitchens, and storage areas, the design uses 4000K lighting intended for more functional spaces, incorporating Thea Pro downlights, Solis LED panels, and Caiman bulkheads.
The installation also includes emergency lighting packs, enabling selected luminaires to operate during mains power failures.
Operations Manager Stuart Jenkins notes, “We are a high-end hospitality venue, so the right lighting design using reliable products is key.
“This refurbishment has saved us energy, running costs, and maintenance, but, most importantly, it improves the match day experience for our fans.”
The lighting project complements other sustainability measures at the club, including the installation of more than 800 solar panels, the use of zero carbon purchased electricity, rainwater harvesting for pitch irrigation, and improved building insulation.
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